Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3000342)

In addition, I find the term "betterment of the breed" to be overused and misleading. Just because a breeder tries to breed a better looking yorkie, in order to win at the shows, does not mean they are bettering the breed.

Many breeds have deteriorated, in the attempt to breed in accordance with the standard. The so called byb's are accused of breeding just for the money, but there are also SOME, not all, show breeders who will disregard the health of the dog if it means breeding one that will win a championship. And they hide behind the "betterment of the breed" theory.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3000340)

I think it's a marketing technique, no doubt about it. She even says,

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3000349)

Do you honestly believe that betterment of the breed means better-looking yorkie?

Originally Posted by WV~Yorkies (Post 3000327)

I think the same thing about the word teapot but that is acceptabe. There is no such thing as a teapot but since they are lower priced that is alright.

Originally Posted by peanut (Post 3000359)

I don't think Melissa meant it that way Nancy, she lives in a rural area where there are good breeders and there are byb that don't have computers or don't know not to use the term "teacup", apparently they aren't on YT.:D Yes byb use the term for money, but some older breeders don't know better and use it as a comparison to what they have. Just like baby doll face or teapot or ugly or beautiful, its a descriptive term.
I don't use the term, cause I know better but lets face it some people are educated like we are.:)

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3000349)

Do you honestly believe that betterment of the breed means better-looking yorkie?

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 3000363)

I've never seen the phrase "teapot" Yorkie used outside of YT. It seems to me like the term was started simply as a joke on this website. Nobody in the general public actually calls a big Yorkie a teapot... and I don't think ANY one that is trying to use terms to sell their pups would actually use teapot in a GOOD way, lol. Since most people want tiny little dogs.

I don't really think it's fair to price puppies according to size. I think it's almost like you're saying the bigger Yorkies aren't as good as the smaller ones. I will see so many times on websites a tiny Yorkie who may be 5lbs full grown is priced at like $1500, whereas a bigger one is like $800 or something. I don't see how breeders can determine that... personally I think if you have a litter of puppies, they should all be the same price. Of course, that's just my general public opinion -- I know nothing about breeding.

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy (Post 1880169)

Breeding for the Betterment of the Breed to me:

Breeding excellent examples of the breed. Each breed has a standard set by a parent club (many people knowledgeable of the breed). This standard defines the unique qualities that makes each breed its own individual breed - what sets them apart from all other breeds. It defines physical structure, appearance, movement, attitude, etc. In order for a breed to continue, dogs must be bred to this standard. Otherwise, all you get are a bunch of "purebred" dogs that don't resemble the breed they are supposed to be and all breeds would start to look alike. A breed cannot continue to be what it is without following the standard. To breed for the betterment of the breed, a breeder must be breeding excellent examples of the breed - ones that clearly meet the standard.

It also means breeding HEALTHY dogs and striving to only produce HEALTHY puppies. If a breeder truly has the best interest of the dogs in mind, they health screen to the best of their ability and eliminate any problematic dogs from their lines. If a health problem arises, the breeder researches the problem and does what they can to fix it and keep it from happening again. Breeding unhealthy dogs only causes suffering for the dog and heartache for the owner. Striving to breed healthy dogs is a MUST in order to better the breed.

I think it also means loving the dogs and having a strong love and passion for the breed in general. Someone can't go into breeding half-heartedly...they must do it with a purpose and a goal in mind. They must always have the best interest of the dogs at heart - otherwise what is the point?

It's more than breeding pretty dogs over and over again. It's about preserving this breed that we love so much and continueing to have the Yorkshire Terrier as it has always been known. It's about breeding healthy dogs that can lead long, healthy, happy lives. It's about making sure they go to wonderful homes where they are loved and cherished. It's for the love of the dogs...that's what bettering the breed is

Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3000376)

I would not look at it as selling the small ones for a premium, but rather selling the larger ones at a discount.

I also discount males, because of the bad reps they have about humping everything, and the people who claim it is normal and natural and needs to be allowed, no one wants them.

Now if people were educated and realized that it is a controlable behavior, Just like chewing on furniture, we would not have to discount them. :D

Originally Posted by JeanieK (Post 3000331)

I believe that what she is trying to say is that many breeders who use that as a descriptive term are ignorant of it's negative conotation. They use terms such as tiny, or teacup, or baby doll face to describe the size or face, not to market the puppies. They could just as easily post the dog's size or weight, and describe the face as being short muzzle, but it is just easier to use the terms.

In other words, they just use it as a description not as a marketing technique.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 3000387)

This is one of my favorite threads on Yorkietalk: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...-mean-you.html

and this was one of my favorite posts.

Originally Posted by Reese1 (Post 3000418)

I'm sorry, I still see it as a way to market puppies. I believe the comment included that the breeders would have to give certain puppies away in this economy if they didn't distinguish the smaller ones. So to me, that says they are selling puppies at different prices based on size.
I know a lot of breeders do that and I don't like that either.
I'm always reading on YT about the potential health risks with the smaller Yorkies, but yet so many breeders charge more for the smaller ones. So therefore it makes buyers feel they are more valuable.
My basic point is if breeders bred and sold Yorkies to be within the standard of 4-7lbs, there wouldn't be any reason in pointing out their size over and over.
My idea of the betterment of the breed is inline with what Nancy posted.
I think we have learned this week that it's not just BYBs, but also show breeders that can fall out of line with this!