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Structure and Layback Question I hear about good structure from the breeders in all the posts. Level toplines, good front and rears, layback, reach & drive, shoulder angles, tail set, ear size and placement, flat skull and muzzle. The standard mentions these but there is no illustration of underlying skeletal structure that I have found that contributes to these qualities. While I feel I am developing an "eye" for some things I have a hard time with shoulder and layback - how do you recognize it - what are the tell tale signs of good and not so good. Is there any illustrated book that explains this in detail? Thank you! |
YTCA has an illustrated standard. Go to YTCA.org. Also, In one of the recent issues of YT Magazine there is an article by Jay Amon(no deseased) Montclair Yorkshire Terriers, explaining structure. The article has illustrations on yorkie structure. While reading helps, there is no better way to learn than to immerse yourself in the breed. Find a reputable mentor, one that exhibits and breeds......Attend shows, take breeding and genetic classes. While those of us can attempt to explain this stuff to you.....you need to see it up close and personal. Developing an eye for a good yorkie doesn't happen overnight.....not in days, weeks or even months..... |
Thank you. I have a good mentor/ breeder who has been breeding/showing/judging for 40+ years. I have been going to shows and watching her dogs as well as other breeders for over a year. I don't expect to learn everything from books, of course, but I have seen some books on structure, movement etc. - like Doogy Steps and wonder if there are any that the breeders in this forum feel are invaluable to them. I want to start building a resource for myself and want to hear what others have to say in addition to my mentor. I am expecting a show puppy and of course, I don't see breeding as something I will venture on my own for years to come - just trying to learn to evaluate traits of the various lines out there. I guess I am hooked LOL, - I watch hours of dog show videos on line and ones I have purchased. I look for the nuances that make one dog stand out over another. As for YT magazine, I did read that one, thank you. |
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What I hate about dog show videos, is they never spend enough time on the yorkies...... |
The ABC's of Dog Breeding by Claudia Waller Orlandi is an excellent resource. It illustrates and discusses structural issues as well as genetics, temperment and breeding systems. It really is a must have. |
There is a DVD called PUPPY PUZZLE that I found to be a helpful source. AKC judge Pat Hastings explains her approach to evaluating the structural quality of puppies. It's not breed specific, but I enjoyed it and learned from it. (check your library ;)) |
Thank you to the responders so far. I appreciate your advice and time. :) |
When I read "layback" I was thinking of the figure skating spin. :D LOL. What is a layback in dog breeding terms? |
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Learning I agree that attending dog shows is a wonderful way to learn. My parents had the top Dane in the nation when I was young and I spent my entire childhood on the dog show floor:) (my sister and I had a wonderful time I might add) I am sure some will appreciate this story : as a teen while attending a 4-H pig show for my friend they had a fun "judging contest". I participated and believe it or not "WON!". My friend could not believe it, as I knew nothing about any swine breed. I told her I simply judged it like they did at dog shows. Everyone seemed to think it was so very funny. We all had a good laugh. I of course was very proud (as was my family) :DBut good structure is good structure, and a great topline is a great topline. No matter the breed (or species as it may be.) hee hee:D |
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