Why did you decide to breed? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

RoscoesMommy42 · 11-01-2009, 06:33 PM

Ok, I am going to prepare myself to get chewed out, but I am posting this anyway. I am very much against puppymills and irresposible backyard breeders. Where I live though, it seems like that is all you can find! I know many people that got from a local puppymill because they just don't know any better. Others buy from small local breeders that just keep their dogs outside and use them as breeding machines. I have been reading so much on here and other places about breeding. I don't want to add to the population of bad breeders by any means, I would just love to better the breed and give people in my area the opportunity to buy a healthy, quality puppy without driving a huge distance, or having to have their baby shipped. Is that horrible for me to want to do? I know there are so many wonderful breeders on here, and I would just love to hear the reason you started breeding I guess.

bjh · 11-02-2009, 10:29 AM

I got my first yorkie from some friends nearly 13 years ago. Dixie, our first yorkie, was 7 months old when we got her. Our friends had yorkies and we wanted a small dog that could travel with us when we went to trade shows. At the time we were selling antiques and collectibles at trade shows like Canton Trade Days and Winnie Trade Days. I have always been around dogs my whole life and had had several different breeds over the year. I always enjoyed breeding and raising an occasional litter. My first husband and I had raised St. Bernards for several years and we had owner handled one Saint to her championship. Back then it took 19 bitches for a major so we were proud of our accomplishment. When I first got into Yorkies I was really not interested in getting involved in showing again, I just wanted to enjoy our babies. We eventually added a few more yorkies to our household because as everyone knows, you can't just have one yorkie.

They all stole our hearts. Eventually we started breeding, not for the betterment of the breed because I had not even considered that side of it. I just bred pretty healthy, loving pets. I wanted to share the joy that my yorkies gave to me with others. I guess I was lucky there that I did have yorkies that were fairly good representatives of the breed. Of course back then good resources like Yorkie Talk were not available and I did not have a mentor other than the lady I bought my yorkie from and she was just a byb that loved her yorkies. After raising yorkies for about 7 years I met a friend that also raised yorkies and she had a great desire to show so eventually she and I started going to shows and truly learning more and more about this wonderful breed. Because of YT and going to shows I have learned so much and I am still learning. My ultimate goal would be to produce and show my own yorkie to its championship. I know that will take a lot of hard work and money to accomplish.

It is not wrong for you to want to breed yorkies. It can be very rewarding but it can also come with heartaches. If I knew 13 years ago what I know today about yorkies, mentoring and the betterment of the breed I would have done things much differently. I can't turn back the clock but I can give advice to those that want to breed and that is do your homework and get the best representative of the breed you can for your breeding program. If you can't afford to show then at least attend some shows and talk to reputable breeders. Many people say they are breeding for the betterment of the breed but one cannot better the breed by just breeding pet quality yorkies that are full of faults. To breed for the betterment of the breed you have to start with high quality breeding stock.

If you do decide to breed then I wish you the best and I hope you truly will do your research and get started the right way.

Mardelin · 11-02-2009, 10:35 AM

This is probably going to strike you as funny or wierd, but I hate the whelping part. As an exhibitor I only breed when I'm looking for my next Champion to add to my breeding program. I love the exhibiting aspect, but dread the whelping part. The breeding part is very challenging...studying my line, going through pedigrees and studying them in attempts to put the right two dogs together to correct a fault and improve the breed.

Mardelin · 11-02-2009, 10:37 AM

I didn't start out breeding, I began showing first, breeding was not even in my thoughts, but as you exhibit you find that they pretty much go hand in hand. That is if you're breeding for all the right reasons.

This is probably going to strike you as funny or wierd, but I hate the whelping part. As an exhibitor I only breed when I'm looking for my next Champion to add to my breeding program. I love the exhibiting aspect, but dread the whelping part. The breeding part is very challenging...studying my line, going through pedigrees and studying them in attempts to put the right two dogs together to correct a fault and improve the breed.

bjh · 11-02-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I didn't start out breeding, I began showing first, breeding was not even in my thoughts, but as you exhibit you find that they pretty much go hand in hand. That is if you're breeding for all the right reasons.

This is probably going to strike you as funny or wierd, but I hate the whelping part. As an exhibitor I only breed when I'm looking for my next Champion to add to my breeding program. I love the exhibiting aspect, but dread the whelping part. The breeding part is very challenging...studying my line, going through pedigrees and studying them in attempts to put the right two dogs together to correct a fault and improve the breed.

I enjoy the breeding aspect and raising pups but I hate the waiting. I think it was you or Tina that said it sometimes takes breeding three litters before you get one good show prospect. That is so true. And to do that you have to start with very nice show stock.

