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Competing in dog shows can be a thrilling experience for Yorkie owners, but it requires a lot of preparation and knowledge of the judging process.
To start, Yorkies must meet the American Kennel Club's (AKC) breed standard, which includes a weight range of 7-15 pounds and a height range of 6-7 inches.
To succeed in dog shows, Yorkie owners need to understand the judging criteria, which includes a dog's overall appearance, movement, and temperament.
Judges will evaluate a Yorkie's coat, which should be silky and fine, and its color, which can be blue and tan, black and tan, or tan and gold.
Showing Tips
Showing your Yorkshire Terrier can be a fun and very rewarding experience for you and your dog. It's a great way to bond with your pet and give them the recognition they deserve.
To show a Yorkie, you'll want to look for one with good quality. This means having a dog that meets the breed standard.
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Showing a Yorkie would be having one that you can be assured had good quality. This is crucial for a successful show experience.
You should give showing a try, even if you're a beginner. It's a great way to learn and have fun with your dog.
Having a Yorkie with good quality will make a big difference in the show ring. It's not just about looks, but also temperament and overall health.
Physical Characteristics
A Yorkie show dog's physical characteristics are truly one-of-a-kind. Their small size is a defining feature, with adults typically weighing between 7 and 15 pounds.
Their long, fine coat is another distinctive trait, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Size
Yorkshire Terriers should be 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder. This is the ideal height for the breed.
Yorkies are inconsistent in size, and it's not unusual for a single litter to contain dogs of varying weights. One litter might have a Yorkie weighing less than four pounds, another weighing five or six pounds, and yet another growing to 12 to 15 pounds.
A Yorkie's weight should not exceed seven pounds, with four to six pounds being preferred. This weight range is crucial for the breed's overall health.
Beware of breeders who offer "teacup" Yorkshire Terriers, as these dogs are prone to genetic disorders and are at a higher health risk.
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General Appearance
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The Yorkshire Terrier's general appearance is quite distinctive, with a well-balanced, long-coated, small (Toy-type) terrier body.
The steel blue and tan, straight-flowing coat is a key characteristic, and the hair is parted on the muzzle and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail.
The body is square and evenly proportioned, with a high head carriage that gives the appearance of vigor and self-importance.
Faults include a cotton- or wool-textured coat in adults, which can detract from the overall appearance.
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Personality and Care
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their big personalities, but they can be a handful if you don't set limits. They're smart and self-assured, but also mischievous and outgoing, so it's essential to start training when they're puppies.
Yorkies are receptive to training, especially if it's fun and attention-grabbing, such as performing cute tricks or agility trials. They can be difficult to housetrain, though, because their accidents are so small and easy to clean up that people let them slide. It's better to show them where to go from the beginning and reward them for doing their business in the right place.
Yorkies are house dogs and don't tolerate extreme heat or cold well, so it's best to keep them indoors where it's comfortable. They love squeaky toys, but make sure to check them every few days to ensure they haven't chewed them open and pulled out the squeaker.
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Personality
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Yorkshire Terriers are smart and self-assured, with a combination of small size and adventurous terrier spirit.
They can be either cuddly and perky, wanting to follow their people around, or mischievous and outgoing, getting into everything.
Setting limits is crucial, as Yorkies can become spoiled if not trained properly. If you start training them when they're puppies, you'll have better luck than trying to correct bad habits later on.
Early socialization is essential, exposing them to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young. This helps ensure they'll be friendly and well-rounded dogs.
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Care
Yorkshire Terriers are receptive to training, especially if it involves cute tricks or agility or obedience trials.
They can be difficult to housetrain because their "accidents" are so small and easy to clean up.
It's better to show them where to go from the beginning and reward them for doing their business in the right place.
Yorkies are house dogs and don't tolerate extreme heat or cold well.
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Many people paper train their Yorkshire Terriers so they don't have to take them outdoors when the weather is too hot or cold.
Yorkies love squeaky toys, but it's essential to check them every few days to ensure they haven't chewed them open and pulled out the squeaker.
They especially enjoy fetching toys that you throw for them.
History and Structure
The Yorkshire Terrier has a rich history that's as fascinating as it is adorable. Originally developed in the 19th century to control rats in coal mines and cotton mills, the breed was quite different from the glamorous toy terrier we know today.
The breed's exact development is obscure, but it's known that the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier and the Waterside Terrier were two of the key breeds that went into its make-up. The Waterside Terrier was a small, longish-coated dog that was bred for hunting and killing rats.
By the late 1870s, the Yorkshire Terrier's size had significantly decreased, averaging from three to seven pounds, where it remains today.
History
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The Yorkshire Terrier has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. Originally developed to control rats in coal mines and cotton mills in Yorkshire, England.
In the 19th century, the breed weighed around fifteen pounds and had a less-than-glamorous job description. However, over time, the breed underwent significant changes.
The exact development of the Yorkshire Terrier is obscure, but it's known that several breeds contributed to its make-up. One of these breeds was the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier, brought to Yorkshire by Scottish weavers.
The Waterside Terrier, a small dog with a longish coat and bluish-gray color, was also a key influence. It was bred for hunting and killing rats and was common in Yorkshire.
The Yorkshire Terrier was crossed with several other breeds, including the Old English Black and Tan Terrier, the rough-coated English Terrier, the Paisley Terrier, and the Clydesdale Terrier. Additional influences may have included the Maltese and the Skye Terrier.
By the late 1870s, the breed's size had decreased significantly, averaging from three to seven pounds, where it remains today.
Structure
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A Yorkie's structure is crucial to its overall appearance and health. A good front assembly and rear assembly are essential for a sound body.
