Good luck on your search for a new show prospect.
Some show breeders do genetic testing and some don't. All reputable show breeders will have a genetic health guarantee. They should also be honest with you about any genetic defects they have encountered in their lines.
A quality show prospect should cost from $2500 to $3000. It would be best to select a puppy that is at least 6 months to 1 year old. A reputable show breeder will want you to sign a show contract and if you are unable to show the dog yourself then you would be required to hire a handler. If the dog did not turn out to be show quality then the breeder would replace the puppy. Showing can get very costly. By selecting a older puppy you will be able to be more sure of size, coat and color. It is possible to get puppy from champion lines at 12 to 16 weeks that might have show potential but there would be no guarantee if the puppy would be show quality and there would be no show contract. If the puppy did not turn out to be show quality then you would just be out of luck.
My best advise to you is to start going to shows, get to know some of the show people. You have to decide what type of yorkie you want. There are many good lines out there but they each have a different 'look'. Most show breeders will not sell their very best to a novice person. You have to win their trust.
There is no perfect dog. Most of the show dogs have 1 or 2 faults. I think the rule is that if they have 3 or more faults then they should not be shown. Some faults are much worse than others. I can't stand seeing a dog with a roach back or a bad rear, those faults alone should rule them out for show in my opinion. Other faults like a slightly off bite, slightly longer muzzle, slightly off tail set or ear set, slightly longer in body or shorter legs or too light of coat can be over looked if everything else is good.
There are many honest and knowledgeable show people out there that can help you. I wish you the best in your search. |