| yorkiekist | 08-21-2008 12:53 AM |
[QUOTE=Pinehaven;2193487]I can't comment on the Biewer questions since there are a number of Biewer registries with different rules and I don't know if any allow Biewer (parti gene) carriers to show in classes.
Again, standards for many breeds were written years ago prior to the scientific knowledge and DNA testing that we have today. If you review the YTCA's website, it states that:
"One of the reasons for avoiding breeding "off-colored" Yorkies is because it could be a genetic defect that may affect the dog's health. Some health problems can include, but aren't limited to, severe skin problems, allergies, total hair loss and in some cases long-term illness and/or death."
With the exception of the blue born yorkies, we know that the above statement is false. The other off colored yorkies are no more prone to health or illness problems, than the standard yorkies are. So that reason, for not breeding off colors, is a poor reason. This sounds like something people in the early 1900's would have thought because they knew no better; back in those days, that's what they were told, that off colors were genetically damaged, weak and unhealthy.
An ETCHIAL breeder (as you stated) does not breed dogs that are not to the written standard" but unfortunately, many YTCA members have been breeding outside the standard for years and will probably continue to do so in the future. Red leg, black and tan and yorkies with dark golden points have been used and will most likely continue to be used, in breeding programs to enhance the color of their show stock. So why is it ok to breed, raise and sell some off colored yorkies but it's not ok to breed, raise and sell other off colored stock? That's what I don't understand?[/QUOTe
I cant speak for other breeders breeding programs, but I have never had the need or desire to use a red leg or a black for color improvements. The coat texture is just not there. I do know that these two colors have been used. The last time I saw black dogs frequently being shown or used for breeding was in the 1980's. Dont see many exhibitors showing black anymore except in young dogs that have not turned blue yet. That being said, these two colors are still a terrier with a dark saddle and tan points(legs and head). The breed color pattern stamp (dark saddle, tan points) is still there as it always has been there. If these two colors can improve blue or tan then great! Hopefully you dont loose the silk texture in the process.These colors have always been in the gene pool just as running gold, soft hair or course hair is. I feel that most show breeders will only use these colors if the dog has everything else perfect. If the breeding doesnt create the desired color, or whatever quality you bred for, the pups are placed in pet homes and the breeding is not repeated. Most show breeders I know will only sell un-showable puppies as pets only and not for breeding. So, the breedings are only being done for improvements and are not perpetuating off colors or off color patterns. Partis, on the other hand, do not have the correct color or the correct color pattern by a long shot. They are so far off standard that it would be the same as if I were to purposely breed a Yorkie with a top-line like a Bedlington Terrier.(FYI, thats an analogy) | 