Whew! Loaded question....but here it goes. And it goes back to the get go.

First obtain your yorkie from the best of the best....a dog that comes from a long line of Champions. I was taught in the beginning....make sure that there are at least 10 generations of Champions in a pedigree...including the sire and/or the dam. Go to the best of the best. But, have the pup evaluated by other experienced breeder/exhibitors/judges. I was informed that a good breeder will only sell you a show dog that they would have no hesitation in keeping in their kennel. After all it is there reputation in the ring.

Now I was also told that if you as a newbie have obtained a good dog......put it with a handler as a newbie you can ruin the dog for the ring.

Now, keep at mind the average age and that is average.....a dog begins winning is between 10 and 18 months of age (keeping in mind that it varies). Most of my dogs have been Championed by 14 to 16 months of age....With the exception of my Charmer, since I didn't bring him out until 2.

Now in answer to your question, if you're dragging a dog for over a year and not putting points on it...I'd have the dog reevaluated...it could be something you're doing wrong.....But, if that is not the case, you're wasting your money.....Now I've seen some exhibitors drag their dog around for over two years, have they Championed them, yeah!. But, you have to look at their competition and the shows they were shown at.

I'm not sure it's the scared factor LOL I think it's more frustration when the handler wins more than they should but then again, if your dog that you are trying to get their championship isn't winning after awhile especially if you've been showing awhile (not a novice) and know what you are doing then maybe one needs to reevaluate their dog...now a novice on the other hand it could take longer to finish one.
The classes are very different than the breed class when it comes to handlers winning more than the owner/handler....when I show Radar myself I know it's going to be harder for me to win against the handlers most of the time but I have won a lot and I've lost a lot but it doesn't make me run from the handlers. With Radar I haven't placed myself in the group because he was campaigned and I had a handler show him but when I can finally say "I" got a group placement or group win it WILL be competing with the top handlers. I don't run from them LOL...they happen to be in my area and I just can't go from state to state staying away from them so...I get my happy butt in the ring with them LOL...Yes, I've hired a handler for the breed ring the last couple of weekends but it's to get my face seen in the group ring so the judges can start to see my face in the group and then that should show them I have a good yorkie and then hopefully it will pay off in the breed ring with me showing Radar instead of hiring that "handler". Sometimes you have to play the game to get in the game :)

Donna

I don't know about you, but in the beginning I was scared.....all these experienced people in the ring.....I was so afraid that I was going to make an A@@ out of myself....

I prefer showing in the group ring....I'm a bit more relaxed it's a different atmosphere. Maybe because you have a bit more time before the judge gets to you.......

so what is the difference between class and group ring? is one higher than the other?

the difference is the breed winner then goes to the group as yorkies are in the toy group and then the winner of that particular group goes on to Best In Show :) There are 7 groups and the winner of each group goes to the Best in Show ring :)

The Class ring is when you are Championing a dog. The Group Ring is for those that have taken Best of Breed, usually dogs that have already been Championed and competiting for Best of Breed and racking up points for top yorkies.....Now that doesn't mean a Class dog (unchampioned) can't take BOB, cause it does happen....

Donna is great! This is a girl that was in Westminster!! Way to go!

Awww Tina you are so sweet!!! I had so much fun showing at the Garden! I wasn't even nervous at all and that surprised me LOL! I will be glad when me and Radar get that look instead of just the handler and not the dog! I know Radar is a good example of the breed and sometimes I do get frustrated when he loses to an inferior dog....but I move on and say it's another day at the dog show LOL!

Connie....you are so sweet and Radar and I appreciate you and everyone's support!!! I love my boy with all my heart and yes he is a winner in my eyes and always will be!! He's DA MAN!!! And he sure loves his momma too :)

I have also known handlers to show a dog forever and it never finish. So you just have to make sure what ever dog you place in the ring - with or without a handler is a good dog.

How long to show a dog to see if they have it? If you are in the ribbons in with a large class or 1st or 2nd in class of 4 then your dog has a pretty good chance. If it is not doing this after two weekends of showing - you might need to rethink it. Just my opinion. Here in my neck of the woods - we usually show them as a pup (for experience) and then pull them till they are about 2 and re-enter them for the points. Here it is best to have that coat to the ground. Some dogs with out floor length coats do win, but not as often when going up against really good dogs in floor length coats.
Just remember every show is a new day with a new judge and sometimes with different dogs. Also most dogs perform differently day to day.

Donna - I would love to have you next to me in the ring anyday! You are a real pro and love Radar!

Well Tina are you planning the Oklahoma or Texas shows?

Awwwww Tina you are gonna make me blush LOL! Showing is a passion and I love being in the ring! I"ve learned a lot from watching the top handlers in the ring :) Radar and I will get there or I know I will one day because Mr. Radar won't be in the ring forever LOL...

May be Houston in July!! Or wait for the Specialty in August. I have been invited again by so many of you guys in TX - I feel like family and can't wait to see everyone. So looks like the RV may get in a real long trip this year. Hehhehe I can't wait!!

The 3 day show in Houston? Or the Specialty in August? I"ll be at both tho LOL

I know I can get to the three days in July since I am off for summer with work. The one in August being a Specialty would be better, but it is during work schedule and would need to take off some days. So looks like July, unless I can get the time off. I will know better the end of school.