I'd also like to add that my sister purchased a Doberman from a show breeder. It had the word "KENNEL" in the name when she called to inquire about a puppy. There were separate areas for whelping, grooming and whatever else she needed to do with her dogs that she owned. It did not look like the local shelter. But at the same time there is a thread in the rescue forum with very sick dogs that were from a show breeder that were very sick from neglect. It's all about your breeding ethics and quality of care that you (in general) give to your dogs.

I'm not understanding what you are trying to say. :confused:

:thumbup::thumbup:

Are you a "volume breeder"? My comments, along with my eye roll, was for those that are volume breeders and also those that are in support of them.

Jodi, there's more to life than a dog show and I feel that if a person thinks that they need to put their precious animals in a kennel, then their priorities are a little messed up.

This has been asked about "pet breeders", but how about directed at those that show....just how many breeders do we need to "better the breed"? How many is too many? I know that some, within this thread, have said that 5-10 litters a year is fine depending on who the breeder is and on their facility and the money that they have to provide for care. Why is this okay?

Tammy I'd trade places with my show dogs any day. First my dogs have all the best of food for their healthy diet, that is home cooked by me, and served up by me. Then I would have someone who would be bathe me frequently, and give me daily massages during bath times and before exercising and after exercising. I would have a high quality bed that supports my joints well. At the least little sneeze I'd be bundled up and taken to the doctor to see what is what.
Then I'd have someone who took me on lots of interesting walks and hikes, swimming in the lake in the summer, and in the winter at an indoor pool.
My hair would always be nicely brushed and I'd never have any knots.
Then 2 or 3 times a week I get to show off my jumping skills and heeling skills because I love to keep my brain engaged, and there is nothing I like more than working with the one I love the most.
I would have someone to give me a free weekly pedicure, and nice hairstyle too

Once a month or so I'd go to a really exciting place with lots of dogs around, and I'd get to strut my stuff in the ring. I love doing this because I know I'm with Mom 24/7 those days, and in her presence which is the bestest thing I could ask for.

Oh yes; I'd have someone to plan my vacations so that I could come, and then we'd swim everyday, and hike, and have BBq's.

I'd have someone who always buckled me into my car seat/crate, and took me all around, we get to meet lots of ppl when Mom's says let's go have fun and do some shopping too.

So yes Tammy I'd exchaange my life for that of one of my show dogs.

Tammy, I am not a Breeder but I am an Exhibitor and a Pet owner. Have you
been to a Dog Show? You might want to go to a Specialty and visit with
these Breeders and their Yorkies. They love their dogs and the dogs are well
cared for. You will see a Spectacular representation of a Yorkie. Their
Breeding practices are very defined. Lot's of research goes into Breeding,
not just putting two dogs together. My Mentor has Championed over 100
dogs and Bitches.
I am so amazed on how she studies the lines and goes back many generations before breeding.

You need to come to San Antonio in
July!!!

Gail, Can I be your show dog in my next life? I'll trade my life for your show dog anytime LOL...

There are some that just aren't going to get it or want to understand it or go to a dog show or really get involved in it. That's ok to those who don't but to those that do will have a deeper understanding of what is all involved and entails.
Donna

LOL of course Donna; as long as I could be one of your show dogs in my next life;) Ahem can I choose the sex? If so I've always wanted to live a life as a male:p

That argument could be made about any endeavor in life. There is more to life...who is to determine what is important or meaningful or worthy?

I have only been to 1 show and visited 1 show home, but I have seen the passion and I understand the attraction.

I'm already on Gail's wait list to be one of her show dogs. :D

Well heck there is more to life than one's passion for going to a baseball game, or football or basketball or a basket weaving class....at least when I put dogs in their kennels it's for their protection...

The word "kennel" is not a dirty word...dictionary says it is a place where dogs are housed, bred, trained or boarded..so I would say anyone here who has a dog, breeds it, trains it not to pee on the floor, provides a food and shelter..HAS A KENNEL.

AKC refers to a breeders prefix..as a Kennel prefix..they do not care if you have 1 or 50, 500...

The biggest mistake a novice breeder makes is saying they breed for health and temperment..a good pet for families. It is not enough...good pets come from shelters of all types...why breed more. The only reason to ever, ever breed a purebred litter of puppies to follow the standard as best as possible, present the show quality to be judged by your peers..do not harm to the breed and strive to improve, not destroy the breed.

Believe it or not this can be done on a very small basis in your home or in a large kennel...
AND one more point if I may...people complain show people are snobbish, won't converse at shows, standoffish...it is the same as going up to a professional athlete at a game and asking questions...it may all look like fun and games, but it is dead serious...without show breeders the Yorkie disappears or what we know as a Yorkie disappears. Are exhibtors the only ones who can produce a quality litter?..NO, but without close ties and involvement you are fooling yourself.

In turn, my question would be~" how many breeders do we need that are NOT bettering the breed"? I'd much rather see a well tended small home kennel producing 5 to 10 litters of puppies who is a member of a breeding club with governing rules to follow and answer to regarding their ethics and breeding vs the alternative. I have a home full of the alternative and see it here every day. :( Have you been reading and posting to any of the sick puppy threads since Christmas? It\'s heartbreaking to read and fathom how many horrible breeders there are cranking out puppies.

PS..an unhappy, nelgected, unloved Yorkie does not a good show dog make...

[QUOTE=megansmomma;3378963]In turn, my question would be~" how many breeders do we need that are NOT bettering the breed"?

ZERO...