[DazzlinYT]

You are definately going about things the right way, and my biggest piece of advise to you is DO NOT SETTLE. The most important thing you can do right now is learn. Learn everything you can about the breed. Attend shows and see what YOU like. There are many different "types" of dogs being exhibited, and it varies a lot according to what region of the country you are in. Determine what YOU like, and this doesn't happen over night. The Yorkie I thought I wanted 3 years ago is absolutely not the direction I am going in today. When you see dogs that you like being exhibited, make notations in your catalog, then go home and research those pedigrees. It won't be long before you see a common thread in the lines you are most drawn to. Do not be thrown off by a pretty head and coat. Those are all well and good, but don't mean a hill of beans if the dog has a terrible structure under it. LEARN STRUCTURE! I can say that a million times. TRUELY learn what is under those coats, how it all is supposed to fit together, and reflect in that dog's movement and over all balance. There are lots of books you can get to help you learn, Form Function and FAncy, Dog Steps are two I reccomend. Do not assume because someone has been breeding/exhibiting for a long time that they must know what they are doing.. I have seen tons of dogs from long time breeders that leave me thinking "what have they been doing for 20 years???" find a breeder who shares your "vision" for the correct "perfect" yorkshire terrier. Do not be afraid of co-ownerships. Most reputible breeders are not going to let their show dogs go with full ownership and rights, and if they do, wonder why...especially on a female. The most important thing you can do right now is learn everything you can, and make yourself known. I spent 2 years dragging around dogs that were nice pet quality at best, until I think people finally just felt sorry for me, LOL It took over 2 years to get my first REAL SHOW DOG...and it was not a female. I am glad for that, because it gave me time to really learn what the heck I was doing, and not just acquire another dog that wasn't what I wanted or was a reflection of my vision. Best of luck to you.