What is a quality breeder to YT?
 

So what is a responsible breeder? People have varying opinions of what this is, but the general consensus around here seems to be that at a minimum an ethical breeder:
:dogprints :2hearts2:
--screens their breeding stock for known/common/frequent health issues (hip dysplasia, heart problems, elbow dysplasia, luxating patellas) via either OFA and/or PennHip methods.
--Only breeds to dogs that have also been health tested and whose results compliment their own dogs' results.
--Titles their breeding stock in multiple areas such as Conformation and one or more performance sports (such as obedience, agility &c.)
--Breeds no more than ONE litter a year (including studding).
--Has a decent understanding of canine genetics and patterns of heritability
--Is breeding superior dogs to better the breed (this is a bit nebulous and abstract, granted)
--Dilligently screens potential homes
--Has at least six homes lined up before breeding
--Pet puppies either S/N before placement, or placed with S/N contract
--Microchips all dogs owned/produced
--Will take back any dog produced, for the duration of the dog's life
--Does NOT specifically breed for color, size, or out-of-standard body types
--Places proper temperament at the top of their list of goals/priorities when breeding, equal to proper health and conformation.
--Can put up with civil questioning/criticism of their practices without defensiveness
--Is forthcoming about health problems/faults in the lines they use

This is posted due to the thread "Why breed". It can get heated quick when it comes to those that know and love the breed and those that are love the breed and are still getting to know the breed. Did I miss anything? And of course if you don't meet exactly everything above does not mean you aren't ethical. This just seems to be what people are agreeing on.


:yorkietal

I'm sure it's no suprise that I agree with everything you've stated. :thumbup:

I doubt that there are very many that fit in that tiny box.

I would omit the "titles etc", and the "has 6 homes lined up etc" and the "one litter a year", unless you mean per dog, and the "does not breed for coat, color etc" Isn't that what the show breeders breed for? and maybe "the microchip".

Hmm...
 

Should there really be a difference between "show breeders" and everyone else? I thought we all wanted to strive to keep our wonderful breed within it's standard? If so, then while I recognize that there is a difference,should there be? All ethical breeders should be striving for show quality Yorkies (ones that fit the standard is all that means) and discourage any different.

Opinions?

Ooops..missed the 1 litter per year. That I can't agree with..but no biggie..to each his own :0)

"Never did I say that your dog has to PLACE OR has to WIN it's class. Simply show it. At a show you will meet people that are willing to mentor you and help you out. Maybe even give you a discount on a puppy or two to encourage you in the right direction w/ your breeding line. If you have the cajones to just get out there a handful of times, even if you know you don't have top dog, that speaks volumes of your dedication to not only your dog and your goals, but the breed as a whole and wanting to be a part of it's future to conform to standard and creat a well bred, purebred Yorkie.
You said it yourself: "Getting a dog that will win in the ring is something you stive for...your ultimate goal." And that's exactly what I said. You just have to show. Not necc. do well. Showing teaches you and helps one grow within the breed. Its one of the best places to start to become an ethical breeder!"

A reply post on another thread. Assumed argument: That showing a dog pretty much means nothing in regards to breeding soundly and ethically.
Thoughts?

Oh, and YorkiRini, that list was just something that was put together on things I've read across this web site as a whole. I myself would alter one or two things too! (not many, but one or two), just a median of what people on YT seem to think an "ethical breeder" is. Surf around and you'll probably catch something I didn't. :)

I agree with that statement. We've already established that you don't have to SHOW to breed quality dogs,. You just have to SHOW if you want champion in front of their name. There are a lot of quality yorkies out there that have NO champions in their pedigrees. And there are a lot that have champion in their pedigree but are not quality.

whatever
 

So you are saying that if i dont show my dogs they are not good quality , I respect people here as they are . But i do not show my dogs maybe that is because I am not rich , Well if I wanted to show my dogs I could and I would have a perfect trainer but i have my dogs as pets and nothing more then that , I could get a trainer to train me to show for free as a matter of fact my father used to show dogs, The trainers name is Sunday. She lives maybey 20 minutes from me, but my dogs are pets and that is all i want them for but it does not meant they are not of good quality. :thumbdown

Not everyone has the luxury of showing. I do not have the time or the money to show. Does that mean that I should not breed? My guess would be, if you talk to 12 different SHOW breeders, you will get 12 different opinions on what a yorkie should look like. That is the unique thing about Yorkies they are not all carbon copies of each other.

EXACTLY! But because each breeder has their own opinion of certain genetic phenotypes that they want to enhance, doesn't mean they still don't fit the standard! That's the wonderful thing about breeding dogs. Is the you can enhance certain structural points to a certain degree, while still conforming to standard!
If you have the money to show your dog, I think it's a really good idea and will set anyone in the right direction to breed sound (structurally and mentally) Yorkies that conform to the standard.
Further, if you don't have a dog to put in the ring, or can't afford to, then still go and talk to these people. See what is out there and put your hand on these dogs. Talk to the judges. After their turn in the rings is when these breeders are more than happy to chat w/ the publie, but not until then! :p
It's harder than it looks!

