The Real difference between a show dog and a pet

[Brooklynn]

Originally Posted by yorkiekist

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

[Lorraine]

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

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by QuickSilver

Here is my new vision for breeding programs:

Each breed club acts as a "rating agency" for breeding dogs. A breeder pays a fee to have their dog assessed for adherence to breed standard. The dog's health and temperment are ALSO verified, maybe yearly. The YTCA makes every dog's scores are available online for potential buyers to check out.

Dogs that are exceptionally close to breed standard can be shown competitively, and presumably have offspring that would sell for higher prices.

There. Problem solved!

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.

[Brooklynn]

Originally Posted by Lorraine

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

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

[rebeccag]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

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.

[Brooklynn]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

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 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

[westieboy]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I agree with the poster who said there are many pets that could compete with show dogs.

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.

[Woogie Man]

Originally Posted by westieboy

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.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by westieboy

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.

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!

[Brooklynn]

Originally Posted by westieboy

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.

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

[Brooklynn]

Originally Posted by Brooklynn

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

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by Brooklynn

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

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.

[Brooklynn]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

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

[yorkiesjs]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Another excellent post!

Originally Posted by AmyChristine

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.

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.

[yorkiesjs]

Originally Posted by westieboy

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.

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.