Whether you are a new Yorkshire Terrier owner, or you are just considering purchasing a Yorkshire Terrier, you need to know about the various Yorkshire Terrier clubs and organizations that exist. These clubs will prove to be very beneficial to you in finding a breeder, finding a trainer, in learning about your Yorkshire Terrier, and eventually in gaining information concerning various shows that you may want to participate in.
The first organization that you need to be aware of is the American Kennel Club, affectionately known as the AKC. You may have noticed that your Yorkshire Terrier is AKC registered as well. The AKC was established in 1884, in Philadelphia.
The AKC is dedicated to maintaining accurate registry information that contains the pedigrees of all of the dogs registered through the organization. It is also dedicated to purebred dogs of every breed, as well as to exploring the health and well being of these animals and their rights. The AKC participates in the study of purebred dogs as well as breeding and exhibitions such as dog shows.
The next organization that requires your attention is the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, or YTCA. The YTCA membership is comprised of people from around the United States and other countries as well. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to breeders, exhibitors, and simple owners of Yorkshire Terriers. In order to become a member of the YTCA, you must be 18 years of age or older, own a Yorkshire Terrier, be in good standing with the AKC, and abide by the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct set for the YTCA. There is a sister organization in Canada as well ?the CYTA.
You can find local chapters of both of these organizations in metropolitan areas near you, but you can also find smaller, private clubs that focus on Yorkshire Terriers in your local area as well. Your breeder will be able to point you in the right direction. If you are a breeder, there may be breeder specific organizations as well.
Most clubs or organizations that center on Yorkshire Terriers do more than just bring owners together or sponsor shows. They also serve to improve the breed as a whole, and to keep owners and the general public informed concerning this breed. They may also exist for the main purpose of rescuing Yorkshire Terriers who have found themselves without a home.
Again, it is important to get in touch with these organizations, even if you have not yet purchased your Yorkshire Terrier. They will not only provide you with needed information concerning the breed, but many clubs and organizations can lead you to reputable breeders in your local area as well.