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12-11-2013, 08:04 AM | #1 |
YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: dearborn heights
Posts: 1,148
| Idea weight for show?!? I was just wondering what is the ideal weight for a show quality yorkie?? I know it's not over 7 lbs...but I am wondering what is too little....I would assume under 5lbs for a female because they'd be too little to breed...but I am not sure...and what about the males. Just curious is all....as I've heard people say they've bought/sold puppies because they weren't going to make weight to show. |
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12-11-2013, 08:14 AM | #2 | |
YT 2000 Club Donating Member | Quote:
__________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018 | |
12-11-2013, 08:52 AM | #3 |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas
Posts: 7,959
| Actually at the shows I have been to I see yorkies of all sizes in the ring. The smaller females that are under 5 lbs usually have a harder time competing and do not normally finish as easily. I have seen males and females under 5 lbs that have become champions but I would say most are in the 5 to 7 lbs range. Some of the top winning yorkies are over 7 lbs. The larger yorkies are able to compete better in the group ring. Those yorkie exhibitors that have been showing for a long time have learned what the different judges prefer. Some judges more consistently put up the smaller yorkies and some will put up the bigger ones. There is so much more to consider than weight when judging yorkies. Yorkies all have different body structure. In the ring you might have two yorkies that are the same exact weight but at a glance one might look bigger than the other. Some are tall and fine boned and some have a short cobby body. To me the leggier yorkies have a more elegant movement. You just have to look at the structure of the dog.
__________________ "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." |
12-11-2013, 09:52 AM | #4 |
YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: dearborn heights
Posts: 1,148
| Thanks!! I've noticed that the smaller yorkies seem to be more popular in pet owners, but for show, it's the opposite...and I always wondered why... It seems like yorkies, in general can vary a lot....not only in size and bone structure, but in looks as well. I have one that's tall with a thin bone structure and one that's short and cobby...and you're right, my tall, leggy guy definitely has a prettier gate than my short legged guy. My short one's gate reminds me of a bulldog....neither of course, are show quality, but I can definitely see what you mean through watching them move. My taller, leggy one is actually 1/2 the weight of my shorter, cobby one as well. |
12-11-2013, 10:07 AM | #5 | |
Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama
Posts: 17,674
| I agree 100%. Sadly, the main focus of the conformation ring as a "proving ground for your breeding prospect" fallen by the wayside. Much of the Yorkshire Terrier breed standard is so ambiguous that too much discretion is allowed the judges in placing classes. To become successful in the show ring, one must carefully select and show to the judge(s) whose interpretation of the breed standard and/or the judge's personal preference most closely matches your dog/bitch. Then the show politics comes in to play. I have actually been ringside and heard judges ask breeders/handlers "what they need" and have the judge place the class accordingly. Quote:
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12-11-2013, 11:13 AM | #6 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Mesquite, TX
Posts: 2,659
| I always thought that the smaller females weren't shown in rings because of the same reason. Same as showing an altered male. If you can't breed them for the betterment of the breed, why show? (Not that I agree with any of that, but that's always been what I understood)
__________________ "You've never learned to live until you've done something for someone for which they can never repay you."~Ralph Hall. |
12-11-2013, 11:41 AM | #7 | |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas
Posts: 7,959
| Quote:
__________________ "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." | |
12-11-2013, 11:47 AM | #8 | |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas
Posts: 7,959
| Quote:
You are so correct about the yorkie standard. It gets so confusing because there are so many different looks within the yorkie breed.
__________________ "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." | |
12-14-2013, 05:38 AM | #9 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: GA
Posts: 3,787
| Yes, smaller females don't usually get the winning points. Note I say usually. There are some that will show a smaller female for the sport of getting out there and practicing their technique. I had one female as a pup that had it all and then stopped growing and stayed at 4 pounds. She was not getting the points. I asked a judge one day after ring time and she told me any points on this bitch would be wasted (she could not be bred). This happened in the beginning if my career when I was learning. She was spayed and was a pet from that show on. And what that judge said made total sense! And yes, there are some judges that prefer the smaller type. But all in all, the most wins go to females between 5 - 7 pounds. I prefer 6 pounds. Males - I have never seen a 3.5 pounds or less show in the confirmation ring. Yes, weight is Not the most important. It is about movement, balance, structure, coat, and temperament. Yorkies are terriers and must show confidence in the ring. You want a nice silky straight coat with good color. You want a straight topline as they move as if they could carry a cup and saucer on top of their backs. Judges also look at measurement of eyes, head, ear placement, and muzzle. When showing you have to take in account at what is in the ring that day. That is what the judge has to pick from for placement. |
12-14-2013, 02:18 PM | #10 | |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southeast Texas
Posts: 7,959
| Quote:
__________________ "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." | |
12-19-2013, 11:52 AM | #11 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,721
| Showing has definitely been of strong interest to me and when I got my girl I followed her lines and definitely went into it with the intent to show. Turns out I had a lot of foundation to develop just as far as our relationship and being a dog owner goes - and it has been a great journey I love my girl Anywho, I have intentionally attended a few shows over the last four years or so - specifically to watch the yorkies- and have done some reading in the attempt to educate myself, though it seems as though there is limited literature (at least structured in the way I want it to be: Clear, Step by Step, how to) to be read on the subject. What I have read and found to read easily though, is breed standard and expectations and I find myself, within this thread, with a question...isn't weight specifications for show restricted to the AKC breed standard of 4-8lbs? Mind you, I am uneducated on this subject so I am hoping that the clever show seasoned ladies of yorkie talk will tell me My girl turned out to be a teeny tiny even though with her parentage and among her siblings and charting she was more likely to be larger.
