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Originally Posted by bjh  Mary, thanks for the tip on the topknot. I am still struggling with learning how to do a proper topknot.
I love a nice topline too. I watch the dog show videos a lot and the really good toplines really stick out.
You some of you explain about structural faults. I have seen many yorkies win that do not have the reach and drive. Is the drive due to the amount of stifle angulation? If a puppy at 6 months does not seem to have a lot of drive can they develop more drive as they get older and get more leg under them?
I have been told by a number of show breeders that if a dog has more than two faults they should not be shown. If a dog has ears that are a bit larger than you prefer or a muzzle a little longer than you prefer would you consider that a fault or would you just consider structural faults like topline, ear set, tail set, proper front, rear, etc.
Thanks to all of you for your valuable input. |
We all see yorkies in the ring that "we" as exhibitors feel they shouldn't even be in the ring, let alone winning.....Each judge has there own criteria on their preferances. However, if you see what the good breeders take into the ring, it's pretty much consistent and they win consitently; they're structurily sound and great representations of the breed. Those breeders are showing for the right reason, to get approval of their breeding stock and not just to put a Championship on a dog. In otherwords, they've done their homework and know what it takes to breed a great dog to add to their breeding program.
Topknots are not easy to learn......not only do you have to get the basics down, but you have to consider the dogs head size, earset (tall/short-tight/wide) muzzle, etc.
The rule of thumb is 3. If you find 3 faults the judge will find more.....don't even show it or breed it.....
Ear size or muzzle is a preference, not a fault. Topline and tail set almost go hand and hand. Bad topline, ear set, tail set, bad fronts, and rears, angulation, lay back are structural faults.
Having a good front and rear has much to do with reach and drive. I start watching about 8 weeks of age for attitude, then again at 12 weeks to see which one is really catching my eye. I pretty much know by 5 months whether the pup has good drive and reach, just by watching it run and play. If a pup has everything I like, the final decision is when I take it in the ring at 6 months of age whether or not it really has what I think I'm seeing and what it takes to make it.