I love going to dog shows but to be honest, I still am not that good about the grooming end of it, there is so much to learn. Maybe one day I will get it. I heard that the next Roving specialty will be in Las Vegas, it would be so exciting to go to that one.

How are your beautiful pups doing? Are they up and running around now? I know you are in puppy heaven.

Mardelin · 11-02-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjh

I enjoy the breeding aspect and raising pups but I hate the waiting. I think it was you or Tina that said it sometimes takes breeding three litters before you get one good show prospect. That is so true. And to do that you have to start with very nice show stock.

I love going to dog shows but to be honest, I still am not that good about the grooming end of it, there is so much to learn. Maybe one day I will get it. I heard that the next Roving specialty will be in Las Vegas, it would be so exciting to go to that one.

How are your beautiful pups doing? Are they up and running around now? I know you are in puppy heaven.

I do enjoy the planning, studying and preparing for each breeding.....but, I do hate the breeding and whelping. Especially when I see my girl in labor and know that I made that decision to put her there. I guess that's why I only do it minimally may once or twice and at times skipping a year. You're lucky if you get 1 in every 3 to 6 litters......Yeah! there are times you have one that just maybe.....but, just doesn't have it all.

Grooming is something that takes awhile to get.....each dog is different, requiring a whole different set of products and ways of doing things, it's almost like you're sculpting. I love being in the ring, although that took awhile so that everything was 2nd nature. Again, each dog is different, learning how to instinctively make a correction and knowing when the dog is going to need it....and the trick of not anyone know it.

My pups are doing great......yep! running around and creating mischief. This is the part the requires a lot of work and watching which one is going to be the one. My Tahlulah & Charmer Bunch all have the attitude....now its a watch and see which one has it all. My Rosie & Denny Bunch, I'm watching a lil girl.....she appears to have it all but, her size is just not quiet there.

Vegas is being discussed, however, not completely being decided upon.......It would be nice to have it out here in the west, only about 4 or 5 hours drive for me.

bjh · 11-02-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I do enjoy the planning, studying and preparing for each breeding.....but, I do hate the breeding and whelping. Especially when I see my girl in labor and know that I made that decision to put her there. I guess that's why I only do it minimally may once or twice and at times skipping a year. You're lucky if you get 1 in every 3 to 6 litters......Yeah! there are times you have one that just maybe.....but, just doesn't have it all.

Grooming is something that takes awhile to get.....each dog is different, requiring a whole different set of products and ways of doing things, it's almost like you're sculpting. I love being in the ring, although that took awhile so that everything was 2nd nature. Again, each dog is different, learning how to instinctively make a correction and knowing when the dog is going to need it....and the trick of not anyone know it.

My pups are doing great......yep! running around and creating mischief. This is the part the requires a lot of work and watching which one is going to be the one. My Tahlulah & Charmer Bunch all have the attitude....now its a watch and see which one has it all. My Rosie & Denny Bunch, I'm watching a lil girl.....she appears to have it all but, her size is just not quiet there.

Vegas is being discussed, however, not completely being decided upon.......It would be nice to have it out here in the west, only about 4 or 5 hours drive for me.

I really enjoy just going to a show and watching, especially if their are a lot of yorkies entered.

Awww, I was hoping it was already decided on Las Vegas but California would be nice too. I am not sure if I can make make it but I would sure like to try.

Good luck with your pups. I know you will be really busy in the weeks ahead. I do hope you will share some pictures when they get a little older.

Mardelin · 11-02-2009, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjh

I really enjoy just going to a show and watching, especially if their are a lot of yorkies entered.

Awww, I was hoping it was already decided on Las Vegas but California would be nice too. I am not sure if I can make make it but I would sure like to try.

Good luck with your pups. I know you will be really busy in the weeks ahead. I do hope you will share some pictures when they get a little older.

I don't think it will be held in California....that is unless the Regional Clubs would consent to host it......

Now Barb, You know I never feel comfortable in posting pics of my pups........just something I don't do. Don't know why, just call me old fashioned.

bjh · 11-02-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

I don't think it will be held in California....that is unless the Regional Clubs would consent to host it......

Now Barb, You know I never feel comfortable in posting pics of my pups........just something I don't do. Don't know why, just call me old fashioned.

Well, we would love for you to get over your old fashioned ways.

I love it when show breeders post their puppy pictures. It gives other breeders inspiration. One of my favorite threads has been Havoc's thread. I love to watch puppies as they mature. I do understand your hesitance because so often we get our hopes up with a litter or a pup and then they don't meet our expectations. What is really hard is when they all look so nice and you know you can't keep them all. It is hard letting them go and you worry if you are keeping the right one. With your experience I know you will do well with these pups.

