Finding A Show Puppy??
 

Hello YT.com! This is my very first time posting so please forgive me if this is in the wrong place. I am very interested in learning about showing Yorkies and tips on picking out a good puppy for show. I fell inlove with Yorkies when I was 6. I found YT last winter when I rescued a pregnant and neglected Yorkie from an abandoned shed. (she delivered 3 healthy boys and a tiny girl, btw!) I read some very beneficial posts on here about whelping (it was my first time ever even seeing a dog give birth, let alone trying to help!) Needless to say it terrified me and I am not sure I want to go thru it again! I almost fainted when the first one came out at 4:35 am Thanksgiving Morning!

But I digress! My post here is so that I can find a good Show Breeder, or maybe one of you have a Show puppy. Or tips for me to know what to look for...? Any help will be much appreciated!

There are many posts on how to find a show puppy. The journey is long and hard. There are no short cuts.

Your first step would be to attend as many shows as you possibly can. Talk to as many breeder/exhibitors as you possibly can. This enables you to decide the type yorkie you prefer, learn from the best and allows exhibitors to get to know you. Study pedigrees, go to the best of the best. When the time comes to approach that breeder/exhibitor breeder for your puppy and one agrees to allow you to have one (it'll will most likely be a male your first time around), more than likely that breeder/exhibitor will become your mentor, teaching you everything there is to know about exhibiting/grooming/nutrition/genetics/structure/health/breeding/whelping, etc. If you're really lucky your mentor will be a tough task master. However, be prepared your show dog will come with a stringent contract......No reputable exhibitor/breeder will hand over a dog just because you want one.

Remember go to the best, don't go to the first person that will sell you a dog on an open registration, just because it's the fastest and easiest way. Many an exhibitor has gone this route only to have to begin all over again.

It doesn't happen overnight.....Find your breeder first......one that you can trust and trusts you.....

Buying a show puppy
 

Mary's advise is good. You need to go to the shows and meet the exhibitors and get to know the people. If you buy a show dog from someone out of the area, you won't find yourself with much of a support team to help you out, which can be a miserable existence and not the best way to get started showing dogs. It is really wise to buy from someone you have gotten to know personally who can mentor you at the shows. But, if that is not feasible, then please proceed cautiously.

Just because someone can produce a couple of blue ribbons, this does not make them a show breeder. Ask quite simply, "how many AKC champions have you produced in the past 5 years?" The breeder should be able to produce championship certificates to support this claim.

Ask for references for others who have purchased a show dog from the breeder and have a very frank conversation with them. How long did it take to finish the dog? If they used a handler, how long did it take and what did it cost? What problems did they have with the dog?

Read the contract. An acquaintence purchased as "show prospect" for $2,000 when the puppy was 3 months old. The contract offered no guarantees of any sort and by the time the pup was a year old the top had gone horribly off and the rear movement was awful. This pup wasn't even a good quality pet, but the buyer was stuck with the dog. It's worth the extra money to have a contract that offers some level of guaranty that a title can be achieved or the dog will be replaced, but know that these types of contracts also require that you use a handler to finish the dog if you are not successful doing it yourself. You have to factor the cost of a handler and entry fees into the cost of a show dog. A $2000 dog that cost $10,000 to finish is not a bargain compared to a $4000 dog that cost $3000 to finish.

Don't buy a show dog that is less than 6 months old. Only an experienced breeder with knowledge of the bloodlines will have any level of success doing this. By now you should have met someone you feel knows the breed. Ask them to evaluate the pup, the pedigree and also to look over the contract.

Don't buy a dog you until you can see it yourself. Thanks to YouTube, videos can be posted so you can evaluate live movement. This can at least help you pre-screen which dogs you go to look at. But you really need to meet the dog to evaluate things such as coat texture and temperament.

Be realistic. When you are buying your first show dog, it won't be perfect, as most breeders won't be willing to part with a a great dog when you are not known to them. But it still should be good enough to do well in the show ring.

Good luck to you!

Rosanne,

You know how long I hung around shows...doing the fetch and carry routine....asking questions, making a pest of myself.....

