To often the judge will become hung on the continued reference from the standard that the coat is of prime importance in the breed. This to the exclusion of expectation of a sound in body and mind animal on which is draped the characteristic blue and tan mantle. 

However, breeders and judges alike would do this breed a favor by remembering that these are dogs too and proportionately have the same number of bones, muscles and teeth as any other breed. Remember that these little canines must move and must have sufficient room for all the internal organs that keep them alive and keep them able to breed AND whelp naturally! 

In the ring remember that the Yorkie that runs across 20 feet will be working harder then the GSD crossing 50 feet! Those who judge the larger breeds or those who are thinking of judging this toy please keep this in mind and you will appreciate the need for FUNCTIONAL conformation in the breeds in the toy group. All breeds in this group will fall within one of the four body types of canine structure: low center of gravity, terrier fronts, normal and double suspension galloper. 

Expect all in these breeds that you would expect on any larger breed! And breeders as well as judges, do not stress a few characteristic features such as size, coat, expression of head, the colour of eyes or the set of the ears to the detriment of submerging functional conformation or any part of it. Do not judge or breed for just a dark eye, a dark blue silk coat or a well set on ear; first breed a sound dog and then go for the dark eye, dark blue silk coat and or the well set on ear, depending on breed requirements as set forth in the standard. Put functional soundness above everything else whether the dog goes afield or spends his life curled in someone's lap:-)). 

To begin to judge the Yorkshire Terrier one must keep in mind the original function, which was of a toy-sized terrier, a ratter, which covers all the small prey of similar size. Despite which opinion of the antiquity origination of the breed you choose to believe the one common thread is that the breed was founded on terriers with all that word entails to judges. You will do the breed and yourself a favor if you challenge those exhibiting to you to present the same soundness in body and movement along with alert personality in this toy breed as you would want to see in any of the terrier breeds. But keep in mind, it is a TOY-TERRIER which means it is middle ranged toy, not as tall or large as the Cavalier or Crested not as small as the Chihuahua. 

The challenge to the breeder of this breed is the attempt to get it all correct in one animal. This breed is challenging, which is why so many take short cuts in trying to achieve what is so daunting to so many, that being a toy-terrier, silk coat of specificity in colour and texture, sound body, sound mouth, sound movement. 

With that said, keep in mind the standard lists no fault or disqualification. 

And one of the biggest misconceptions affecting this breed, the standard is a description of an adult animal. If in doubt ask the age, permitted under AKC rules; don’t expect the clear, precise coloration of the adult in the young animal. This is the reason so many of the breed are too light and not holding correct coloration to their old age. A puppy is born looking just like a Dobe or Rottie but in a smaller package. Learn the difference in the feel of the coats and don’t go on the colour alone! A soft coated black dog is precisely that black! A lighter coloured dog holding the correct blue coloration is to be more highly prized then a soft coated little black that though it may fade to a grey never contains the correct blue hue. Hint to judges of this breed: Get yourself a wide, flat black watch band and compare it to the adult coat in the ring; if it matches you know they don't have the correct blue in their coat but are a instead a black and incorrect!
The Yorkshire standard is often one of the most misinterpreted by judges of the breed. You have to understand the words and meaning to understand that a clear picture is actually given on the breed. Following the standard will be broken down in a manner that may assist you to envision the breed you are judging. 

The breed is a challenge and very difficult to get right as if you get the coat quantity and texture right you get the colour wrong. Or you will get the coat in perfection and the structure wrong. If you get all that right the terrier attitude is not there and so on. 

Breeders will present to you the little tin soldiers who they can manipulate into having level toplines (while kneeling with them stacked) and who go around the ring with no joy or fire in 
them - they have forgotten one of the fundamentals, this is a terrier breed. 

You will see all in the ring ranging from purple cast to the coat (usually from the wrong use of Black Rage) to odd off colour grey-brown (usually from the wrong use of Chocolate Kiss) to a dull black colour reflecting no light from root to end. These are the result of short cuts and tell you that the breeder may have gotten the structure and overall symmetry of the breed correct but they lost out on the colour. As judges you will find that everyone will give you a different interpretation of what a silk coat truly is, what the correct colour is in both the tans and the blues, often times telling you at seminars that their animals are correct and others are not. It is not without reason many a judge gives up trying to find the correct and thinking all the dogs are coloured will only try to go for what appeals to them regardless of correction to the standard. 

