[luvlee]

Hi, I'm picking up my new girl on Friday from the breeder. I've done a lot of research before getting her and I'm continuing to research the breed.

What I've gleaned foremost from this daunting experience is that there is great - no, GREAT - concern about the "breed standard" lately. The yorkie is so popular that it's just being over bred some. The several breeders I talked to before selecting my pup seemed overtly disgusted about the breeding practices of late.

They're concerned about preserving the breed for the future and I seemed to detect real worry on their parts that it's becoming a more and more difficult standard to maintain. That's why many of the best breeders only provide a limited AKC registration - some won't even provide those papers until after the pet is spayed/neutered. Also, they seem very concerned and protective about the lines they developed. It's for the betterment of the breed obviously - but just maybe they covet their lines for competition (?? I don't know the real answer to this point - it's just a suggestion.)

There's no excuse for that woman to make ANY comment about anyone's pup. All I can say is that maybe she was a breeder who has taken her passion for the breed over the top. I don't believe that the quality breeders I have spoken with would make any comment like that - but they might be thinking it.

Just my 'newbie' thoughts. Sophie is beautiful by the way.

Have a great day. Tracey