no you are not SOL. Just keep looking. I searched for years to get what I want and four of my eight have come from show kennels. In spite of the fact that show people say they don't sell their dogs to the public, all you have to do is get a Yorkshire Terrier magazine to know otherwise. the last few pages on every magazine is filled with kennel advertisements from show people.

her statement from her first post on this thread is what I take issue with. None of the rest matters. below are her exact words.

"By breeding non-show quality (or pet quality) dogs, you are not breeding to the standard and definitely not improving the breed'

The reason that bothers me is that she is saying that unless you show or have show dogs, your not breeding to standard. i beg to differ on that. show people aren't the only ones that have in standard dogs. i think most of the people on Yt do have dogs that are in standard

I really should have explained why I posted this since I don't think you quite understood.

The shelters are overloaded with dogs and there is way to much breeding of all dogs today but especially labs and yorkies and if you can buy your pet from someone who has shown and studied the breed for years ....why not!! To me that is a great way to better the breed.

Two of my favorite features of the Yorkshire Terrier are recessive genes so believe me trying to breed to the standard, I leave to the experts.

THIS is one of the few posts that actually explained a huge issue quite simply. Thank you, Lynn.

Ya know what makes me crazy on these threads? I get so sick and tired of hearing SOME (not all!!!) breeders say they breed "to better the breed" - when there are CLEARLY so many breeders who do not.

There are breeders on here whose dams and sires are there for all to see - and they have too-big ears, non-standard coat colors, a longer snout and on and on. And yet they say they're breeding to standard and are "bettering the breed".

I think all yorkies are cute - standard and non-standard, but I tell ya, I really become exasperated by claims of "I breed to better the breed" by those who are not doing so. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the breeders on here who really do have a top-notch program, it's pretty cool to hear from them on these threads.

There is no alternative. There is no such thing as the perfect litter, or the perfect dog for that matter. If we didn't breed unless it was a show worthy litter, than chances are the yorkie breed would cease to exist. However, we can take the best of one litter, and breed it to the best of another and hope that you end up with a little of show quality yorkies.

You need to know the lines you are breeding, know the background of every dog within that pedigree. Yes, you may only have 1 dog out of every 6 litters that has that "It" factor. You spay/nueter the rest, they are perfectly sound, good specimans of the breed, but are lacking the "IT" factor (a presence about themselves in their temperament. Keep that one for showing and breeding, keeping the rest would only mean you are over running your kennel with dogs and putting an undue burden on yourself. That doesn't mean the other 3 aren't worth of being bred, as they come from a long line of quality dogs, it just means you are selective in keeping your kennel down to a manageable level.

No, you aren't out of luck....I can only tell you the road is hard to obtain one of those show quality dogs. 10 - 15 years ago it was much easier to obtain a show quality dog from a well known reputable kennel.....Things have transpired that has made it tougher.


I'll explain again how I did it.

My interest in yorkies began a few decades ago, always wanted one, but as a pet. My husband gave me one as a gift, a year later I adopted another one. Both were spayed.

I wanted to learn more about the yorkie standard; health, temperament, care, etc. I began attending yorkie functions and met a wonderful lady (my mentor, breeder, adopted mother). Joined a Specialty Club, began attending dog shows (this helped me determine the type dog I liked, talking to breeders, helping them out at shows. Fetching and carrying, holding, cleaning x-pens.....pretty much grunt work. Then the show bug hit me (the breeding thing didn't even enter my mind). Began researching pedigrees and breeders (in my opinion, picking your breeder first is the most important thing). Once I determined my type, I approached my mentor and began absorbing everything she would share with me and allowing her to get to know me. I was at her home, working in her kennel for months before I approached her for a show dog, asking her to pick it out for me. I didn't get one for a year and half. I then traveled with her then handler for another 6-8 months learning grooming, handling and the art of presentation before she allowed me in the ring. I didn't breed or get near a whelping box (other than assisting her) until I championed 3 dogs, attended breeding seminars, canine genetic classes. A long road, yes, but well worth it.

You hit the nail on the head. That is why I asked the question I did. How do the show breeders better the breed when all of their breeding stock is being spayed and neutered and most wouldnt wouldnt think of letting someone that is actually trying to produce top of the line dogs for the public to own (hence bettering the yorkie population that is out there? If we are spaying and neutering all of these wonderful lines, how are we able to better the breed?

Which is what most of us here are doing but it is still frowned upon because we are only "in it for the money" if we dont show.

I think this should be posted again!!

well.... all this being said, does anyone know of a good website to check and see what shows are going on in my area... I live in vegas and I have never heard of a show going on here... I am in ca. everyone few months and I know alot happends at the pomona fairplex in so cal... but like i said... is there a good site???

Onofrio.com or the AKC website will tell you what shows are coming.

and this one gives you the results

www.infodog.com

sweetyblue is a good website to check out pics of show dogs and gives lots of information about who is who in the show world. You can find links to some very good kennels and top show breeders in the world. Very interesting stuff.

Infodog.com
or Bradshaw Superintendents.....which pretty much is the Superintendent for the West Coast
Onofrio.com handles the Central States/Texas, Oklahoma, NM, etc.