the difference between a show dog and a pet

[nanahas3]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

IMO, this is the best explanation of the difference between show and pet quality from a respected Maltese breeder.

Maltese Show Dog Versus Maltese Pet.....What is the difference?

Excellent post.

[rebeccag]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Your post "shows" me how little you know about breeding, and showing. What do you think the purpose of showing is anyway, to pump up someone's ego? People show to get confirmation from the "experts" whether their dog is a good representative of the breed, and if it is, it's good to breed it - because chances are, it will make wonderful beautiful offspring that will make great pets! Buyers should demand two things when choosing a pet, a dog that is genetically healthy, and one that looks like the breed. I personally think that Yorkie "attitude" that works in the show ring is great for a pet too! I realize the popularity of purse puppies is on the rise, so teacup breeders won't be going out of business anytime soon, but there are still many of use who are bothered by breeders who are pushing for tinier and tinier dogs. You can only breed down so much, without risking the overall health of a species.

The qualities necessary for a show dog are sought after for a pet, or at least should be! Seems like your post is trying to imply that people who want a pet, shouldn't buy from show breeders. I realize that not every good breeder can show, but it should never be implied that show breeder's dogs don't make wonderful pets, and I'm a little tired of people acting like a 6 pound dog is a moose. So my advice is that even if you aren't planning to show or breed and want a pet only, go to an ethical breeder, one who really knows the breed, and the problems associated with it, and is fully aware of the problems associated with tinies! Beware of one-trait breeders! For more information on the differences between responsible breeders and backyard breeders see: Responsible Breeders and Backyard Breeders - What's the difference?

I too believe that even if getting a Yorkie for a pet you should have good quality....why put them in seperate categories? Shouldn't all Yorkies be bred with the best possible intent, showing or not....

[kezza]

Originally Posted by yorkiepuppie

there is no limit on the smaller end. but i think it mentioned that 4lbs is the preferred limit on the small end.

i didn't know about the size that they could be shown either, then nancy told me that usually the whole purpose of showing your dog is to breed them, so if you are breeding them, studier is better.

and i also read someone else said that the judge won't really pay any attention to you if you bring in a dog smaller than 3 lbs. (maybe even 4lbs?)

very interesting.

My Pixie's breeder here in the UK told me the same..she said the Judges don't like them too small...she sold Pixie to me for that reason (3lbs) shes show quality but just on the small side.

[yorkiepuppie]

Originally Posted by kezza

My Pixie's breeder here in the UK told me the same..she said the Judges don't like them too small...she sold Pixie to me for that reason (3lbs) shes show quality but just on the small side.

milu is 3 lbs as well. so when i found out that there is no lower limit to a 'standard' yorkie, i was like "YES! i am going to show milu, she is perfect and she is going to WIN!" LOL.

and then nancy told me, "are you stupid or something, the purpose of showing a dog is if you are breeding the dog"

ok, she didn't say the 'are you stupid or something' part because she is too nice to say that but i was kind of stupid.

[cheryl19]

Originally Posted by yorkiepuppie

there is no limit on the smaller end. but i think it mentioned that 4lbs is the preferred limit on the small end.

i didn't know about the size that they could be shown either, then nancy told me that usually the whole purpose of showing your dog is to breed them, so if you are breeding them, studier is better.

and i also read someone else said that the judge won't really pay any attention to you if you bring in a dog smaller than 3 lbs. (maybe even 4lbs?)

very interesting.

Yes very interesting, I wish more people would care about the health then the size. But that will not be happing any time soon.
Thanks for the info!!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

IMO, this is the best explanation of the difference between show and pet quality from a respected Maltese breeder.

Maltese Show Dog Versus Maltese Pet.....What is the difference?

That's a great link, I hope people read it!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by yorkiepuppie

milu is 3 lbs as well. so when i found out that there is no lower limit to a 'standard' yorkie, i was like "YES! i am going to show milu, she is perfect and she is going to WIN!" LOL.

and then nancy told me, "are you stupid or something, the purpose of showing a dog is if you are breeding the dog"

ok, she didn't say the 'are you stupid or something' part because she is too nice to say that but i was kind of stupid.