A key to keep in mind is the dog is a terrier, albeit a toy one, so instead of saying "it's only a toy" and rewarding bad structure, poor temperament, lack of fire, bad mouths and so forth justified by the mantra of "the coat is of prime importance" a judge should have expectation of a terrier with the sparkle, fire and working ability of one. Your adjudication will do the breed a great service by challenging the breeders to present this too you. 

The late AKC judge, Betty Dullinger, who had been in the breed for multiple years until her death discussed her opinions of the Yorkshire Terrier with me after my Cairn acquisition and knowing I had an interest in the West Highland Whites as well. Betty shared that in her opinion the Yorkshire's balance was very much like that of the Westie with a relationship of ear set, muzzle to backskull, amount of stop, size of head in relation to the body and so forth were very similar. 

However, many had the Cairn's head and balance instead, with the body more rectangular in structure and relationship of balance of head to body. And the most current rage is for neck and legs resulting in a lack of body substance along with a narrowing of the head and body to that of the long legged terriers.

If you fix the head and the body to head proportions of the Westie in your mind then shrink it in the same proportions to toy size you will see a resemblance to many of the Yorkshire's - this should stop you from rewarding the Afghan in miniature or the cutesy flatter faced toy. Also, don't trust your "instinct" or whatever you call it to judge height and weight on this breed. You must always remember, Willis (I believe it was) did an actual weight and height on dogs after judges had made the decision they were too large/tall or too heavy and 90% (yes ninety percent) of them were WRONG!!! Again, this standard has no disqualification; you cannot therefore weigh or measure to get a true reading so judge on soundness and overall balance. The odd man out of the tallest or heaviest appearing may be more correct (and is in many instances) then the tiny little cute one. Always remember this is a toy TERRIER bred for ratting and although we have made many changes to the breed since its origination ask anyone who owns one or has lived with one, this breed is still all TERRIER at heart. Judge accordingly.

We have had some very good representatives of the breed who have obtained top honors. We also have had some that have made top rankings due to being the only ones campaigned that 
year, don't be fooled by the advertisements of number X or number XX in standings. Study this breed and find the common threads between them when correct. Then reward for the same style (or type) but challenge them for soundness Don't forget that you can in fact judge movement in a toy as well, they are still a canine just miniaturized. 

Seminars and lectures are a good start as is mentoring by qualified individuals. Contact the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America and the American Kennel Club to arrange to be mentored in the breed by a club member or qualified judge in your area that the national breed club approves as qualified for this breed. Then before you ever set foot into a ring to adjudicate this breed attend one of the YTCA specialties held in New York prior to the Garden each year. 
A national specialty brings together many dogs from all over the country and the New York specialty for this breed many times attracts some of the top Yorkshire Terriers from around the world. It affords a rare opportunity to see dogs across a wide spectrum of breed "style"; who in their owners’ judgement represent the breed and their ideals in breeding. Viewed from a broad perspective, these specialties enable us to assess our breed’s past, present and future. Dogs in their prime are concentrated in the Bred By Exhibitor, American Bred, Open and Specials classes. You glimpse the past in the Veterans classes first hand and it speaks to all indirectly through the heritage displayed in pedigrees in all the other classes. We must never forget this heritage in our preoccupation with the present. Not only do we see the past and the present but also in the puppies, yearlings and novices here is revealed the breeds hope for the future. They are the gauge to the direction the Yorkshire Terriers are headed, for right or for wrong. From them you and the breeders can assess to what extent is being fulfilled the breed custodial responsibility, which is to leave the breed in at least as good of condition as you found it. 

