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Originally Posted by topknot  I have to agree that a straight topline and good movement is a must for me. No matter how long and gorgeous a coat is - for me you better have a good foundation (bone structure). I had a dog one time in the old days that really taught me about a strong topline. He was of Mayfair line. Wow, really nice! I always remember that picture they told us back then - to image your dog being able to balance a cup and saucer on the top of his back while moving. I could really image him (Foxfire) doing this. He probably could have done this. Since then - I have to have good toplines. In movement - I like them having a nice reach. I will take videos and watch them move to see if they have this or not.
I have seen down noses and do not like them at all. It just looks odd to me.
LOL - many years ago when yorkies showed - we did not poof their topknot out, like they do today. I actually hate it - so hard to get right on a moving head. Mine take so long to learn to hold their head still. Now with the poof topknot - it can really change the look of the head. I am getting better with the topknots now, but I still cannot poof much. 
JMO - I wish we would go back to just a pulled up topknot. You would be able to see the real head then. |
My Charmer has that topline.....there is nothing I could do to him in the ring, his topline never faultered. Moves like he's on skates. I remember someone asking me to not work him in the ring so, their bitch could go BOW, since the Major was in dogs.....I really tried, it didn't work....the dog didn't know how to make hisself look ugly.
About the poof; Marie Cardona's gave us a lesson at Bluebonnet a couple of years ago.....take less hair, taking less hair gives you the better poof.....in other words just make a smaller semi circle. Don't tease in two sections. Once you've determined where your parts are, tease tightly so the part won't be lost. Start at the base of the nose and take small sections at a time and tease.....once you've teased every inch of hair, tease the outter sides more, then spray, use a very soft bristled brush and lightly smooth all around. Band it, about 1/2 inch from the scalp, take a small bit of hair from the back and pull, that will set your poof. Then take a bit of hair from the center, that will give you more poof. Then I take a rattail comb and dip it into the gel and gently insert it inside the poof to harden it. Then take each side of the pony tail and pull to anchor the whole thing, so that your topknot won't bob when the dog is gaiting.....from that point you can use the method you like most, parting the hair directly behind the poof and putting it to each side of the head then pony tailing the back and banding it to the front pony tail before you do your turn over......or had your bow