Finding A Show Puppy?? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

BabyBrizzy · 03-21-2010, 09:18 PM

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!

Mardelin · 03-22-2010, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBrizzy

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.....

rosemark · 03-28-2010, 05:39 PM

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!

Mardelin · 03-28-2010, 07:14 PM

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.

topknot · 03-29-2010, 01:21 AM

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.

topknot · 03-29-2010, 02:10 PM

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.

BabyBrizzy · 03-29-2010, 02:23 PM

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!

topknot · 03-29-2010, 02:31 PM

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.

Mardelin · 03-29-2010, 02:43 PM

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

topknot · 03-29-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mardelin

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.

...::: Welcome to Yorky Club - Shopping - Products :::...

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!!

Mardelin · 03-29-2010, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topknot

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!!

cool!

BabyBrizzy · 03-29-2010, 03:32 PM

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!

Mardelin · 03-29-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBrizzy

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.

BabyBrizzy · 03-29-2010, 03:44 PM

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.

Mardelin · 03-29-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBrizzy

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.

03-21-2010, 09:18 PM	#1
BabyBrizzy BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Taylorsville, UT USA Posts: 372	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!

03-28-2010, 05:39 PM	#3
rosemark Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lavon, TX, USA Posts: 16	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 Fett* Rosemark Kennel--Yorkshire Terriers

03-28-2010, 07:14 PM	#4
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	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. __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers*

03-29-2010, 02:43 PM	#9
Mardelin Mardelin Yorkshire Terriers Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: California Posts: 14,776	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 __________________ Mardelin *Yorkshire* *Terriers* Last edited by Mardelin; 03-29-2010 at 02:45 PM.

03-29-2010, 01:21 AM	#5
topknot Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: GA Posts: 3,787	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.

03-29-2010, 02:10 PM	#6
topknot Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: GA Posts: 3,787	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.

03-29-2010, 02:23 PM	#7
BabyBrizzy BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Taylorsville, UT USA Posts: 372	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!

03-29-2010, 02:31 PM	#8
topknot Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: GA Posts: 3,787	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.

03-29-2010, 03:32 PM	#12
BabyBrizzy BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Taylorsville, UT USA Posts: 372	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!

03-29-2010, 03:44 PM	#14
BabyBrizzy BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Taylorsville, UT USA Posts: 372	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.