Attending a national specialty, then, is obviously a valuable opportunity to learn about this breed from all aspects, breeder, owner and judge! But it can be overwhelming, especially to novices who wonder how best to reap the benefits from this experience. In order to help you follow the judging I have outlined a procedure for deciding where to place the dogs in each class. I have also included some comments about each step. I hope they will give you a little idea what the Yorkshire Terrier adjudication is or should be doing and why. Use this guide and personal commentary not only to follow what the judge is doing but also to clarify your own ideas. I believe firmly, and urge you strongly, to make your own decisions about the dogs. Everyone has an opinion and a different point of view of the ideal, this is what breeding and adjudication is about the comparison of your breeding stock to the next person. We all like some dogs more than others and have a "favorite" dog at the show. But don’t be afraid to take a stand and if the ideal you see in your minds eye after reading the YTCA Illustrated Standard and the AKC published standard on the breed is different then what you see before you; then follow your ideal and choose the best and closest to it for reward. Compare your understanding and decision with mine but consider WHY you prefer some to others and WHY you consider your choice the only possible one for the coveted Best of.

PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS

ABSOLUTE RIGHT AND WRONG DOES NOT EXIST!
The Yorkshire Terrier AKC standard defines a range, not a point, on a spectrum of correct breed type. Reasonable people can and do disagree about the meaning and interpretation of the Standard. Even if they agree on the general provisions in the Standard, they argue about how to apply the standard to particular dogs that may not meet their vision of the "ideal". Don’t let this confuse and discourage you. Honest up front discussible disagreement renders the whole experience interesting, exciting, challenging and immensely pleasurable. Except for direct experience with the Yorkies themselves, some of the best Yorkshire Terrier memories should include those of heated discussions about the meaning and interpretation of the written word on the drop coated silk terrier that typifies this breed. These discussions will immeasurably enhance your understanding of true breed type. Don’t trust your eye or your hand to measure /weigh the breed (its probably incorrect anyway) as they have no disqualification so judge on your opinion of the standard. Inform your judgement, but in the end remember it is your day to pick the dogs that fall within the range the Standard defines.

SIMPLE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER DO NOT EXIST!
Some people believe a simple, straight forward, single formula exists for judging, showing, breeding, rearing and living with Yorkshire Terriers. Anyone who believes this is simple minded, as unfortunately we do not yet know many things; things exist in the history that we can surmise but will probably never know as well. To complicate matters further, our supposed knowledge may greatly benefit one dog while wreaking havoc on another to the breeds’ detriment. To most questions about Yorkshire Terriers truth be told we can only answer an unsatisfactory "We don’t know. It might be A, but could be B or C or even A, B, C and X!" No one likes vague answers to questions that we want answered desperately. But that does not make any answer you may get wrong; just many will purport knowledge that they do not possess rather than to say, "I don’t know for sure". 

KEEP AN OPEN MIND!
Recognize that other judges have reasonable points of view but are human just as you. A different point of view is not always wrong. On the one hand, judges who place dogs in a somewhat different order within an acceptable range are not necessarily either stupid, blind or totally ignorant of the written standard. On the other hand, placing the dogs in exactly the order you would have placed them does not automatically render these judges brilliant and knowledgeable about the breed. Try to understand WHY others might honestly disagree with your assessment and then look for the merit in their decisions and opinions.

JUDGING REQUIRES FINDING DOGS WHO APPROXIMATE AN IDEAL!
No dog is perfect; no living creature is! Judging, therefore, must always compromise reality and an ideal. In the end, you must choose the best dogs in real life, not the non-existent perfect one in your minds’ eye. The dog, in living flesh, which comes the closest to your mind’s eye picture of the perfect dog, deserves the prize. Remember as a judge you must measure those in front of you against the breed standard, a standard open to various interpretations, rightly so!
The following represents but one of several acceptable approaches to judging the Yorkshire Terrier. Experienced judges may wish immediately to alter it to suit their personal style and procedure. New judges for the breed should find it useful as a start that they might modify as their experience develops. However, ALL those adjucating the breed should follow its general ideas in order to find the dogs that best conform to the Yorkshire Terrier Standard.

OVERALL IMPRESSION
Gain an overall impression of the dogs as a group at the outset. Most people may think that this includes only an impression of the dogs as they stand in a line. I believe it also encompasses the impression they create in motion. Hence, I recommend that you gain your overall impression by observing the dogs both standing and in motion. Have them come into the ring moving and stopping on the far side, to be hard stacked, prior to individual adjudication, Break up the lines, if required, to give each a fair first impression.

