You guys all gave great advice and know. There is so much one has to watch on a yorkie to see if they have the right "stuff" to make them a champion. Competition is tough here and if you do not have a good representation of the breed they are not going to get those points.

Yes, you have to hold on to your pups you think will make it and watch them closely. We have a very difficult breed and so much can go off with them before they mature. So you have to watch them and hold on to them. One should also hold on to their pups for awhile when doing a new breeding to see how the match turned out. You need to know this as a good breeder.

I have several that I am watching and feel pretty good about them. But I continue to hold my breath to make sure they will make it. Some I have had to watch till they were 1.5 years old, especially on color, coat, and size.

Personality is a big thing with yorkies. They are a terrier and the judges want to see that terrier attitude in the ring. If they do not have this, it is tough to finish them.

Another thing that makes a big difference is grooming talent. You may have a great yorkie, but if you do not know how to groom a yorkie's coat, it is difficult to get one finished. You have to have a good coat on a yorkie to do well competiting. This is another reason why many top breeders of our breed may not place one of their pups with a novice. They want to make sure you can grow a coat. That is one thing I feel I do very well at, but it took years of practice. I am glad that I had great mentors in the past to help me. I also read a lot and watched. Amazing what you can learn. Many people will get a nice yorkie with good lines to practice on to see how they can do with a coat first, before getting their first show dog.

Donna, you are so right. It is very important to have your dog evaulated by the experts. I do this as well. I just want to make sure I am not missing anything, someone else might catch. The ones evaulating your dogs, must know the standard and know the standard very well. You want to make sure they really do know how to evaulate. They must have evaluated many yorkies before to give an honest, well informed judgement!

Good luck to everyone. Showing is a lot of fun and very exciting. Finishing your first dog is especially a lot of fun! :)

This is one of the main reasons I belive breeders should be in the ring. It's not just about ribbons and trophies but the quality of dogs you are going to breed.

Thank you for mentioning this.:)

:thumbup::thumbup:

You're right Tina, the pup has to be exceptional especially if you're showing here on the Eastern Seaboard. We not only have the most amazing dogs in the ring from the top breeders in the country but we have the top handlers. The good thing is there are plenty of top yorkie people who are willing to take a look at your pup to evaluate it. I feel really honored to show with the greats but must admit it can be intimidating as well. This is a difficult breed to get right and they go through so many changes. Having fabulous people to mentor you really helps.

I know what you mean Tami! :) They help, because they really care. I have never met so many nice people that love the breed and so willing to share their knowledge and expertise. All you have to do is ask and some will help when they see you need it too. I was at a show once, shortly after returning and Gi was giving my daughter, who was showing her this day, and Gi was being a bit fiesty!Gi had already won Winners Bitch and had had enough of behaving. She was a teenager and hormones were out there. Well, a top yorkie person saw the trouble my daughter was having and actually came over to give her tips on how to hold Gi on the table. This person would go in later to compete with us and it came close for BOB. Infact the judge had Gi and this breeder's Special on the table together in the ring to make his final decision. She did not have to help, but because she was nice and cared, she helped. I will never forget this. Thank you! :D

I had to call another top yorkie person that I know late in the night for help and she was right there for me. I cannot thank this person enough. Thank you. :D

These people really care and I do not know what I would do without them. They are truly loved and greatly appreciated. I have met the best people showing yorkies. They are the greatest!! :thumbup: