Hahaha....that's so easy to do with these babies. We called her Sassy and boy, did she ever live up to that name. The family that have her have a cat named Sassy so they changed her (the pup's) name. The husband noticed how she had such an effortless gait that he decided to name her Lily Lightfoot.

I have been throughly enjoying all the info and posts available in this thread. I am also very drawn to the idea of taking a beautiful dog, and after it finishes it's Ch then trying to further improve upon the following generation. Hoping that you get it right so you can do it all over again.

Call me crazy but I love the idea of trying to better a breed that i already love so much. Is it possible to mostly show and rarely breed? Because to me just raising and showing a couple dogs seems like it would take years, and tons of work. I think if I did it I would mostly want to show and not focus so much on breeding except maybe when I was ready for another show dog. Can you do it this way or do most people have at least a litter a year? Just wondering. Would a show breeder trust someone with a dog that may finish but produce very few puppies?

I just love your post! I am one of those that rarely breeds and I show more than I breed. I do focus on showing more so than breeding. I haven't had a litter in almost 2 years and probably won't breed for another year.
My suggestion would be find a show mentor, go to some shows, and show a show breeder what you want to do and be their shadow and see if that is what you want to do and gain their trust and you just might find one.
I want to eventually have my own lines but I'm still building my foundation but it's a very slow process and I'm lucky to have some great mentors that are helping me.
I'm actually starting to show for others now which is where my passion lies but will occasionally breed for my own show dogs. It will take me a long time to have what will be my lines because I haven't produced but one home bred champion and those that have entrusted me with theirs, all the hard work right now goes to them and who they obtained their lines from not me. I will one day get there but it does take awhile and I'm just that dedicated to be patient and work hard to do whats best for this wonderful breed. It's the breeders on my dogs that get the credit now not me :)
I would prefer a person to show more than produce puppies but to show your own dogs you do have to have a litter. It just takes trust and hard work to dedicate yourself and stay with it..

Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers

Of course! I actually think a breeder would prefer a novice show home like this because it is protection for their lines.

I have 2 boys from the same breeders, one finished champion and a pup that will be out in the ring shortly. Both of my boys have pedigrees people would kill for but I dont breed nor do I offer them for public stud. If my breeders have the need for them in their breeding program then they are available to them only. Because of this trust relationship we have, both of my dogs were practically given to me.

Eventually the day will come when the right bitch will come along--it is inevitable--and my breeders will mentor me through all of it. Until then I need to convince my husband not to move out at the thought of another dog ;) j/k!

I know a few people that dont breed but only show, and show several breeds. They just love showing!! I think that is great!! Plus when they do get ready to breed if they want to, they will definately know what to look for in a quality breeder.:)

Thankyou,
I have been trying to go to local shows, and just soaking in as much info as possible. Hopefully I will be able to find a good mentor, that is not to distant so I can learn more.
I love that your main focus is showing, and breeding is secondary. How rewarding it must be to see a dog reach it's full potential, no matter what lines it came from, I would love to one day show for other's as well. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be able to produce my own, and have my own line but I see that as something so distant that will evolve slowly and carefully. It is refreshing to know that it doesn't have to be all about having puppies. I want to focus on the breed, and learning, and doing it right.

Thankyou,
I had originally had the idea that if you show you breed but it is nice to know that it doesn't have to be the case. I would love to just have the opportunity to focus and do it right, I bet you have alot of fun with your boys, I am partial to the boys;)

Boys are wonderful!

My first experience showing was such a learning experience--even finding the correct ring seemed impossible! There is so much information to take in and process it can be very overwhelming. I was so happy when he finished last summer. With my new pup it is like night and day--showing is actually fun now because I have the confidence that I know (most of the time) what I am doing :D

It is SOOOO rewarding to see them transform from the ugly duckling in hair wraps to the show-stopping dog in the ring. I cant even begin to explain it.