Mardelin · 11-02-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjh

Well, we would love for you to get over your old fashioned ways.

I love it when show breeders post their puppy pictures. It gives other breeders inspiration. One of my favorite threads has been Havoc's thread. I love to watch puppies as they mature. I do understand your hesitance because so often we get our hopes up with a litter or a pup and then they don't meet our expectations. What is really hard is when they all look so nice and you know you can't keep them all. It is hard letting them go and you worry if you are keeping the right one. With your experience I know you will do well with these pups.

There are pics of my older champions that have been posted, there is also pics of CJ.....just pup pics I don't. ...... Has nothing to do with whether they are being watched for show or not. Just my practice and I don't every want to appear as if I'm selling pups on YT. Pretty much why I don't have a web site. It's something that was passed down to me from my mentor. Kinda of closed that way. Now once I've picked that one special one, you'll see pics in mags, once it starts winning.

Havoc was different, Kristena knew he was going in the ring....when she got him. He already had it all when she brought him home.

tjdmom · 11-02-2009, 05:07 PM

I have always had a passion for breeding or raising babies. When I was a teenager, I bred hamsters and gerbils. I raised chickens from eggs from the time I was young. I always wanted tons of kids but wasn't able - although I'm blessed with 2 wonderful boys! I have always loved babies! I have absolutely fallen in love with this yorkie breed and certainly would only want to breed for the betterment of the breed but I also love the breeding part. Maybe not so much the actual whelping as it does make me nervous but caring for the babies is such a blessing for me. But I will warn you that it's an expensive hobby if you are going to do things right and you will not make money at this unless you cut corners like the puppymills. That's something I'm not willing to do but as long as I have a passion for this, in my mind, that's my payment and that's enough for me. It is hard to give the babies up....

bjh · 11-02-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

There are pics of my older champions that have been posted, there is also pics of CJ.....just pup pics I don't. ...... Has nothing to do with whether they are being watched for show or not. Just my practice and I don't every want to appear as if I'm selling pups on YT. Pretty much why I don't have a web site. It's something that was passed down to me from my mentor. Kinda of closed that way. Now once I've picked that one special one, you'll see pics in mags, once it starts winning.

Havoc was different, Kristena knew he was going in the ring....when she got him. He already had it all when she brought him home.

I understand, we all have to do what we are most comfortable with. Like me, I don't like posting belly pics of pregnant mommas. I think it is silly and would bring me bad luck. I don't think bad of anyone that posts belly pics but that is just not for me. We all have our little quirks.

Brooklynn · 11-02-2009, 06:30 PM

I'm like Mary, I don't like the whelping part at all. I guess that's why I don't have that many litters. I haven't had a litter in almost 3 years. I like the pups when they are 3 months old LOL...that's pretty much past the critical stage of breeding LOL...I prefer the show ring myself but I know breeding is part of this endeavor. What I would prefer is someone else to do the whelping and give me the pups when they are very mobile LOL!

Donna

Mardelin · 11-02-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklynn

I'm like Mary, I don't like the whelping part at all. I guess that's why I don't have that many litters. I haven't had a litter in almost 3 years. I like the pups when they are 3 months old LOL...that's pretty much past the critical stage of breeding LOL...I prefer the show ring myself but I know breeding is part of this endeavor. What I would prefer is someone else to do the whelping and give me the pups when they are very mobile LOL!

Donna

Hey Donna......I tried to work out a deal with Lee. Where I'd keep all the studs and she'd keep all the bitches....just so I wouldn't have to whelp. Thought it was a good idea, that she'd do all the whelping and then when the pup was ready for training, I'd take it home.......

Brooklynn · 11-02-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Hey Donna......I tried to work out a deal with Lee. Where I'd keep all the studs and she'd keep all the bitches....just so I wouldn't have to whelp. Thought it was a good idea, that she'd do all the whelping and then when the pup was ready for training, I'd take it home.......

My mentor isn't breeding anymore and she'd laugh at me and say no way to that LOL LOL! But hey I do like the idea A LOT! LOL now to find someone like that LOL

11-01-2009, 06:33 PM	#1
RoscoesMommy42 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Morristown, TN Posts: 3,736	Why did you decide to breed? Ok, I am going to prepare myself to get chewed out, but I am posting this anyway. I am very much against puppymills and irresposible backyard breeders. Where I live though, it seems like that is all you can find! I know many people that got from a local puppymill because they just don't know any better. Others buy from small local breeders that just keep their dogs outside and use them as breeding machines. I have been reading so much on here and other places about breeding. I don't want to add to the population of bad breeders by any means, I would just love to better the breed and give people in my area the opportunity to buy a healthy, quality puppy without driving a huge distance, or having to have their baby shipped. Is that horrible for me to want to do? I know there are so many wonderful breeders on here, and I would just love to hear the reason you started breeding I guess. __________________ Hello and hugs from Kristie & the furbabies! A world without yorkies is not a very bright one