__________________ Alyssa and Lilah |
12-19-2013, 12:22 PM | #12 | |
YT 2000 Club Donating Member | Quote:
Kirsten McGregor has some good videos on show preparation and training, I am sure if you google her you will find those videos for sale. For an oldie but a goodie overall with very clear examples see: Rachel Page Elliotts Dogsteps: What to look for in a Dog. The AKC breed standard does not list a range of pounds - just not to exceed 7lbs. It is best to attend a show handling class or three, where you will get step by step instructions. Remember this is a practical skill you are trying to learn so hands on practice is necessary. They will show you how to gather the lead in your hand, where to place the collar and how to keep it taut without being too tight. How to stack your dog. There are some good videos on YouTube for this as well. This helps you to learn how to practice intelligently with your dog. You can also attend at some shows Practice conformation rounds, that is fun and the judges are really out to help each exhibitor. There are a lot of moving parts when you step into that ring. You have the judges instructions (which you need to hear) even if your dog is acting up Staying a correct distance from your competitor - you don't want to crowd the dog ahead of you. And while there is a standard way of going through the judging session, just when you become comfy, you will get a judge vary it up. No stacking first, Go around, and then go around again, do the down n back. Now I will examine. Just a for instance of how a judge might mix it up on you. That is why it is very good to watch how that judge you are under today handles his ring; that is to try to limit the surprise on your part when you walk into the ring. Don't just watch how the Yorkies are handled, take videos of most of the toy breed moving and being handled in the ring. Then walk over to the terrier group, after all Yorkies are terriers As a handler you want to present your dog and show off their best attributes. You got a good moving Yorkie? Well take that whole length of the down and back mat. And btw the Mat is there for your dog and NOT YOU. You should be on either side of the mat with your dog prime center piece in the middle. Now to show off the best attributes you need to know what they are. A fine head? A dead level top line? A sweet expression? A perfect coat? THis would then go into finetuning the stack presentation. Treats or called baiting in the ring. Well you got to learn how to handle that. Many pro handlers put the bait in their mouth. I only do that when I have real meat or chicken, and it took me years to carry bait in my mouth, and actually have a conversation with the judge Mainly we use our pockets for bait. Some judges will force you to show under loose lead, and you betta be ready for that. In fact in one fantastic seminar I went to, the judge spent 30 minutes practising with us, so that we would show any dog under loose lead. A trot, is a trot, is a trot...... Welllllllllll............. Somewhat. Each dog has a preferred best shown at trotting speed. You learn this through self videoing and varying your speed at the trot. Or practise with a knowledgeable partner. There are methods to train and teach your dog how to extend their trot, and they are well worth the effort. Also video your dog free moving, not under lead, somewhere safe, like in your fenced in backyard, hopefully you will see that wonderfull fluid trot happen. For Yorkies what I have found given my height of 5'3" I can extend my legs and walk fast and usually can get most Yorkies at their fullest extended trot. You when you show depending on the size and preference of your dog, need to extend your pacing. If your normal pace length is 10" then you want to extend to what is practical for you to do, maybe it is up to 16" or 18". You need the right shoes to do this with. NO HEELS or stilettos out in the ring, for you you want a non slip sole on your shoe. And so you practice varying the length of your stride. Truly it can be very fun, experimenting learning, and finally achieving your goal. Good luck in the rings
__________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018 | |
12-19-2013, 12:32 PM | #13 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,721
| Quote:
__________________ Alyssa and Lilah | |
04-24-2014, 10:03 PM | #14 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,721
| Oh my gosh! I have been searching for this thread all night long- seriously!!! gemy, you gave me great references and advice and I always thought of this amazing posting moment and figured it would be in my post history. Little did it occur to me how ridiculous it would be for the computer to hold thirty pages of posts from yeArs gone by! So excited to find this post and re reference these great tips web I need to touch stone back to my goals and ideas- yay! And thank you again so much Gemy
__________________ Alyssa and Lilah |
04-26-2014, 10:30 AM | #15 |
YT 2000 Club Donating Member | You are more than welcome. Hope you are having fun in the ring
__________________ Razzle and Dara. Our clan. RIP Karma Dec 24th 2004-July 14 2013 RIP Zoey Jun9 th 2008-May 12 2012. RIP Magic,Mar 26 2006July 1st 2018 |
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