[gemy]

It seems to me the general public has very low expectations when buying a pure bred dog for a life long companion. A purebreed dog should meet the standard in almost all the ways. That means PETS if bred properly should look like a Yorkie, talk like a Yorkie, walk like a Yorkie,etc. There should only be one to three small things, and maybe one major fault that has kept them out of the ring!.

Purebred show breeders (another term that seems to be maligned here), breed to improve the breed. They have spent many years studying the breed, being mentored, showing, researching pedigrees, and finally selecting the right pairing to mate. They have spent countless hours and many dollars and double that in love to bring a new litter into the world. They have done all the health checks have CHIC'd their dogs and then some, done all the pre breeding tests, and gnawed their nails raw, until a safe delivery. Each pup is lovingly welcomed into the world at the breeder's knees/hands. Then they are monitored 24/7 for the first few weeks of life. Their nails are still raw as the first few weeks of life are a delicate time, for both their beloved bitch and all of the pups. Those pups are the breeders whole world, and sometime about wk 4 or wk 5, they will proudly introduce these pups to a few well respected breeders/fanciers of the breed. They are socialized in a stepped process, and finally the litter "evaluator", someone like me who is a stranger to the litter, gets to evaluate their litter at eight wks. This is a structured evaluation and done individually on each pup. It will include structure/physique, temperament, coat/color. A measured assessment is done a guesstimate on how well this pup will meet the breed standard. I will likely not be the only evaluator either. Each dog is then returned to Mom or play crate, and an individual discussion takes place with the breeder as we go over each evaluation, in detail. This is a process that can take all day.

It will still take more time before I'm ready to release any of my beloved litter for sale. These will be for loving companions and some will be placed (if I'm lucky enough) into performance homes. These are folks who want to work with their dogs-some sort of sport activity or obedience or rally work. But each and every one of the pups will LOOK like a YORKIE, will be of sound health, will have an excellent temperament, and be well socialized with basic obedience skills prior to going to their for-ever home.

A PET is never a second rate dog from a show breeder!. Why would you not expect a very good representation of the breed? Why would you not invest the time and energy needed to find this?

You don't go to shows to find a "show" dog, you go to shows to learn what is a good representation of the breed. To meet some of the breeders. And to see some of their dogs.

As I mentioned before Harrisburg has a big show coming up early in the New Year. Philadelphia Kennel Club I believe, one of the largest indoor benched shows of the year.

Nancy is correct what you are purchasing is not so much a dog, but a relationship with the breeder, that will last the life of your dog,and perhaps your life too.

Now I can't see how an internet forum will be able to insure all breeder members are following these standards.

To breed to a Standard is not a meaningless concept. It is of dire importance to this breed, and to any breed. It is what will keep the YT the beautiful, feisty, athletic terrier it is, hopefully in perpetuity. The YT will not survive as a breed, unless there are those dedicated breeders who continue to strive to produce the best quality pups they can, through every means at their disposal.