I totally agree with you--I think it is of the utmost importance to learn everything there is to know about the breed before jumping into breeding. To me the thought of being responsible for so many lives just scares me silly! :)

I think you have a great attitude toward the whole process and will have a lot of success finding the right breeder/mentor.

Best of luck to you!!

thankyou:) It would be great to have a chance to enjoy and be apart of the breed that I love. And having the time to work with and really focus on the dogs that I am trusted with. Like you said eventually I will know what to look for when It comes time to produce my own pups. It will just be a rare litter when I am ready for another showdog. I like that it is possible to go about it this way, I often wondered that it you finished a dog if the breeder who trusted you with that dog would be dissapointed if you did not produce many puppies, but I am seeing that it is just the opposite:)

I appreciate all the imput

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Thankyou,
I bet it is worth every bit of effort when you take them out of wraps. And It is nice to know that the second time arround is more fun, I will keep this in mind when I am totally lost the first time arround:)

I love to groom the show dog! To see the beautiful outcome of lots of hard work to see them in the ring is just awesome! I've been fortunate to have good dogs to show and the love and bond we have together!
I'm always told my dogs show better for me than anyone else and it prides me to know my guys love me and peform for me as they do!
I was so fortunate to finish a stunning bitch this year as a first client yorkie and the bond she and I developed was unbelieveable! I was very excited when she got her first 5 point major in NY at one of the most prestigious toy show in the US! It was an amazing win for the both of us! The only draw back and sad part is when they have to go home. I cried when Morgan went home to Canada. I still miss her dearly! BUT I have my Radar who is from the same breeders who is back home with me and I just love showing him! Now I have another male I'm showing for my 2nd client and he's a very nice boy and I'm so excited to show in next weekend in our first show together!
I love showing so much and to have a good representation of the breed on the other end of the lead is simply breathtaking :)
I'm also training a 7 month old bitch puppy and I can't wait until she's mature because she's also going to be a stunning bitch when she matures. I'll be showing her for another breeder friend of mine! My dreams of showing are coming true and all my hard work and patience is finally paying off :)

Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers

That is soooooo wonderful that you are doing your dream! Maybe I will send you my next show prospect. It would be an honor to have you show one of my dogs!!:)

You better get on the waiting list because when I finish the yorkie male and female I already have a male ready to go behind him and a bitch lined up after Crystal LOL...I will only show a bitch and dog at a time. That way I have the time and ability to devote my time and energy on a couple of dogs vs. too many! I am a firm believer that one can take on too many at one time. I love the bonding of only 2 or 3 that I can devote my time too. Only reason I have 3 I'm showing as I'm showing my special Radar on a limited basis this year :) I can't believe I have 2 already lined up after these two!
Of course I have to have the best representation of the breed on the end of the lead LOL...if I feel I can't finish one I hope I wouldn't offend anyone when I have to send it them back! I just won't take on any yorkie :)
I'm no Kirsten or the other big handlers but I can finish a dog as I proved that with Radar and my client bitch in Morgan! The ring is the greatest!!!
I would be honored to show for you :)
Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers

I love it that showing is such a passion for you!! It would be for me too, but work gets in my way everytime. I just bred a girl so it will be awhile before I have one ready for you. This is my first breeding in 2 years and I am really excited!! I will definately keep you posted!!LOL:)

I work a full time job besides the showing LOL...but one good thing is I work for the school system and I do get alot of holidays and breaks. Gonna have my 2 month summers off starting this next Friday YIPPEEEEE!!
Oh please keep me posted on your litter!! I won't be having another litter for at least another year. It's been two years since I've had one. I can't believe Molly and Dolly are gonna be two this month! They both are in a very loving pet home but man it's been two years! I was lucky enough to have Radar out last year being campaigned and then I got Morgan to show at the end of last year and finished her this year and have now Radar back from Canada and now the two client yorkies to show so I haven't really missed having any litters :)
Others are keeping me in the show ring and I'm so happy about that!

Donna

You have been keeping busy. Radar did quite well when he was out. Good for you.