Lol, I'm glad you cleared that up, really I would never call someone stupid for not knowing this, and I only learned of this a year or so ago. I hope I never make anyone feel stupid either, I just try to share the things, I have learned and believe to be true.

I don't want to slam any breeders either, but I think I should respond the same way whether or not the breeder is a long time member of YorkieTalk. While I don't seek controversy, I hope I don't shy too much away from it either. I should add that I don't see anything wrong with owning a tiny, good breeders have them too, but the difference is that they don't purposely breed for them.

[yorkiepuppie]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Lol, I'm glad you cleared that up, really I would never call someone stupid for not knowing this, and I only learned of this a year or so ago. I hope I never make anyone feel stupid either, I just try to share the things, I have learned and believe to be true.

I don't want to slam any breeders either, but I think I should respond the same way whether or not the breeder is a long time member of YorkieTalk. While I don't seek controversy, I hope I don't shy too much away from it either. I should add that I don't see anything wrong with owning a tiny, good breeders have them too, but the difference is that they don't purposely breed for them.

it doesn't bother me when people breed small dogs, as long as they know what they are doing. i agree that there are probably more risks involved. and i would think it's a very bad idea if someone who has no experience/education tried to breed tiny dogs. but then again, i don't really think those type of people really should breed ANY dogs.

don't you agree that there is a demand for tiny dogs?

the only that does bother me is people who are misinformed, and they make comments about size of yorkies. (some people will tell people that their dogs not a yorkie because it's "too big" when the dog is a standard yorkie)

but then again, people uneducated about stuff and making broad generalizations are always annoying no matter what topic really.

but i do think that there is a lot of misunderstanding in the general public about yorkie's size.

[mscat]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

That's a great link, I hope people read it!

That is an excellent article! I had no idea that the Maltese and Yorkie were at the same weight standards , and how easy it is to compare these totally different breeds from each other.

[rebeccag]

Originally Posted by cheryl19

I have a question. I know the top weight is 7lbs, but is their a number for how small a yorkie can be to show?
I guess I like a little bigger. I'm afraid the smaller they get the more problems that will become of it.

The standard is 3-7lbs according to AKC.

[Sugar's Mom]

Originally Posted by rebeccag

The standard is 3-7lbs according to AKC.

not so. AKC gives no bottom weight. go to American Kennel Club - akc.org and look up the yorkie standard. i posted it on another thread last week. here it is again

General Appearance
That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

Head
Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.

Body
Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with height at shoulder the same as at the rump.

Legs and Feet
Forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.

Tail
Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back.

Coat
Quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.

Colors
Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.

Color on Body
The blue extends over the body from back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is a darker blue, especially at end of tail.

Headfall
A rich golden tan, deeper in color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle, with ears a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of neck.

Chest and Legs
A bright, rich tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hind legs.

Weight
Must not exceed seven pounds.

Disqualifications:
Any solid color or combination of colors other than blue and tan as described above. Any white markings other than a small white spot on the forechest that does not exceed 1 inch at its longest dimension.

Approved July 10, 2007
Effective October 1, 2007

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[rebeccag]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

That's a great link, I hope people read it!

That's so funny, I just said that....

[rebeccag]

Originally Posted by Sugar's Mom

not so. AKC gives no bottom weight. go to American Kennel Club - akc.org and look up the yorkie standard. i posted it on another thread last week. here it is again

General Appearance
That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

Head
Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.

Body
Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with height at shoulder the same as at the rump.

Legs and Feet
Forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.

Tail
Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back.

Coat
Quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.

Colors
Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.

Color on Body
The blue extends over the body from back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is a darker blue, especially at end of tail.

Headfall
A rich golden tan, deeper in color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle, with ears a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of neck.

Chest and Legs
A bright, rich tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hind legs.

Weight
Must not exceed seven pounds.

