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Originally Posted by Woogie Man  It's nice to hear that the Terrier is alive and well in the Yorkshire. I posted the 2 standards to get opinions on which one better defines a Yorkshire Terrier. Even though we may not have a problem with the dogs now (some may disagree), the standard is the guidepost for what will be produced in the future.
What I see is the vagueness of the American standard can lead to too much interpretation by breeders and judges. I don't want to see the future of our breed being driven by this as it could lead to 'just another pretty dog' and the Yorkshire is so much more than that.
While the Yorkie is shown in the toy class, its terrier roots should be maintained. There are some clubs of working breeds that have bemoaned what has happened to their breed after its getting into the AKC conformation ring. Some breeds have been replaced in the field due to their natural instincts and abilities being bred out of them in favor of looks. I think one of the best protections against this is a clear, well defined standard that addresses all critical points of the dog.
If appearance is placed above function, somewhere along the way something will be sacrificed. If form becomes the main criteria, then it's an open question what the dog's function will be. You may have a gorgeous dog, but what can it do? The Yorkie is a 'fancy' terrier, but just how fancy can it be and still be a Terrier?
I suppose I'm more concerned about what is to come rather than what is today. We are all supposed to be stewards of the breed and I wonder if having a vague standard is offering the best stewardship we can to this wonderful breed. |
Well I can tell what a judge from cdja said/asked of me when I was preparing a judging seminar for our breed. He wanted as much definitive detail as possible. Ratios and measurements, temperament defined in greater than two lines, coat clarification along with grooming. He felt the more detailed the standard, the better quality judging you would get, and breeding.
For example head in our breed is very important. Our head is to make a statement. It is to be a large head; anywhere from 40-44% of height at withers. the muzzle should present a flat line running parallel to the flat crown on a ratio 4 to 5. The muzzle is meaty, with no jowls or flews, the bite is scissor. We have dQ's for missing teeth and a bite anything other than scissor. The head is broad. The furnishings are full, fully covering the eyes, the beard may extend down to the center of the chest. The head from the side should give the appearance of a brick. Head is carried at about a 45 degree angle from the back at a full trot. Head carriage is lowered when pulling; ie draft work. The nose is large and black. Any other color of nose is a major fault. Teeth are large, intact, white.
All these attributes describe the fully mature dog (3 years old), in some slow maturing lines, and at least 2-2 1/2 yrs old in other lines.
As a side note: did you happen to look at some of the Yorkie pics they had up on the KC site? One in particular; the face/muzzle looked very different to my eye. the stop for sure. I think it was second pic on the right.
What did you think about those dogs? I know it is hard to tell from those pics.