That would be wonderful idea! Quicksilver, I have read your posts with interest as you have an open mind and see quality does not necessarily follow the boundaries of a show ring. I could never show. My weekends are too full of ball games that I am not willing to miss. Maybe when my youngest goes off to college things will be different. But I know all too well how quickly they grow up and I am not missing any of my "last one at home's" experiences. I would have to travel to find any shows to speak of as I live in a very small town. So it is not doable for me even if I wanted to dedicate so many hours to showing, preening, and politicking.

I was on a waiting list from a breeder that used to show for quite a while to get a female. After getting to know me, she actually helped me find my male. She went with me to look at pups, we turned some down and then she called saying she had found one that would compliment my girl. She knew I wanted to start breeding in a very small way, using only the male and female that were my pets. She also knew I did not want to show. Thankfully she not only sold me one of her dogs with breeding rights after a time but also gave advice freely. I am glad she did not think people any less for not wanting to show. I am thankful for the time she took to help me get started correctly.

I don't care for the elitist attitude that only a show breeder could possibly be doing it right. I think what started out as a very informative thread could turn people off by this reasoning that only someone who shows could possibly be ethical or have the quality and knowledge necessary to perpetuate the breed. It might make people stop reading that need to learn not to breed that way out of standard yorkie, that tiny female, or uncomplimentary pairs. The reality is that show breeders could never supply all of the pets people want and have the right to enjoy. Why not at least share the knowledge to improve the situation even if it is not your "ideal."

I know a lot of work goes into the show breeder's life. I respect what they do and what they know. But they can't be the only people in the world with "the knowledge." I agree with the poster who said there are many pets that could compete with show dogs. I too, agree with the idea that there has to be a lot of levels between the "show breeder" and the puppymill, and at least a few of those levels are ethical, responsible breeders who are providing wonderful yorkies within standard that could compete in the ring or just bring joy to a family (or both). I will never believe it is an "all of nothing" yorkie world. JMHO.

I plan to stay busy LOL! Thank you for the compliment on Radar! Tonia did a very nice job showing him! I hope next year when I bring him out myself we'll be equally as good :)

Donna

:thumbup:

I really like your post it brings some perspective to this topic. I would hope that someone that breeds and doesn't show goes into all the genetic health testing, pedigree research and breeds to the best representation to the breed as close as they can. But again, it raises the question how do you know you are breeding the best of the breed standard if one does not go to shows and seek those that are very knowledgeable about the breed, get a show breeders opinion that has been doing this for 25 + years and learn from them, maybe get a judges opinion? If one truly wants this breed to be healthy and stay the beautiful breed that it is I see no problem with trying to learn from the very best even if that means it comes from a show breeder's knowledge and wisdom with "lots" of experience.
We are not the end all in the yorkie world. This is still a very informative thread and can stay that way. I'm totally sorry if anyone thinks I might have an "elist" attitude, I would actually call it passion and a very strong love for the breed. I really feel this thread has been and still is very informative and very educational :) I would hope no one would want to turn it another way :(
We are all not going to agree with everyone on this subject I totally get that but if I help just one person then I feel I've educated someone and turned them onto the passion and love for the breed as I have for it :)

Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers

I've been looking to obtain a yorkie for awhile now and IMHO, I've yet to see a breeder who doesn't show, have dogs that would be able to compete in a show ring.

I understand where you're coming from, but don't you think it's more accurate to say it's been you're experience (however broad or limited) that those that don't show don't have dogs that could compete?

I posted earlier about a pair I have and their pups. When they had their litter, I waited until they were 3 months old and took them to see a long-time exhibitor I know to have her help me evaluate them. She told me I "had hit the jackpot" with the pups. She is a no-nonesense lady that, like most of the exhibitors here, can be brutally honest. Now, even given that, I take her opinion with a grain of salt (they were only 3 months old, after all) but do feel they were high quality pups.

I try to not have a blind eye for the faults in my dogs and do see some things I would like to breed toward in the future but feel I have a good start.

