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Originally Posted by jencar98  Hmmm....6 litters to produce one champion, based on the average yorkie litter of 4 per litter that is 24 dogs to get one champion? Is it really worth bringing 24 lives into this world, just to achieve a goal of one champion yorkie. Are there not already enough yorkies out there of good quality stock to ensure the breed continues? I'm just beginning to think byb's, puppymills and hobby breeders are not the only breeders that need to rethink the entire puppy breeding business. Maybe, just maybe, there are too many show breeders also? |
You must remember that just because you have two champions it doesn't mean that you will produce another excellent example of the breed, and most good breeders don't do repeat breeding on a sire and damn. You probably will produce some good or even great examples, but probably not another champ, and the reason you want champions is because they are deemed worthy of breeding. They are not better than other dogs per say, but dogs who haven't been given the "seal of approval" many believe should not even be bred. No dog is perfect, but by putting certain qualities together you can create as close to perfection/standard as humanly possible, and of course, I believe health should always be the number one consideration.
The Yorkshire terrier is one of the most challenging breeds to breed, it's really much more complicated to perfect than other breeds, and it's not really for the average breeder. I think a lot of perfectionists who love a challenge are attracted to this breed. Furthermore, some good breeders won't take every dog into the ring that could possibly become a champ; they only take dogs that can improve their line. These 24 puppies you are talking about make wonderful beautiful pets, and good breeders sell on limited registration, as they don't sell breeding rights to pet owners. A breeding dog is never sold without thoroughly knowing someone and mentoring them for years, it's much more than just being "friends" with someone, and a good breeder will insist that the dog must be championed before he can be bred, again this is so unbiased people can access the dog, is the dog truly a great example that should be bred? Many old time breeders understand that it's very possible to get "kennel eyes" and see your dogs through too much love.
Years ago, it probably wasn't that important if only the best of the best were bred, but we do have too many pets available, and unfortunately, good breeders are cutting back their programs, and most won't breed until they have a place for the offspring. I agree with you though, every breeder should always be evaluating their breeding program, and every breeder should always be willing to take back a dog and find it a good home. Like the HSUS spokesman says, "We don't get dogs from good breeders". I've been told time after time that YTCA breeders could never produce all the puppies we need, and that's true, but its also sad, when good breeders stop breeding because they are not enough suitable pet homes available.