Backyard Breeder

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I live in the panhandle, NW Florida, near Pensacola. I need to attend a few to know if this is something that I would want to do. One weekend a month within driving distance would not be bad.

Do you ever show over towards FL? I looked more in depth at the link you had given for http://www.onofrio.com and I did find there is a show coming in Pensacola in March and some others not too far in February. I will make those and go from there.

There is a Dog Fanciers Association nearby -- not breed specific. Maybe that would be a place to start?

Try infodog.com. Is there a Toy Dog Club in your area.

I've yet to show in Florida. Plenty of shows here in the Texas, Oklahoma. Once a year travel to Kansas City, MO and NY for the Specialties there. 3 or 4 day shows work out better, giving you a better chance for finishing your dogs.

[topknot]

FlDebra - at the show you can also speak to the judge after they are finished judging. Great way to get their opinion - more details and a great way to learn! Some judges are better and know more than others - so be sure to know what their background and knowledge is.

And sometimes a handler can be more cost effective - they travel and you can stay home - cost is about the same as if you went. Just make sure you trust and know the handler well. I had one before when I showed in the past and was great. I really trusted her and she was a good friend.

As far as "Backyard Breeders" go - actions speak louder than words. Watch what they do not just what the person says.

SnowWa - sounds like your person is on the right track - but could go farther. Testing is better - you have more proof then that your dogs are okay. It is also worth knowing - feel more confident. Researching lines - is not that hard if there are champions in the line and research should be done. Sounds like she loves her dog!
T.

[topknot]

Most vets do not know our specific breed standards. My vet, and he is great, does not know color or texture and did not know the limit of 7 pounds for our breed standard. They can tell you whether a dog looks healthy, but it would be impossible for them to know the specific breed standard of all dogs. That is why it is important for the breeder to research and know their standard before breeding.
T.

[FlDebra]

Thanks to Mardelin and Topknot for sharing information. I think the learning curve is going to be long and enjoyable for me.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Thanks to Mardelin and Topknot for sharing information. I think the learning curve is going to be long and enjoyable for me.

I started out with a Companion Yorkie and just wanted to know more.....never in a million years did I think that the love of this breed and my quest for knowledge would lead me down this path......it's frustrating, heartbreaking at times, but oh so rewarding when you have those little ones jumping and kissing on you or when you finish that champion.

[txshopper73]

Originally Posted by SnowWa

Is this person a backyard breeder?

A person who breeds their healthy, good looking 5 pound little registered female Yorkier to a handsome, registered, healthy, 5 pound male Yorkie.

They didn't do any genetic/DNA testing etc, because she doesn't expect any particular health problems. Her own dog and the father of the litter are perfectly healthy. She knows the parents of her dog - who are alive and healthy, but knows nothing about any other ancestors.

This person has never been interested in showing her dog and belongs to no organizations. She has not studied the Yorkie breed extensively, but has read about the breed and can certainly tell people what it is like having a Yorkie for a pet. Her family has loved and enjoyed their little dog for years.

She has two friends and a vet ready to help her when her dog delivers. If there are any problems, it will be taken to the vet.

The mother and pups will be in her home - and will be loved and cared for by the family. They will be well socialized.

She plans to price her pups close to what other Yorkie pups in her area are going for. She is willing to drop her price, if necessary.

She cares very much about the homes her pups will go to and will not hesitate to say "no" to a perspective buyer, if she feels that wouldn't be a good home for a little Yorkie.

Her dog has been checked by a vet and the pups will have whatever care (shots, etc.) her vet (a good vet) tells her are necessary.

Any perspective buyer can visit her home and meet the puppies mother.

She plans to have her buyers take their pups to their vets. If there are any serious problems found - they can return the pups for a full refund.

****** This is the way a lot of people breed - and I wouldn't want to call them "backyard breeders." But, still they don't meet all the above rules...


Carol Jean

hmmm...I'd like to know what the experts think on this as well.

[Ladyhawk]

Originally Posted by txshopper73

hmmm...I'd like to know what the experts think on this as well.

