[yorkiekist]

Originally Posted by Pinehaven

I can't comment on the Biewer questions since there are a number of Biewer registries with different rules and I don't know if any allow Biewer (parti gene) carriers to show in classes.

Again, standards for many breeds were written years ago prior to the scientific knowledge and DNA testing that we have today. If you review the YTCA's website, it states that:

"One of the reasons for avoiding breeding "off-colored" Yorkies is because it could be a genetic defect that may affect the dog's health. Some health problems can include, but aren't limited to, severe skin problems, allergies, total hair loss and in some cases long-term illness and/or death."

With the exception of the blue born yorkies, we know that the above statement is false. The other off colored yorkies are no more prone to health or illness problems, than the standard yorkies are. So that reason, for not breeding off colors, is a poor reason. This sounds like something people in the early 1900's would have thought because they knew no better; back in those days, that's what they were told, that off colors were genetically damaged, weak and unhealthy.

An ETCHIAL breeder (as you stated) does not breed dogs that are not to the written standard" but unfortunately, many YTCA members have been breeding outside the standard for years and will probably continue to do so in the future. Red leg, black and tan and yorkies with dark golden points have been used and will most likely continue to be used, in breeding programs to enhance the color of their show stock. So why is it ok to breed, raise and sell some off colored yorkies but it's not ok to breed, raise and sell other off colored stock? That's what I don't understand?

I dont quite agree with the health issue about off colored Yorkies either with the exception of the blue born. I am not knowedgable enough on off colored health issues to make an informed opinion on that. The only thing that I can think of would be a compromised immune system and possibly some skin issues, but I have seen alot of that in traditional Yorkies as well.