[bjh]

The Yorkshire Terrier was first introduced as a 'ratter' or hunting dog. Through selective breeding it evolved into a better looking companion dog and then through more selective breeding the Yorkie was developed into a 'glamor' dog. There have always been not so glamorous Yorkies around. Just look back at some of the old Yorkie books and you will see how the Yorkie has evolved. It is the show breeders that have worked hard to make the Yorkie the glamorous breed it is today. Those that were not into showing continued to just breed companion dogs that were not as glamorous and that is why there are so many different looks. Take the Beagle for example, they were originally breed for hunting and then some breeders decided to make them pretty, more balance, softer face, etc. Since I bred Beagles at one time I can tell immediately looking at a Beagle if it is from show stock or hunting stock. Just because a hunting stock Beagle is not as pretty as a show quality Beagle, it still has its purpose. The key to the betterment of the breed, whether it is to breed companion dogs or show dogs, is to breed healthy and sound dogs that conform as closely as possible to the YTCA standard. The Yorkie attitude and soundness that was originally bred into these little dogs is being bred out. To me, first and foremost, for the betterment of the breed we should all be breeding sound healthy dogs with proper attitude. We should try to breed within the standard and if we all do that then we will be breeding for the betterment of the breed.