showing my yorkie
 

I am wondering if I am a new handler and I have a yorkie to show do I have any chance against professionals. Currently have my boy out with a professional handler but it's too expensive. any thoughts ?

I think you can take handler classes. Can your breeder mentor you?

Sure you do. It usually takes a bit longer to finish your dog though. Also remember to factor in your travel costs - gas - lodging - food. I'm assuming you have all the gear you would need to go to the show. Proper crate, ringside table, all the grooming gizmo's etc.
One of the good places to show is the UKC - they do not allow professional handlers - competitors are all owner handlers.

AKC does offer at most shows a bit of a lesson for new/novice handlers - and they do have in the competition a class you can show your dog in as a novice handler.

You are in Florida, so there should be a far number of AKC shows - I don't know about the UKC though. How-ever if you visit their websites, you can easily find out.

Beyond the ring handling skills, you will need to know how to show groom your Yorkie.

Generally speaking where it really gets tough is in the group ring - ie to beat out the professional handlers.

Also just as a btw - have you asked your handler what they "think" about your dog? Both in structure and his ring presence? Does your pup like the show ring? Is he confident in his demeanour? Gaits well, tail and head up? Shows attitude? This would be good to know.

Your local dog club - they often will put on handling classes; and this time of year it is popular. So check those out.

Wish you all the best in the ring!

Also you might like to post in the Showing forum as this General Forum gets very busy and already your post has slipped to page 2

You sure can! I got Mickey's first 3 point major all by myself and I can tell you that it was obvious to all, I'm sure, that I was a newbie. Some judges will just judge the best dog. I will also tell you that the same weekend, I came in 3rd (last) with another judge and a month or two later my handler showed my dog to the same judge and he came in 1st beating out at least one other dog he had lost to the first time I showed him to the same judge. So I guess it depends on the judge and I agree that it will take longer and sometimes could cost more in the long run but you are never going to get better if you don't practice!