I would like to hear everyone's opinion on two things, the first is muzzle length. This is what the Yorkshire Terrier standard says:
Quote:
Head
Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.
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It says muzzle not too long. Well, what is too long? Is this just a matter of preference? Do those of you that show feel that judges place much emphasis on this? Also, I see some yorkies that appear to be down faced, some more than others. Where in the standard does it explain how the muzzle should be placed on the face or is this another thing that is left up to interpretation? I really think the yorkies that are not down faced have a much prettier expression.
I have attached a picture of a champion bitch that I took at a yorkie specialty show a few years ago. I love the expression on her face and I think muzzle placement has a lot to do with that. Do those of you that show think her muzzle is the correct length or should it be shorter or is it a matter of preference?
My second question is about size. I know, here we go again.
I know the standard calls for not over 7 lbs but I know from my observation in going to shows that there are some beautiful yorkies being shown and finished that are over 7 lbs. I have also observed that a lot of the yorkies being shown are on the thin side. I know that some breeder keep them intentionally thin so they will not go over 7 lbs. Once they are finished and allowed to get a little meat on their bones they go over 7 lbs. I do know that showing can be stressful on some dogs and some of them really loose weight on the road. Does it hurt a dog in the show ring if they are too thin? Do you that show feel that if a dog is a good representative of the breed but a little over 7 lbs that it is okay to still show them? Where do you draw the line? I consider over 7 lbs a fault like a bad top line but if I had a choice between a dog with a bad top line or a dog slightly over standard size I would take the over sized dog. I have attached a picture of champion male that to me is too thin but I still do not have the experience to say if he is or is not. I would just like some enlightenment on the subject.
Also, those of you that show, do you free feed your dogs or just give them a specific amount of food to keep them from getting to fat?