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Originally Posted by gemy  Just to throw something else into the mix. There is more to the selection than just show or pet quality dogs. In my case I wanted an agility dog - that was most important to me - I also wanted great temperament and of course all the health checks. As it happened the breeder I knew well and trusted and watched her dogs for over 3years had a puppy which she thought would be good for agility - but he also was a good candidate for a show dog.
So here not just pedigree or show titles but working titles were important to me. There is some research that indicates working qualities are also passed on to the pups - and in the case of 2 out of our 3 dogs that has been my experience.
So if you are looking to compete with your dog in any of the dog sports - it is also a good idea to check into those titles and to go to those competitions and watch the dogs work.
Now I know that this isn't as popular with the Yorkie breed - working titles that is to say - but for me I would pay as much for an excellent working dog as I would for show.
to have a great working dog you have to have temperament, excellent conformation, and the "drive". If you don't have one of these, then you won't get a great working dog. Conformation is quite simply structure, with poor structure your dog will be a greater risk for injury - or might be incapable of performing the tasks asked of them.
Depending on the lines - pedigrees and working quality of the dog - expect to pay $2k and up. |
Gemy I will disagree with you on conformation only being structure. The reason for conformation is to gain approval of your breeding stock. As breeder/exhibitors....we breed for Health, Structure, Temperament and drive. If any of those are missing you don't have a good speciman of the breed......