[DreamsComeTrue]

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy

Breeding for the Betterment of the Breed to me:

Breeding excellent examples of the breed. Each breed has a standard set by a parent club (many people knowledgeable of the breed). This standard defines the unique qualities that makes each breed its own individual breed - what sets them apart from all other breeds. It defines physical structure, appearance, movement, attitude, etc. In order for a breed to continue, dogs must be bred to this standard. Otherwise, all you get are a bunch of "purebred" dogs that don't resemble the breed they are supposed to be and all breeds would start to look alike. A breed cannot continue to be what it is without following the standard. To breed for the betterment of the breed, a breeder must be breeding excellent examples of the breed - ones that clearly meet the standard.

It also means breeding HEALTHY dogs and striving to only produce HEALTHY puppies. If a breeder truly has the best interest of the dogs in mind, they health screen to the best of their ability and eliminate any problematic dogs from their lines. If a health problem arises, the breeder researches the problem and does what they can to fix it and keep it from happening again. Breeding unhealthy dogs only causes suffering for the dog and heartache for the owner. Striving to breed healthy dogs is a MUST in order to better the breed.

I think it also means loving the dogs and having a strong love and passion for the breed in general. Someone can't go into breeding half-heartedly...they must do it with a purpose and a goal in mind. They must always have the best interest of the dogs at heart - otherwise what is the point?

It's more than breeding pretty dogs over and over again. It's about preserving this breed that we love so much and continueing to have the Yorkshire Terrier as it has always been known. It's about breeding healthy dogs that can lead long, healthy, happy lives. It's about making sure they go to wonderful homes where they are loved and cherished. It's for the love of the dogs...that's what bettering the breed is