11-02-2009, 10:35 AM	#3
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	This is probably going to strike you as funny or wierd, but I hate the whelping part. As an exhibitor I only breed when I'm looking for my next Champion to add to my breeding program. I love the exhibiting aspect, but dread the whelping part. The breeding part is very challenging...studying my line, going through pedigrees and studying them in attempts to put the right two dogs together to correct a fault and improve the breed. __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers*

11-02-2009, 10:37 AM	#4
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	I didn't start out breeding, I began showing first, breeding was not even in my thoughts, but as you exhibit you find that they pretty much go hand in hand. That is if you're breeding for all the right reasons. This is probably going to strike you as funny or wierd, but I hate the whelping part. As an exhibitor I only breed when I'm looking for my next Champion to add to my breeding program. I love the exhibiting aspect, but dread the whelping part. The breeding part is very challenging...studying my line, going through pedigrees and studying them in attempts to put the right two dogs together to correct a fault and improve the breed. __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers*

11-02-2009, 06:30 PM	#13
Brooklynn Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 4,280	I'm like Mary, I don't like the whelping part at all. I guess that's why I don't have that many litters. I haven't had a litter in almost 3 years. I like the pups when they are 3 months old LOL...that's pretty much past the critical stage of breeding LOL...I prefer the show ring myself but I know breeding is part of this endeavor. What I would prefer is someone else to do the whelping and give me the pups when they are very mobile LOL! Donna __________________ Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers www.brooklynnyorkies.com

11-02-2009, 10:29 AM	#2
bjh Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 7,959	I got my first yorkie from some friends nearly 13 years ago. Dixie, our first yorkie, was 7 months old when we got her. Our friends had yorkies and we wanted a small dog that could travel with us when we went to trade shows. At the time we were selling antiques and collectibles at trade shows like Canton Trade Days and Winnie Trade Days. I have always been around dogs my whole life and had had several different breeds over the year. I always enjoyed breeding and raising an occasional litter. My first husband and I had raised St. Bernards for several years and we had owner handled one Saint to her championship. Back then it took 19 bitches for a major so we were proud of our accomplishment. When I first got into Yorkies I was really not interested in getting involved in showing again, I just wanted to enjoy our babies. We eventually added a few more yorkies to our household because as everyone knows, you can't just have one yorkie. They all stole our hearts. Eventually we started breeding, not for the betterment of the breed because I had not even considered that side of it. I just bred pretty healthy, loving pets. I wanted to share the joy that my yorkies gave to me with others. I guess I was lucky there that I did have yorkies that were fairly good representatives of the breed. Of course back then good resources like Yorkie Talk were not available and I did not have a mentor other than the lady I bought my yorkie from and she was just a byb that loved her yorkies. After raising yorkies for about 7 years I met a friend that also raised yorkies and she had a great desire to show so eventually she and I started going to shows and truly learning more and more about this wonderful breed. Because of YT and going to shows I have learned so much and I am still learning. My ultimate goal would be to produce and show my own yorkie to its championship. I know that will take a lot of hard work and money to accomplish. It is not wrong for you to want to breed yorkies. It can be very rewarding but it can also come with heartaches. If I knew 13 years ago what I know today about yorkies, mentoring and the betterment of the breed I would have done things much differently. I can't turn back the clock but I can give advice to those that want to breed and that is do your homework and get the best representative of the breed you can for your breeding program. If you can't afford to show then at least attend some shows and talk to reputable breeders. Many people say they are breeding for the betterment of the breed but one cannot better the breed by just breeding pet quality yorkies that are full of faults. To breed for the betterment of the breed you have to start with high quality breeding stock. If you do decide to breed then I wish you the best and I hope you truly will do your research and get started the right way.

11-02-2009, 05:07 PM	#11
tjdmom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny Posts: 5,847	I have always had a passion for breeding or raising babies. When I was a teenager, I bred hamsters and gerbils. I raised chickens from eggs from the time I was young. I always wanted tons of kids but wasn't able - although I'm blessed with 2 wonderful boys! I have always loved babies! I have absolutely fallen in love with this yorkie breed and certainly would only want to breed for the betterment of the breed but I also love the breeding part. Maybe not so much the actual whelping as it does make me nervous but caring for the babies is such a blessing for me. But I will warn you that it's an expensive hobby if you are going to do things right and you will not make money at this unless you cut corners like the puppymills. That's something I'm not willing to do but as long as I have a passion for this, in my mind, that's my payment and that's enough for me. It is hard to give the babies up....