Well I'm not an expert but I do know that one definition is not going to cover everything. So what's a hobby breeder? How does it differ from a backyard breeder? Many parts of the backyard breeder seems to apply. If breeding is not how you make your living does that mean you're a hobby breeder? I show because I love to take Connor out and show him off, I make excellent connections and I learn a ton. I met a exhibitor yesterday though whose dog even beat Connor a few monthes back and she's planning to breed him to her 13 lb. female. When I asked her why, she stated why not? Just because you show doesn't mean you will breed to the standard apparently. I know that there's a market for decent quality pets that are more affordable so there will always be those who would be considered backyard breeders. My first yorkie was 12 lbs. and only $500., I thank God for him. He introduced my to the world of Yorkies. Oh by the way, I beat her dog twice this weekend, Connor is growing up rather nicely!

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Ladyhawk

Well I'm not an expert but I do know that one definition is not going to cover everything. So what's a hobby breeder? How does it differ from a backyard breeder? Many parts of the backyard breeder seems to apply. If breeding is not how you make your living does that mean you're a hobby breeder? I show because I love to take Connor out and show him off, I make excellent connections and I learn a ton. I met a exhibitor yesterday though whose dog even beat Connor a few monthes back and she's planning to breed him to her 13 lb. female. When I asked her why, she stated why not? Just because you show doesn't mean you will breed to the standard apparently. I know that there's a market for decent quality pets that are more affordable so there will always be those who would be considered backyard breeders. My first yorkie was 12 lbs. and only $500., I thank God for him. He introduced my to the world of Yorkies. Oh by the way, I beat her dog twice this weekend, Connor is growing up rather nicely!

I agree with you, just because you show doesn't always make you a responsible breeder. I've seen some poor representation of the breed in the ring. And yes, there are irresponsible breeders showing their dogs.

The one thing that amazes me is the astronomical prices that backyard breeders charge for their pets. Most first time yorkie families are not aware that your responsible exhibitor/breeder companion yorky prices are very affordable, and most of the time less that your backyard breeder. The only problem is that most of breed for themselves and only a couple of litters a year, therefore don't always have companion yorkies available.

[topknot]

Yes, I agree too. Not everyone that shows is reputable or do things as they should. But at least if they show - and do not do what is right - they do get the looks. If you know what I mean.
I show for myself - to get a second and third and 4th ... opinion on my dogs and to learn more.
Yes, I have also seen some poor reputation of our breed in the ring - poor color, roach backed, wrong coat texture, side winders. But that is up to those owners to enter them. The judges responsiblity is to to pick the one that represents our standard the best. You learn a lot at shows. Not only what you have, but what others have. It is a learning process for everyone.
T.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by topknot

Yes, I have also seen some poor reputation of our breed in the ring - poor color, roach backed, wrong coat texture, side winders. T.

What is a side winder?

[topknot]

Gait is also important. They should walk straight and watch their foot placements. A side winder is one that walks at in angle - usually front legs going away from you. This is one thing the judge is looking for when you walk out and come back, whether it is out and back or the "L" or "Tiangle" formation.
T.

[FlDebra]

Re:Sidewinder -- Is this something you can train them out of? I am asking because sometimes it seem like my little girl Sadie (2 months old) runs a little sideways but not always. Do they sometimes grow out of it? Is this a fault when it comes to breeding or just a loss of points in judging at a show?

I think it was easier thinking only of them as pets. At first I thought she looked a little long-legged but now she seems fine on that count. Then I wondered about silver roots on Ben's head. I will be seeing all sorts of traits and wondering about them. LOL! Luckily, I do not have my heart set on showing and if they turn out to be loving pets only -- that is still a WONDERFUL thing! I absolutely love them!

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Re:Sidewinder -- Is this something you can train them out of? I am asking because sometimes it seem like my little girl Sadie (2 months old) runs a little sideways but not always. Do they sometimes grow out of it? Is this a fault when it comes to breeding or just a loss of points in judging at a show?

I think it was easier thinking only of them as pets. At first I thought she looked a little long-legged but now she seems fine on that count. Then I wondered about silver roots on Ben's head. I will be seeing all sorts of traits and wondering about them. LOL! Luckily, I do not have my heart set on showing and if they turn out to be loving pets only -- that is still a WONDERFUL thing! I absolutely love them!

If you watch the sidewinders out of the ring, they usually have a normal gait. A lot of the times it's caused by pulling up on the lead, or they're just uncomfortable with their surroundings......You can work them out of it, by walking them against a wall or a curb

[topknot]

You can also confuse them by changing hands from left to right when you make a turn, then they will walk straight. Do this while training. One of the dogs in my handling classes did this and it worked.
T.

[topknot]

I have also seen owners/handlers hold up so tight on the lead that the dogs front paws doesn't even touch the floor.
T.