STANDING
At the start of every class, look up and down the line of dogs in order to assess four critical features:

1. Shape or Outline
Looking at the row of dogs creates your first opportunity to determine which dogs fit the image of the long-haired toy TERRIER the Standard calls out. Look for the curves, depth of chest, length of neck, body and leg that combine to produce an outline or silhouette of a body neat, compact and well proportioned with high head carriage giving an air of self importance. Remember the standard first and foremost calls out for a long-haired toy TERRIER. Reward it highly when you see it, avoid rewarding ribbons to those who do not possess it. If in doubt of this meaning, I suggest observing and hands on the terriers applying that knowledge to the meaning of these words.
2. Presence
Don’t confuse presence with quality! A dog with presence bears itself as if to say, "I am THE one!". This dog does not plead for recognition. It knows it is best and has no doubt that you must agree. If you don’t, that is your loss in its eye. This dog conveys an "air of self importance" or in terrier language "stands over its ground". Remember the Standard demands not only the coat in its distinctive blue and tan shades BUT gives precision in the body to be neat, compact and well proportioned, high head carriage and confident manner.
Equally important, don’t mistake the dog with its head held highest in the air as the one with the most presence. In many cases the head held high may reveal presence but it can also reveal a serious fault, the column or steeple front. Dogs with this fault, often seen in conjunction with ewe necks, may impress the novice, but their strained, uncomfortable stance and movement belies the more relaxed proud bearing of the correctly structured Yorkshire Terrier exhibiting presence.
3. Quality
An experienced judge said she could not define quality; it speaks for itself. And so it does. Dogs that possess it stand away from the others as if they were cast in a special mold. Look for overall quality and reward it.
4. Balance
Lack of balance greatly diminishes shape, presence and quality. All the parts of a balanced Yorkshire Terrier fit together. Curves and length, breadth and depth, substance and shape hang together. A balanced dog rests there; just as the word balance conveys and implies. Unbalanced dogs make you feel awkward; even the most skilled handlers cannot bend them into balance no matter how cleverly they try. Some examples of unbalance in a Yorkshire Terrier include: a long backline set onto short legs; a very steep shoulder set on with curving stifles; long legs and neck with no forechest or depth of chest or a lack of sternum and so forth. Caution, a dog may posses balance and yet lack correct type! Example: a dog with a short neck, short body, straight shoulders and straight stifles may appear balanced but it lacks correct breed type as set out in the Standard.

JUDGING INDIVIDUAL DOGS
Judges differ in the extent to which they rely on two critical elements in adjudication of individual dogs: (1) looking at the dog and (2) feeling, or "getting your hands on the dog". What should you be looking and feeling for? Only by looking and then touching can you ascertain 5 (five) basic characteristics of the Yorkshire Terriers:

1. Substance
Proper substance means the dog has sufficient bone, muscle, breadth and depth. Think always of two characteristics of substance:

Put your hand around a dog’s forearm at the elbow and run it down through the pastern. You should feel thick bone covered with plenty of hard muscle. The legs should have shape, somewhat broader near the elbow than at the pastern. They should not curve too much; particularly they should not twist. However, forelegs should not resemble tubes or Coke cans; that is to say they should not appear round without any curve.
Looking down, does the body resemble donuts stacked end to end in an unopened box? Feel the ribcage to determine both the breadth and the depth of chest. Think of an egg shape or oval when feeling the chest. Avoid when possible rewarding dogs with either a barrel chest, slab sides or shallow sternum.
Take special care to look over and feel the hindquarters. The croup should neither fall steeply away nor run flat to the base of the tail. Judges frequently overlook the importance of the croup. Learn to identify the properly slightly sloped croup. It contributes to the correct tail set; it enhances the dog’s movement. The tail set on the Yorkie is very important, a low tail set is to be penalized more than a gay tail although both are incorrect as the Standard calls for the Yorkie tail to be carried slightly higher then the backline; i.e. a one o’clock angle. Don’t forget that under FCI rules a Yorkie tail is no longer docked; however, there has been no statement made as to how the natural tail should be carried. Under AKC you have the full option of dismissing or of judging a dog with a natural tail and will be supported either way (AKC Judge Newsletter).
Make sure that you assess the amount and quality of critical muscle in both thigh and second thigh. (See below for more detail on these points). Again many keep this breed on wire to protect the coat and you will find many have limited muscle tone as the owners/handlers have somewhere forgotten that soundness requires good muscle tone.
Some dogs have too much bone and muscle-they are what is called coarse. Hence they, like the highly refined "toy" dogs, lack correct type. However, coarseness is not for the most part a breed problem. Indiscriminate breeding leads to refinement, not coarseness, in succeeding generations. Dogs with too much substance occur sometimes; refinement appears too often. It is much easier to correct coarseness than refinement in breeding and you are judging breeding stock. Therefore, if in doubt prefer a dog/bitch with too much substance rather than one with far too little.
NOTE WELL: Never take this necessary preference for coarseness over refinement to mean that the biggest dog with the most bone and muscle should always win! Substance must be reckoned in concert with all other important breed characteristics! Think always of the balance between a toy and terrier and required strength.

