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Originally Posted by FlDebra  That would be wonderful idea! Quicksilver, I have read your posts with interest as you have an open mind and see quality does not necessarily follow the boundaries of a show ring. I could never show. My weekends are too full of ball games that I am not willing to miss. Maybe when my youngest goes off to college things will be different. But I know all too well how quickly they grow up and I am not missing any of my "last one at home's" experiences. I would have to travel to find any shows to speak of as I live in a very small town. So it is not doable for me even if I wanted to dedicate so many hours to showing, preening, and politicking.
I was on a waiting list from a breeder that used to show for quite a while to get a female. After getting to know me, she actually helped me find my male. She went with me to look at pups, we turned some down and then she called saying she had found one that would compliment my girl. She knew I wanted to start breeding in a very small way, using only the male and female that were my pets. She also knew I did not want to show. Thankfully she not only sold me one of her dogs with breeding rights after a time but also gave advice freely. I am glad she did not think people any less for not wanting to show. I am thankful for the time she took to help me get started correctly.
I don't care for the elitist attitude that only a show breeder could possibly be doing it right. I think what started out as a very informative thread could turn people off by this reasoning that only someone who shows could possibly be ethical or have the quality and knowledge necessary to perpetuate the breed. It might make people stop reading that need to learn not to breed that way out of standard yorkie, that tiny female, or uncomplimentary pairs. The reality is that show breeders could never supply all of the pets people want and have the right to enjoy. Why not at least share the knowledge to improve the situation even if it is not your "ideal."
I know a lot of work goes into the show breeder's life. I respect what they do and what they know. But they can't be the only people in the world with "the knowledge." I agree with the poster who said there are many pets that could compete with show dogs. I too, agree with the idea that there has to be a lot of levels between the "show breeder" and the puppymill, and at least a few of those levels are ethical, responsible breeders who are providing wonderful yorkies within standard that could compete in the ring or just bring joy to a family (or both). I will never believe it is an "all of nothing" yorkie world. JMHO. |
I really like your post it brings some perspective to this topic. I would hope that someone that breeds and doesn't show goes into all the genetic health testing, pedigree research and breeds to the best representation to the breed as close as they can. But again, it raises the question how do you know you are breeding the best of the breed standard if one does not go to shows and seek those that are very knowledgeable about the breed, get a show breeders opinion that has been doing this for 25 + years and learn from them, maybe get a judges opinion? If one truly wants this breed to be healthy and stay the beautiful breed that it is I see no problem with trying to learn from the very best even if that means it comes from a show breeder's knowledge and wisdom with "lots" of experience.
We are not the end all in the yorkie world. This is still a very informative thread and can stay that way. I'm totally sorry if anyone thinks I might have an "elist" attitude, I would actually call it passion and a very strong love for the breed. I really feel this thread has been and still is very informative and very educational
I would hope no one would want to turn it another way
We are all not going to agree with everyone on this subject I totally get that but if I help just one person then I feel I've educated someone and turned them onto the passion and love for the breed as I have for it
Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers