[Mom2BabyNatalie]

Originally Posted by Marc

Does that not strike you as odd? Does the drastic difference not instantly make you wonder if the lower you go on this board (top being the training and such..bottom being the breeders section) that attitudes change when it comes to "new owners" posting?

I don't find it the least bit "odd".... many of the folks posting "upstairs" as you refer to it, or rather, in other categories - are common Yorkie owners, learning as the rest of us - mostly by experience with our own dogs... the BREEDERS section, is compiled mainly of ... guess what? Yep... BREEDERS... many of whom have had 15, 20.. 30 YEARS or more of experience in the REASONS behind the different coat textures, conditions, growth... they know the genetics - have done the research... and can see the "potential" or lack thereof, of a pup - with nothing more than a quick glimpse..... where most folks just "guesstimate" by comparison of "my sister Betty's Yorkie" or "the dog I saw at the park" or "the three York's I have are...", etc.

Not to mention... lots of the members here are wonderfully encouraging... they offer beautiful compliments and tons of reassurance in every instance.... but when you're talking about breeding... continuing Yorkie lines, good or bad - I feel like it's the OBLIGATION of EXPERIENCED BREEDERS to "tell you like it is"... good, bad or indifferent.... they're not JUDGING you, they're simply allowing you the REALITY of what it means to "breed to standard".... it's what they strive for....

Why would you want anything less from those you claim to want to learn from?

That's not to say that ALL of the breeders here know EVERYTHING about ANY Yorkie related "condition"... but they certainly make it their business to make themselves as aware as they are able.... and are here to share their knowledge and experience with the rest of us....

Look at it from their experience levels for a moment... and take what they have to offer with how important the subject is to you... then, follow up with your own research - the direction of a good veterinarian, and make the well informed decision that best suits your needs and that of your girl....

Personally, I think your baby is adorable.... but ALL York babies are.... I don't "have what it takes" to offer you an evaluation, but I would certainly take the opinions of those here for what they are - and follow their lead with regard to different recommendations (whether they be regarding coat - or any other topic you care to initiate).....

As far as I'm concerned... the only opinions higher in "level of respect" than those of a well seasoned, ethical show breeder, would be those of your highly skilled veterinarian....