Definitely something to read
 

Thanks for posting. It was an interesting article that touches on some things that should be discussed more often and openly. Just as breeders have to watch out for developing 'kennel blindness', judges should look at the whole dog and not have tunnel vision for certain traits. 'What wins in the ring' directly affects breeding choices and, in that way, steers the course for the breed into the future.

Thanks again :).

Thanks I am always doing research and when I come across something that may be of some interest to others I pass it on. It would be nice if show breeders and other responsible breeders would stop and really take a look at what they are breeding and producing as well as guiding new fanciers to what they should be striving for also.
I saw a judge this weekend that was all over the place with her judging. It was like she couldn't decide. Your right also that the judges need to look at the whole dog and not just what they like whether it be the head , the coat, the movement etc. It should all fall into place accordingly.

....here's another very good article. I've posted this before but think it fits in with the theme of this thread.

Young Yorkies Present AKC Standard Yorkshire Terriers Explained by Carolyn Hensley

Thanks for posting these, I need all the help I can get!

I love this website.

I found this benefical as well. I like the article you earlier posted. What I like about dog shows, and I've only experienced it infrequently is the adhoc sharing, experiencing, examining dogs that can go on.

I posted this some time ago, but my first US National for our breed I had my puppy in the ring. First time at a National for both of us. It was embarassingly obvious. I placed 4th in a class of nine. The ring steward was so I don't know what, embarassed for me, teed off, she said if you want to learn how to show come back here. So, I kenneled Magic, told my hubby where I was going went back and spent 3hours ringside. That steward (who was also a judge) would say to me watch this person, watch that person. Then as time permitted she say to me, see the hand placement, see the stack methodolgy. Watch this one gaiting. Then she said, look come back after show is over and I will give you some help. So I came back, in tow when others heard a few "bystanders/exhibitors" of the breed. Well low and behold the National judge was there too. Oh my Lord, I was so nervous. That judge said ... you should have won that class you know why you didn't? I said well, I suppose cause I did everything wrong. Yup was her answer. They had bought and gave to me the right show lead for this breed. They had me run up and down, around, critiquing everything. Then this stranger to my big rambuctious pup, took the lead from me, and I kid you not in less than 2minutes, had him stacked so well, running so well. I said OHMY HE Looks like a SHOW Dog. The two judges turned to me and snarled HE IS!. I learnt a LOT. We placed second the next day, and first the day after, under different judges. I have never forgotten their kindness, to a complete stranger. This is an example of the best of the dog world.

Yesterday, after the show, we gaited a dog of my breeders, and started assessing the dog's movement. This little girl is a natural beautiful stacker (that in itself tells you something about the dog). We were looking at the down and back in particular, and from that developed a plan of action, for her to train with this wee one. Also videos help us out a lot.

This kind of thing happens infrequently that I've seen at dog shows. But it does happen. I've seen breeders go up to very experienced handlers for their breed with their 5 or 6 mth old pup, for their assessment of the dog. I do wish that it happened more.

Both were awesome!! I am currently re-reading "The Complete Yorkshire Terrier" by Joan Gordon and Janet Bennett (Wildweir Kennels). I get so lost in the links from Huddersfield Ben and down:confused: and wonder if I need a map sometimes. I love learning and learning....
I have been attending handling/conformation class with a great instructor and met a yorkie exhibitor that is working on 2 pups currently. She went over my 3 potentials and she did so kindly but honestly. She has offered her assistance ringside as have my fellow kennel club toy exhibitors.
Between the classes and the reading I have learned more in the past 2 months than I could have ever dreamed.
Gail I am hopeful that my experiences in the ring are mostly positive like that. I know there will be negative, there is in every walk of life, but I hope that the positive will outweigh the negative. I may not have the best in the ring but my furbabies will never know that;). I will be taking in the best I could get and learning from the experience along the way.
To the OP thank you for posting this :thumbup:

No problem, I think that when we decide to own this beautiful breed it is only right that we also make sure we learn all we can about them and about how we can take care of them properly.