In my mind's eye I have a picture of my ideal Yorkie and will continue to work towards that, always with an eye on the breed standard.

Unfortunately there are a lot out there that do not have the "look" or the quality traits and rearing. I had to sadly pass up puppies that were very cute, but not what I was looking for. Luckily I found a great breeder for my girl and she helped me find my male or I might still be looking. But they are out there!

Sadly enough I see yorkies in the ring that shouldn't be there :( I guess that is why I have such a passion for this breed. I see so many poorly bred ones from someone just wanting that CH in front of their dogs name just so they can say they have champion lines. No, I'm not pointing fingers at anyone on YT, as I don't know or haven't met anyone from here that shows with the exception of Mardelin and Teagmom and Deb Sillers which I might add I am glad that I know them :)

I have to add a few more Tx2stepn and Danre yorkies are great and they are members and now I've gotten to know Lorraine!
Maybe one day I can meet other exhibitors on here that are members one day in the show ring :)

Believe me -- you and several other show breeders have educated me plenty. I read several years' worth of Breeder's threads here before I ever bred mine. I believe in getting more than one perspective. The books don't tell it all and I think I find more details here. Most of the books seemed to repeat all of the same basic history, standards, and a bit on whelping. But the unusual circumstances, the solutions for problems, the specific advice I found here was and continues to be invaluable! I can learn without having to agree with every aspect, every detail or even the person's basic premise.

It is just hard at times, to have the very people you respect and look to for answers seem to think you have no value if you are not also showing. It is not going to stop me from reading the threads or gleaning every last drop of info I can when I see the posts though. I will continue to be in "sponge mode" for many years to come! Right now, I have to decide if I will try breeding again. After losing my girl, I just do not know. That was much harder than I had anticipated.
My passion and love for the breed are undeniable! :) I cannot imagine not having Yorkies in my life.

I'm am sooooooooooooo soooooooooo sorry for your lose :( I can only imagine the pain. That is what I'm so afraid of and it does scare me when I breed, maybe that is the reason I don't breed much because of the very thing you have experienced, again, I can only imagine the pain you went through. I guess I need to explain "myself" alittle more, it's not that I don't value a non showing person who breeds it's those that have no regard in what it takes to breed the best representation of this wonderful breed. The health testing it requires, the hard work, the dedication, the heartbreak ( as you well know ). There are soooooooooo many that just breed to supply the demand and make a quick buck to supply their income. Trust me I know show breeders that do the same and I do not value them and I put them in the same catagory as those that don't show and do the same thing. I've been that beginner before and I know how hard it is to get started in this breed and I've also seen where some have taken this breed, I guess that's why I am so passionate and come on so strong but really it's those that have no regard in breeding I react too....how many times do people come on here wanting help because they just wanted to breed their sweet little yorkie pet because they wanted one litter before spaying and not knowing their genetic background? Or the person that bought a puppy with Liver Shunt and the breeder won't take it back because of unethical breeding practices? Those are the ones I do not value those are the breeders I target and hopefully edcuate those that purchased from them to learn to research for the right breeder :)
Have you ever tried the show ring? You actually might like it :)

Another way to help a newbie into showing in conformation( or even to breed to learn and get advice on the Yorkie AKC standard ) is to find a Yorkie club (preferably) in your area or all dog club if there is not a Yorkie one. Go to the classes and be a sponge and soak up as much as you can. The bottom line IMO ~GOOD Show/Breeder verses GOOD Breeder there should be no difference when it comes right down to the quality of the yorkies if it is all done for the right reasons (Our Yorkies) And most GSB and GB know it's not to make money! It should be about producing healthy, happy,well socialized yorkies that we all hope are true to the AKC standard.

Looks can be very deceiving in a long haired breed.And can cover many faults. Grooming Yorkies imo is an art and lot's of practice and patience for the yorkie and the one grooming. You really need to know what's under the coat. And that is just a small part of the total package and what to look for in getting a yorkie for show or pet.