Disqualifications:
Any solid color or combination of colors other than blue and tan as described above. Any white markings other than a small white spot on the forechest that does not exceed 1 inch at its longest dimension.

Approved July 10, 2007
Effective October 1, 2007

Yorkshire Terrier Links
Colors and Markings | Did You Know? | History | Photos | Puppies | Shop For Your Breed | Video


AKC Homepage | About this Site | Employment | Contact Us | Corporate Advertising | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use | Your CA Privacy Rights © 2009 American Kennel Club® (AKC Copyright and Trademark Statement) Here it is again

I was just trying to help. I've heard and read 3-7lbs. Here is one example:
http://www.doggies.com/Yorkshire_Terrier/

I wouldn't deliberately mislead someone. I really thought it was basic knowledge but I was wrong and meant no harm. I know I've read it elsewhere as well....I've just heard it many times and thought I'd share what I thought was true....oops!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by rebeccag

I was just trying to help. I've heard and read 3-7lbs. Here is one example:
http://www.doggies.com/Yorkshire_Terrier/

I wouldn't deliberately mislead someone. I really thought it was basic knowledge but I was wrong and meant no harm. I know I've read it elsewhere as well....I've just heard it many times and thought I'd share what I thought was true....oops!

Don't feel bad, the AKC use to say between 4-7 pounds, but the YTCA has always said "must not exceed 7 pounds," for as long as I've been reading it anyway. Here's what Yorkietalk F&Q say:

The Yorkshire Terrier standard as defined by the American Kennel Club (AKC) is between 4 to 7 pounds. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...tions-faq.html Post 2.

I've asked admin to change this because I think it confuses people, but I got a negative answer. Here's what the Mother Club the YTCA says:

All breeders may occasionally have an unusually small Yorkie (hopefully healthy),
though no responsible breeder breeds for this trait. Many breeders prefer a
general weight range of 4-7 four pounds believing that size retains desired Toy
qualities while maintaining optimum health. The Yorkie Standard states weight
"must not exceed seven pounds" and as a prospective pet owner you should
realize that even at 7 pounds, the Yorkie is still a small dog. (Females weighing
less than 5 pounds are considered by most breeders to be unsuitable for breeding.)

Special circumstances often come with extra tiny dogs. They are extremely
susceptible to both hereditary and non-hereditary health problems, including
birth defects that may go undetected for a long time. Other common
problems may include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, vomiting, along with
extra and expensive tests prior to routine teeth cleanings and surgeries.
Small ones are more likely to have poor reactions to anesthesia and die from
it. Tiny dogs are more easily injured by falls, being stepped on and being
attacked by other dogs. These health problems nearly always result in
large veterinary bills.

Please take this into consideration and make purchasing a healthy pet your top
priority, not size. The “novelty” is certainly not worth the pain, heartbreak, or
extra expense. Remember, all Yorkies are comparatively small. The most
important thing is finding a healthy puppy that will grow into a healthy adult,
especially since you looking at an 11 to 15 year commitment with your Yorkie. Yorkshire Terrier Club of America

If breeders and buyers chose to ignore the advice from the mother club, that's their prerogative, but I want to support what the YTCA is trying to accomplish, and I believe that is "what's best for the breed", not what sells, or what the public demands. Look at what happened to some other purebreds whose breeders have catered to public demands.

[rebeccag]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Don't feel bad, the AKC use to say between 4-7 pounds, but the YTCA has always said "must not exceed 7 pounds," for as long as I've been reading it anyway. Here's what Yorkietalk F&Q say:


I've asked admin to change this because I think it confuses people, but I got a negative answer. Here's what the Mother Club the YTCA says:



If breeders and buyers chose to ignore the advice from the mother club, that's their prerogative, but I want to support what the YTCA is trying to accomplish, and I believe that is "what's best for the breed", not what sells, or what the public demands. Look at what happened to some other purebreds whose breeders have catered to public demands.

Thank you! I just didn't want anyone to think I was talking sh**..... I clearly made a mistake...