Just starting out in VA
 

I am completely new to dog shows and was wondering if there is anyone out there that might be in VA or near VA that would possibly take the time to mentor me? I have looked at a few pups in my area so far, but none were quality pups. How does one even get into this arena since it seems that most exhibitors keep their show pups for themselves? I know it takes a while to see if the dog will be quality or not and it's best to buy an older pup, but do newbies usually buy dogs that have already been started and are being sold for some reason? I greatly appreciate any advice that is given! Thanks!

Have you attended any dog shows yet? Here is a website that lists all the upcoming shows in Virginia:
InfoDog List of Pure Bred Dog Shows Held in VA

I recommend you take your time looking for a mentor and the right dog. If you attend some dog shows you can probably meet some people in your area that are showing. You can also check out the ytca website and perhaps find some breeder/exhibitors in your area.

Thanks! I'll check out the link. I've been to a few shows so far and am definitely taking my time to find the perfect pup. I'm in no hurry. I've waited this long- it won't kill me to wait a little longer :)

You might read this thread as there is some information on how to obtain a mentor.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...w-quality.html

Hello,
I am new to showing this go around also. I will tell you from personal experience that you should try to find a mentor first. One that you have seen show in the ring and one that fits with your personality. There are alot of people showing and some are showing very nice dogs and then there are a few that are showing less than standard dogs. Being in the arena and seeing what a standard looking Yorkie looks like goes a long way, but recognizing it in a lets say 6 month old is harder still. I had my mentor look for show quality pups and when I would get info on one and send it on to her. I gave her my full trust but not from day one. I spent a couple of months learning, being the gopher, and handling her younger dogs for experience for them and me while she handled her soon to be Grand Champion. It is there I have been learning the most. So when she finally said, "Oh, that is a nice looking pup." I asked for more pics and forwarded them to her, and from there I have my first real show prospect boy who attended his first show this past weekend.
I would tell you to go to the shows, watch and learn. From there you can see who has what for dogs and what traits you are looking for and what traits you do not want for sure. No dog is perfect, and it is finding what fits best, and finding that mentor that fits you also. I have a lady within 5 miles of me and there would be no way I would mentor under her no matter how bad I wanted to show. So I found my mentor but she is an hour and 15 mins away. Well worth the drive for me.
I wish you luck and keep that attitude about wanting to show. It is a hard world in the show world. Keep tough and try not to take things personal. A tough personality helps a lot.;)

All the earlier advice you have been given is really great. But I will share with you my experience in "getting" a show quality pup. It just might be a viable avenue to explore. For me, my trainer of my working breed, also breeds and trains and shows Yorkies. So mayhap if there are obedience shows in your area and btw they are often at conformation shows, you might look to see if there are Yorkies in the obedience,agility, or rally rings, and chat with those folks. It might be a long shot, but if you hook up with a breeder that also competes in agility and obedience, it may well be worth a look

Thanks! I will definitely look into that as I know there is a local agility club. Maybe someone there will be of help or know someone that could help.

I can only say you have been given some great advice already. I have 3 very wonderful Mentors. I doubt if I could have accomplished as much as I have without them.

I greatly appreciate all of the positive feed back!! Thanks!

I live and show about an hour from you. We have some of the top Yorkie breeders and exhibitors in the country in this area. There are several events that are coming up that you may want to consider. Our club is having a puppy match and free handling class on Jan. 9th in Point of Rocks, Md. There is also a show in Fredericksburg the next weekend that is usually well attended. If you have any questions feel free to ask.