[lisaly]

Originally Posted by Elle

There is only one standard. We only have one, no variations.

Before I came to Yorkie Talk last summer, I had never heard of Biewers or Partis. When I spoke of variation within the breed, I spoke of what we call the standard Yorkie. I truly believe the standard is beautiful, but before I came to Yorkie Talk, I personally didn't see that many dogs that looked like the standard when I saw Yorkies outside of the show ring. I am a huge dog lover, and I really love almost all breeds of dogs. I think all Yorkies are beautiful, but probably because of the popularity of the breed, there is such variation in size, coat (and I'm not referring to parti-color) ear set and size, and other things relating to looks. That's what I was referring to when I was talking about variation. That doesn't make these dogs lesser in my eyes, but I said earlier that I have a certain look that I prefer when I see a Yorkie. My three girls' father had a short muzzle but he and his parents and grandparents had attained championship. I love that look, and I am seeing more dogs in the show ring that are having shorter muzzles. I also said earlier that, even though I love the silk coats and the shorter muzzle, when I do get another baby, I am going to be getting one from a breeder who I trust that breeds for health and temperament as the first priority instead of it being the looks that I love. I envision a look that I prefer for a Yorkie, but I know I will love a baby no matter what he/she looks like or how big he/she grows. I prefer my baby to be within the standard size, but I would love him/her no less if he/she grew larger than the standard.

I understand how you feel about protecting the standard and breeding to the standard. I'm not trying to change your mind about that, and I certainly don't have the need to do that. There are some people here who love the tricolored Yorkie that are not trying to change the standard I don't think. As I said earlier, I don't think they want to show the Partis or Biewers alongside the standard Yorkie. I really am very conflicted about all of this because I, too, don't want to see the standard change. I guess I don't think they are trying to do that. I don't think breeding Partis or Biewers is the same thing as breeding designer dogs because these dogs are all Yorkies. I actually love some of the designer breeds, but I am against breeding for them because they are not about breeding for the betterment of the breed. That's what I'd like to see from all breeders.

As far as what you said about these people not being honorable, I take great exception to that. I think you need to look at each individual before you can make a blanket statement like that.

All of this is so new to me, and I know I am going to have to do a lot of thought and research before I fully understand all of this and any ramifications. I do know that whatever conclusion I come to in my own mind, it's not really going to matter. That will be my opinion, and if the breeders who love a tri-colored Yorkie and are doing it to bring about sound, healthy dogs and looking to improve upon their breeding, I certainly won't condemn them or call them dishonorable. I'm not a breeder and have no intentions of breeding my babies. I know I will be getting a puppy as soon as I can, and I hope it will be as close to the traditional breed standard (color too) as possible. I also know that my husband and I want to raise two babies together. If I find a breeder whom I trust and respect and they have a tricolor Yorkie, we are considering that too because we also think they are beautiful..