Hi Orinskye, yes I do know that the breed used to be much larger and all about how it came into being. It is a newer breed after all and has quite the heritage. I'm not sure why the AKC/CKC and all the other major kennel clubs have set the breed at less than 7 pounds, but they have. However from what I know they all have the best interests of the breed in mind and health is a concern to them. You may think the standard is ridiculous and that is your right no questions asked. I would love to get a show breeders opinion here as would others.
My experience is with SLH Dachshunds and PBGV's both breeds I love and I miss my Tommy who is a dachsie who will allways live in my heart
. He won puppy in his class first show and went on to get his CDN, USA and Bermuda championship in no time. I knew a breeder early on with PBGV's before it was recognized in North America and trust me they are serious about their breed and I can only imagine the Yorkie is no different.
Maybe it just comes down to how you feel about the whole dog show thing? The teacup yorkie is what is maybe bad for the breed and too many breeders are perhaps trying for it. But a 4-7 pound Yorkie should be just fine. Some go under or over? no worries.
Like I said you can love a 2 pound Yorkie just as much as a 12 pound Yorkie and you should
. I just feel that breeders should adhere to their Countries standard.
Here is something from the breeder Sheila comes from. I believe they say it better than I can. All they say is true and a good breeder does really care.
We breed on a limited basis and our Yorkies are pets first and show dogs second. Quality is much more important to us than quantity. We breed for soundness and temperment. This is our trademark and we are very proud that most people can pick out a Rusticpride Yorkie from the others.
It is our belief that nothing can replace the handling and socialization that the breeder provides before you buy a puppy. It is our practice, as soon as puppies are up on their feet and can move around to let them have free run of the house. In this way they experience all the noise of everyday living (vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, mops, brooms, etc). We also get down on the floor with them several times a day and handle them, make noises and let them crawl on us. We have converted a spare bedroom into a puppy room that we use for the puppies for night time sleeping or while we are away from the home. It is bright, airy, and they have lots of toys to occupy their little minds and their exploring nature. Our puppies and adult Yorkies play together. This helps to develop their social skills.
If the weather is warm enough they even get outdoor time on the grass. All shots are given when due. Since our puppies are well socialized, crave human contact, and know what good care is (timely feedings, water available at all times, immediate vet care and pain medication), we are extremely critical of the homes in which they are placed. High priorities are placed on "part of family" living environment and a safe fenced play area. All pets are sold on non-breeding and spay/neuter contracts. After the placement of the puppy we are in the habit of periodic follow-ups with the new owner. This is done to answer any questions and ease our own mind that the dog is adjusting well to its new home. Rusticpride puppies come with a health guarantee.
All these things are what differentiate a quality breeder puppy from the pet store and backyard (for money) variety. We have worked hard for many years to build and achieve a reputation as a breeder of choice for quality, healthy, well socialized Yorkie puppies. Our experience has been that buyers who rush into the purchase of a puppy with wild abandon, on the whim of the moment, are often disappointed. Worst yet, these are the types of situations that are often disastrous for the puppy. We are looking for patient, educated buyers who understand that buying a dog is a lifetime commitment. Dogs are living creatures capable of feeling and an almost unlimited capacity for love. Our puppies have been raised to crave such an environment. We owe them nothing less than the assurance that this is the kind of life they will have.