I will add to Rosanne's statement......there really is no perfect dog. But, if you find a good mentor that is willing to take a chance on you. More than likely they will provide you with a good dog....after all it's their reputation in the ring....and they wouldn't want you showing anything from their line that is mediocre.

I read on here that she is getting a puppy from Allor. I do not know forsure if it is for show or not - http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-1-female.html I just saw her post.

Mary and Roseanne are so right. I know I had to pay my dues back when I started. I was lucky and my mentor/s took me under their wings. We had a breed club in my area, so I was with so many top breeders. I learned about showing and the breed from them - it took years and I had to listen and watch carefully. I had to prove myself to them that I would do right with one of their dogs. I had to earn that respect. They learned I would persevere... I was here to stay and do right by the breed. I earned their trust. This all takes time. It goes both ways. You are also learning about the breeders, learning about grooming, pedigrees, type, etc, etc.... It is not easy to get that title ch. in front of the dog's name and not all get it. It takes the right dog and you have to learn what a dog needs to win. This is one sport you cannot jump feet first into.

Yes, I was looking into getting a puppy from her, but after more consideration and research I think I am going to wait. I finally found a local toy breed group here. They aren't Yorkie specific but I am confidant it will help put me in the right direction. I want to do everything the right way and this is something I plan on doing for a long time. I am 24, and I have enough time and money to do things right. So I can be patient!

That is great you are joining the toy group. You will learn a lot there too. You may meet some yorkie people there too. We do not have a breed club now here where I moved to. I am so sad about this. Be patient and learn all you can. A mistake can be in thousands of dollars. With our breed you have to be patient.

Good for you, I'm glad you decided to take your time and do your research, keep in mind your big picture.....go slow, ask questions.....and remember to have fun.

If you can attend some seminars...on canine genetics, breeding, whelping, handling.....oh go to yorkie club and order some DVDs on grooming, training.....etc.

http://www.yorkyclub.com/en/Products.asp?cat=11

Oh Mary - You just made my day!! I went to your link and saw the new issue of Yorky Club was in and went to reviews (since I have not received my issue yet) and there was my baby girl on the page across from pet travel - "Photo Contest!" She is the one on the bottom row, 1st photo on the left.

Ahhhh... made my day! I can't wait to see the issue. Thanks!! :love::thumbs up

cool!

Thank you guys again! I am very happy to know that I can get good advise on here! I really want to do what is best for the dogs future and I dont feel guilty about walking away. I want what I want, and I am just gonna have to stick to that and not be swayed!

In the beginning I could have been swayed on any given day....I would have loaded my house up with pet yorkies....either that or taken a not so great dog in the ring and dragged around for 2 years wondering why it wouldn't Champion........it's tough....but get your knowledge under your belt......how to spot a good dog or better yet a good breeder that will be your mentor.

I knew nothing in the beginning and had my mentor pick out my first show dog.

I go to my first meeting on Thursday, but have already talked via email to 2 of the ladies in the Group. They are both excited to welcome me into the group and I am excited to have been accepted! I think that in a year or 2 of studying I will have a Show pup I can be proud of! Oh, and for those of you following, Aiko, my rescue, I talked to Dr. Hawthorne on here (thank you guys for the referral) and I feel much more confidant! He suggests waiting until the day 50 mark, getting x-rays and going from there. He says if she is healthy, and the pups measure ok, there is no reason to terminate the pregnancy. I am going to fly out to Dallas after I get the x-rays done and have him look her over either way. So thank you all again for ALL of your wonderful advise and referrals! It looks like we might have a litter coming in May.

My one question to you are you planning to stay in Dallas until she whelps. There is no one I would trust with a wee one like this one than Doc Hawthorne.

yes my sister lives there and I will be staying with her til they are here! He was so nice, I starting crying on the phone. All the vets I met with here brushed off my concern like I was crazy. He spent over 30 minutes with me letting me ask all my questions! He was soo sweet!

Doc is marvelous.....he's in his mid forties...looks a lot like Jim Belushi.....never makes you feel like an idiot. When you see him Tell him Mary Lundgren misses him.

I told him both you and Roxanne referred me. He knew who both of you were the moment I said your names and YT. LOL. He was very sweet and said you both were dear friends of his! Thank you guys again!