A Yorkie should possess a sound body with rib spring, which is a sign of a healthy and well-muscled chest area. This is a key characteristic to look for in a well-bred Yorkie.
The top-line of a Yorkie should be flat, meaning it should not be arched or curved. This is a fundamental aspect of the breed standard.
You can find more information on the Yorkie standard by seeking out good examples of the standard and putting your hands on them. This will give you a better understanding of what to look for in a well-structured Yorkie.
Your breeder or other mentor of the breed can be a great resource for finding good examples of the standard and getting hands-on experience with well-structured Yorkies.
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Judging and Presentation
Judges look for a few basic things when assessing the correctness of your Yorkie, including substance, structure, coat, soundness, and temperament.
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Substance is crucial, as your Yorkie should have adequate bone and muscle, good width of body, and good rib spring.
During a table exam, judges will also evaluate your Yorkie's coat, which should be glossy, fine, and silky, regardless of its color.
Judges want to see a solid top-line and rears that don't click, which is part of soundness.
Preparation
Before you start judging or presenting, it's essential to prepare thoroughly.
Research the subject matter to understand the key points and arguments. This will help you to focus your evaluation and presentation.
A well-structured plan is crucial for a successful presentation.
Make sure you have all the necessary materials, such as visual aids, handouts, and equipment, before the presentation.
Practice your presentation several times to feel confident and comfortable with the material.
Outline
When judging a dog, it's essential to start with a good example, like a compact, well-proportioned Yorkshire Terrier.
A good example should have a balanced outline and silhouette, starting at the head carriage and neck and working its way down.
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The dog's height, length of back, and tail length and set should all be in proportion to each other.
A well-proportioned Yorkshire Terrier should look as tall at the shoulders as it is long from the shoulders to the tail set.
When lining up dogs in the ring, a good example should have overall good proportionate balance.
How a Boxer is Judged
Judges evaluate a Boxer's physical appearance, movement, and overall quality.
A Boxer's coat is divided into three sections: the head, chest, and body, with the head being the most important area for judges.
The head of a Boxer should have a well-defined stop, which is the area where the muzzle meets the forehead.
The muzzle should be broad and deep, with a well-defined chin.
The chest of a Boxer should be deep and well-sprung, with well-defined ribs.
The body of a Boxer should be muscular and well-developed, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs.
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A Boxer's movement is also evaluated, with judges looking for a smooth, effortless gait.
The Boxer should move with a loose, relaxed stride, with its head and tail carried in a natural position.
The Boxer's overall quality is also evaluated, with judges looking for a well-balanced, athletic dog.
The dog should have good bone, a well-defined stop, and a broad, deep muzzle.
The Boxer's movement and overall quality are evaluated in conjunction with its physical appearance.
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Presentation on Table
Judges look for a few basic things when assessing the correctness of your Yorkie, and a table exam is a big part of that.
Substance is key, and your Yorkie should have adequate bone and muscle, good width of body, and good rib spring.
Structure is also important, and your dog should be put together in a way that compares favorably to the AKC breed standard.
A good coat is essential, and it should be glossy, fine, and silky, regardless of how it's colored.
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Soundness is crucial, and your Yorkie should have a solid top-line and a rear that doesn't click.
Temperament is also vital, and your Yorkie should be self-confident and not shy away from the table exam.
Here are some key things to look for in a table exam:
- Substance: Adequate bone and muscle, good width of body, and good rib spring.
- Structure: Comparison to the AKC breed standard.
- Coat: Glossy, fine, and silky.
- Soundness: Solid top-line and rear that doesn't click.
- Temperament: Self-confident and not shy.
Highlights
Yorkshire Terriers are a small toy breed, typically weighing between 4 to 7 pounds and standing about 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their luxurious, silky, and fine-textured coat is a combination of blue and tan, with a steel-blue or silver-blue body and rich tan markings on their face, chest, legs, and tail.
Regular brushing and occasional trimming are necessary to prevent matting and keep their coat in good condition.
Yorkies are known for their big personalities despite their small size, being bold, confident, and feisty, and also affectionate and loyal.
They enjoy mental stimulation and can excel in activities like obedience training and agility, making them quick learners.
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Despite their small stature, Yorkies have a lot of energy and enjoy playtime and short walks, requiring regular exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy.
With proper care, Yorkies can have a relatively long lifespan, living for 12 to 15 years or more, making them a long-term commitment for owners.
Their small size makes them well-suited for apartment living, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
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Conformation Shows
Conformation shows are a great way to show off your Yorkie's good looks and breeding potential. To enter a conformation event, your Yorkie must be registered with the AKC.
Your Yorkie must be at least 6 months old to participate in a conformation show.
Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to participate in conformation shows.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has a Yorkie ever won Best in Show?
Yes, Yorkies have won Best in Show at Westminster, with Ch. Cede Higgins being the only one to achieve this feat in 1978. This historic win is a notable achievement in the breed's history.
How much do yorkshire terriers cost?
Yorkshire Terriers typically cost between $600-$2500, with an average price of $1050. Factors like pedigree, age, and breeder can influence the final cost.
Are Yorkies barky dogs?
Yorkies are known to be vocal dogs and tend to bark frequently. If you're considering bringing a Yorkie into your home, be prepared for regular barking.
Sources
- https://www.artistryyorkies.com/yorkies-showing.aspx
- https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/dogs/breeds/terriers/shows-and-competitions-for-your-yorkshire-terrier-195776/
- https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/yorkshire-terrier
- https://www.riverviewgrooming.com/post/yorkie-haircuts-inspiration-for-your-dog-s-next-grooming-session
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