A quality breeder is for me , someone who is able to point out the good and bad points of his dogs without lying to himself .

good
 

hey you are very correct , even though I do not breed dogs and I preferr not to that is a very good answer to the question that was asked. :)

"A quality breeder is for me , someone who is able to point out the good and bad points of his dogs without lying to himself ."

To himself OR buyers. I think that was on the list at the beginning of this thread. Glad I didn't miss it!
Thanks.

I think you misunderstood me. I didn't say it meant nothing. I was trying to make a point that I personally don't feel like it is the only way to go about reaching your goal. I think that it is a great place to start for those who don't have other places to go for guidance. My point is, there are others ways to go to reach the very same goal. :)

"So you are saying that if i dont show my dogs they are not good quality , I respect people here as they are . But i do not show my dogs maybe that is because I am not rich , Well if I wanted to show my dogs I could and I would have a perfect trainer but i have my dogs as pets and nothing more then that , I could get a trainer to train me to show for free as a matter of fact my father used to show dogs, The trainers name is Sunday. She lives maybey 20 minutes from me, but my dogs are pets and that is all i want them for but it does not meant they are not of good quality."

Relax, please. The question was of ethics on this thread. Not quality. And your dogs are not in question here, nor are any specific dogs. More of a breed and those who are ethical and breed to try and produce progeny that fit our breeds' standard. Whether those puppies go on to be lap warmers or show contestants!

Question/discussion understood.

good job
 

and I agree with you .

ok
 

i dont think there is anything wrong with lap warmers.

but opinions very and I guess is goes on to again you are right and I am wrong , I will defend my dogs and anyone elses on here ok ,

there is no such thing as having to show , for a good breeding dog
and that again is my opinion.

To himself first . If a breeder have so so dogs and he or she isn't able to evaluate them , how do you think he or she will be able to explain the quality to the potential owners ?

BamaFan" "
 

"My point is, there are others ways to go to reach the very same goal." :rolleyes:

Like? I'm ignorant on this. :p I myself cannot think of a better way to get to know a breed and get into touch w/ it's standard than to see and put my hands on these dogs that supposedly "conform to standard" than to go to a dog show. These are quite beneficial traits that are necc. to know that what you are producing is within standard. Not just read a manual, but also see and feel finished products. Honestly, if you know of another way-they must exist-or even a better way, please inform me!
I've been known to be wrong on a thing or two (you won't hear me say that often, so take it while ya can! lol) but honestly, what ways are you proposing? :animal36

Please dear god don't say "Trial and error" because I really liked what I had for breakfast and don't need to see it again. Oh, and I'm drinking a pepsi right now and would like to keep IT off MY keyboard! LOL :thumbup:

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
That's it in a nut shell!!! :D :D :D :D

"To himself first . If a breeder have so so dogs and he or she isn't able to evaluate them , how do you think he or she will be able to explain the quality to the potential owners ?"

Where do you advise that "breeders" learn to evaluate their dogs properly?
:aimeeyork

if i was
 

Well if it came down to me being a breeder I would tell them that how unfortunate I am but I do not show but The grandparents of my dogs where champions .



lol lol lol lol.

good thing I am not a breeder.

:eek: Oh dear God no! :eek: NEVER! :thumbdown

Steve.
 

Well as Steve is already showing his Yorkies and has referenced his mentor many times. It's obvious Steve is speaking of himself and his experience..Steve, I hope I'm right as I say this..lolol

lol this is killing me..too funny..
oh bama i'm with ya 100%

Yes , I show my Yorkies . I am really proud to do it .

Rarely I will answer for other persons . I was only telling what I believe about the subject . Referring on my experiences .

Gazou
 

And you get many of your experiences first hand by owning these dogs, competing and breeding right? Did you learn by a mentor and then just getting out there are doing it?

That's my understanding so far and if so, you are the kind of breeder I would recommend any day. I wish there were even more people out there like you than there are now.

I would have to respectfully disagree with you. I can honestly say I have never met what I would consider a quality yorkie that had no champions in their pedigree. I have met many wonderful, desireable, healthy ones, but none I would consider true quality.

I think the list of qualities a good breeder should have that was in the original post in this thread is perfect.

Couldn't agree with you more. Talking with judges after judging, talking with other breeders, attending breed seminars, etc. are all an important part being a responsible breeder in my opinion.

There are "satellite" breeders who may not show their dogs, but are making breedings based on the advice and with dogs bred by a mentor who is. This is becoming more and more common. If you want to breed but don't want to show, this is a great alternative.