My mentor Lee Grunewald/This Time - has used him since graduated vet school. He owns one of her yorkies. He's also Monolo's Mom/Lissette vet.

That makes sense because he kept telling me about what he does with Lee's pups and I had no clue who that was! LOL!

Allor's
 

I am so pleased that she decided not to buy the puppy from me. I have doubts that she is who she said she is. I think her name is actually Amber not Brittiny like she said. I recieved a email from her and the email was began with amber (did not include full email address for privacy issues). When I first talk to her she was married then it changed to boyfriend then they then she started calling from a different number. I called her today ask her why her email was Amber, and wanted more info from her because I was called by someone who saw the post on here and they had dealt with someone named Amber from the Salt Lake area that was crooked. After I questioned her she decided not to buy the dog when I ask for her to send copy of her drivers license. When she said she would send the driver license I felt better about her. I guess since you know nothing about me you should know that I just won Best of Winners at the Lousiville Yorkie Speciality with my dog Stinger's He Still a Guy that I purchased from Anna I have finished one male and will be finishing Pacey soon he only needs 4pts to finish. I would be-wary of selling this person a puppy. I did not tell her that he was a show puppy just a prospect that is at this point showing all the signs of a dog that I would keep for show.

Now why would you post such a post as this?

The people that are posting on the OP thread are attempting to answer her questions on how to find a show breeder.

Susie,
I dont have to explain myself to you. But as I said, the email I wrote you from is not Amber, its AmberLily Studios. Look at it again. I told you from the beginning he does photography and I help him with it. And, I did in fact send you a picture of my drivers license, even though I did not need to. I have never once said bad things about you so I do not know why you are coming on here to slander me! And, yes I said we were married, because we have been together so long we refer to each other as husband and wife. I offered to fly out to you, so that you could meet me. I offered to take pictures of my home so you could see where the dog lived. I am sorry that you feel the need to say bad things about me, and it honestly makes me feel more secure in my decision NOT to buy from you.

because
 

I felt you needed to know who she is

Why, we aren't selling her a dog......just attempting to help her. She's not approached me for one, or Rosanne or anyone else. B

But, as I told her, she needs to buy her breeder first, one that is close enough to be her mentor.

One last thing. As I have said numerous times today, I called from my boyfriends phone because my daughter broke my phone. Not to mention, YOU emailed ME first, not the other way around. You are spreading lies about me. YOU never once asked me for personal information, I OFFERED it all! I have never tried to hide anything from you. And you are suddenly having issues AFTER I decided not to buy your puppy??? Who seems like the shady one now?

No need to go on with this in public or explain yourself, ok?

We're here to help you make the right decisions. No hidden agenda, as I, Rosanne or Tina/Topknot aren't here to sell puppies.

One last thing, because this is rediculous, You were going to send me a puppy sight unseen. I said that I would fly out there because I would want to see where the dog lived, the parents, and would want to make sure the dog and I clicked before I brought it home. YOU have called me between 10-15 times a day EVERY DAY since Friday. I DID send you my ID, even after I decided not to buy, so that you wouldnt feel like I was scamming you. I NEVER did anything that could be mistaken for scamming anyone! You kept saying to mail you a check for the deposit, or just hurry up and send the deposit through paypal. I wanted time to think about everything, and you just seemed to rush me! So think carefully here, because plenty of people read these posts and I have the phone records, emails, and voicemails you left to back me up on this!

Ok, sorry Mary. I am done now. I am just hurt that she is doing this. Boy am I glad that I asked around for advise today before sending the deposit! And NOW I fully understand why you are saying its best to deal with someone local!

tell the truth
 

No you did not offer to send me picture of your house nor did you send your drivers license if you are who you say than fine there are so many people out there that are not who they say. There is a person named amber who a great of people had problems with this person. When I saw Amber in the email it brought great concern and I was try to protect my puppies I am very sorry if I offended you but it seemed very strange to me. You can never be to careful you have to know where your puppies are going. I am very careful and yes you did offer to come pick up your puppy. which i appreciated. Again I apoligize if this is not the case and you are who you say.