“DENTAL CARE IS PARAMOUNT.”
or kill one another at the drop of a hat. For their own safety, they are sep- arated when not attended. Finished Champions and pets sleep in the bed with us. Better than extra blankets in the winter. VBG 5. Do you feed supplements? Yes, dogs on diets, elderly dogs, sick dogs and bitches in whelp or nursing get vitamin supplements in addition to a premium food. 6. Where do you whelp your bitches? Bitches whelp in my bedroom in a 3x3 next to my bed. Mom and pups stay there until the pups are weaned. 7. How and when do you deter- mine a show quality puppy? I start evaluating attitude as soon as the pups are playing. When they are able to trot in the courtyard, I start watching for movement and structure. A signature detail of the Yorkshire Terrier is coat texture and color. Texture can be discerned as a pup. Color continues to change until maturity, which may be as long as three years. Here, experience is the guide and knowing how your line matures. 8. At what age do you begin train- ing? Please share training tips. As soon as the pups can stand, I stack them for a few moments every day. Handling and cuddling begins at birth. Nails are done weekly, as much for the sake of mom’s tummy as training. Light brushing starts around six to eight weeks. As long as they are clean, I delay bathing as they seem to start tangling after the first bath and grooming becomes more intensive. When they are walking well we bait them to follow with toys or food. I also put a soft collar on pups around eight weeks when I am there to watch them. They become accustomed to having something around their neck and it makes lead training a breeze when the time comes. 9. Do you think your current standard is adequate? If not, what changes would improve it? The standard is not a problem; how- ever, some people choose to interpret it without reading the entire thing and evaluating all pieces. Opening a breed standard to revision is a daunting task. Every member has a pet peeve they want to see addressed and seldom do a major-
ity agree on given points. Our standard was written with leeway for individual variations within the basic description. Assumed was the tenant that breeders would not breed unsound, unhealthy or poorly structured dogs to the detriment of the breed. The YTCA did add a DQ for color four years ago as AKC was reg- istering any color and even parti color dogs. The standard clearly states Dark Steel Blue body with rich Tan head, legs and vent on mature dogs. This was an addition to the standard. The mem- bership voted not to open the standard but to protect our beautiful breed from mongrelization. Sadly, a few judges fail to refer back to the standard and treat the DQ as a stand-alone state- ment. Fortunately, most judges under- stand the true intent of the DQ and judge accordingly. 10. What is the greatest health concern to breeders today? There are several health issues prominent in toy dogs, Yorkies among them. PSS is still being researched; we are all still hoping for a way to test for PSS. My personal concern is gastroin- testinal illness. There are several, lym- phangiectasia, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergy’s and more. Many lead to PLE. This is fatal if not treat aggressively and does not usually have a good long-term prognosis. PLE seems to be becoming more prevalent in Yorkshire Terriers. 11. Is dental care important? Explain Dental care is paramount. All Toy dogs have issues with teeth. They get dirty quickly and this can cause tooth loss at an early age. Infected teeth and gums may cause kidney and heart fail- ure. In addition, who wants a kiss from a stinky mouth? 12. What do you enjoy most about owning this breed? The alert, playful attitude and the “portability” Yorkies are easy to take anywhere dogs are allowed and even some places they are not. :-) 13. What grooming tips or hints would you like to share? The three most important things to remember about growing and keep- ing coat on a Yorkie a good quality food, never brushing a dry coat unless they are freshly bathed and keeping the hair clean. When you wash the coat, rinsing
all the soap out is paramount. Rinse, rinse, rinse. Everyone has their own preferred products for conditioning and oiling, most are very good. Cleanli- ness is the key to good coat. 14. What makes this breed a great show dog as well as a companion? Terrier personality with a desire to please their owner 15. What tips for advice would you offer the newcomer? Go to the shows and observe the breed classes. When you decide which breeder’s Yorkies you prefer, wait until the Yorkies have finished showing then approach the breeder and express your interest. It may take several shows or conversations before the breeder gets to know you and evaluates your sincer- ity. If you can purchase a dog to show from this breeder, make sure you follow their advice and earn their trust. A good mentor is an invaluable to a newcomer. Keep in mind you will never quit learn- ing, keep an open mind. 16. How do you determine the stud dog you will select to breed to your bitch? I place equal importance on Geno- type and Phenotype Just because a dog is a top winner doesn’t mean it will be an asset to my breeding program. 17. If you were starting a ken- nel would you buy a bitch first or a dog? Explain The odds are if you are a newcomer, a breeder will not sell you a bitch for your first show dog. Prove yourself and your good intent with your first show dog and a good bitch should follow. 18. What three words best describe your breed? Attitude, glamour, petite 19. What is the single biggest mis- conception about your breed? That Yorkies are a foo-foo little lap dog. A Yorkie is a big dog in a little body. This can work to their detriment as they can be aggressive to bigger dogs and bear careful watching. 20. What is the most defin- ing physical characteristic of your breed? The long, beautiful dark blue silky coat with the golden tan fur- nishings. This is what catches every- one’s eye the first time they see a Yorkie.
88 • T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2017
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