I think it's a case of simple economics. The economy has caused a decrease in demand and all of the pet owners that are breeding have increased the supply. When the supply exceeds the demand prices must fall to generate interest. I breed for my next show dog and for show money so with pup prices falling and travel expenses rising I'll just have to breed and show less in the future. My concern is that if Show breeders slow down production and pet owners continue to breed poor quality dogs than the yorkie will end up with even more health issues and no longer end up looking like yorkies. Education is the key when breeding and alot of pet owners don't feel the need for education. They love their pet and assume that all yorkies should be like theirs. Most have no knowledge of their dogs ancestory or the health history of the lines. Protecting the purity of this breed gets harder all of the time. Hopefully tighter finances will discourage pet owners from breeding pet quality dogs and will be good for our breed in the end.
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Tami |