2. Structure
Assessing structure requires you to determine whether the dog is properly put together! Dogs with the proper structure feel both good and right; your hands should not encounter improperly placed lumps and bumps of bone and muscle as they move down and over a dog’s body. Instead they aught to glide smoothly from the head over the neck through the shoulders, over the back, to the croup and hindquarters. Evaluating structure also requires specifically examining with eyes and hands. Proper structure does not give you a view of a steeple front with the legs being a direct drop from the ears.

Head: In order to judge heads completely, you must take into account its overall shape and then more particularly the eyes, mouth, teeth and jaws, ears and whiskers. We do not want either too refined, narrow heads that resemble too much either the Lakeland on one extreme or the broad, thick, longer muzzled Silky OR the short muzzled Chihuahua head with pronounced stop at the other end of the spectrum. We should see a head similar in balance and proportions to that of the Westie but smaller with a flat skull on top, not too prominent or round and the muzzle not too long. The head should balance to the rest of the body with good flow from the back skull to neck to shoulder with no straight lines but in a nicely curved manner befitting a small varmint hunter and killer. Face furnishings, particularly whiskers, ordinarily enhance a dogs’ head; they can also conceal weak and exaggerate strong heads serve to camouflage the weak underjaw or lack of chiseling in the face. Furthermore, they can soften the undesirable hard expression in some Yorkshire Terriers. The proper adult Yorkshire Terrier head, combined with an eager and inquisitive eye substantially contributes to correct breed type. Don’t overrate it, as the Yorkie is NOT a head breed, but give it its due. Unfortunately, you will often find unattractively plain or improper heads on dogs that otherwise excel in type. The reverse is also true; beautiful heads filled with type appear on dogs lacking in other respects. As in life generally, don’t allow the beautiful face to mar your judgement or the unattractive on to cause you to miss an otherwise outstanding specimen. And always check for and reward the proper dark pigmentation, while many may try to fool you by applying eye rims, the lips of the mouth will always tell you real or not.

Front Assembly: Is made up of the neck, shoulder, upper arm, foreleg, pastern and feet. Relatively long, powerful, arched necks should set into shoulders laid well back that slope inward at the withers. Penalize: short necks set on too far to the front, stuffed into loaded upright shoulders and short upper arms; steeple fronts (also referred in some instances as cathedral fronts) with straight shoulder appearing to have a direct line from the bottom of the ear. Those Yorkies with narrow, weak giraffe-like necks set on too high; the ewe-necked toy terriers that stand with heads uncomfortably high and necks that break abruptly into the shoulders. Again, this is a ratter and keep in mind one of the areas a rat would immediately sink its teeth into in a fight, reward accordingly.

Upper Arms: Should balance the shoulder in length and angle; they ought also to balance length and angle of the thigh and stifle. You should penalize Yorkshire Terriers with straight, short upper arms, a fault much too prevalent today. Look for, and reward, shapely, strong forearms and round, strong, tight feet. Look for well-filled forechests; hollow, narrow forechests revealed in front legs that do not allow you to easily get a hand comfortably between them is a serious fault. Lack of sternum is also something prevalent today with the trend to the one dimensional creatures who look wonderful going around but are little more then a stick model to hold the coat.
Overall, consider the column front, a line that runs straight down from the base of the skull through the withers, shoulder, upper arm, forearm to the pastern a fault of the most serious kind in the Yorkshire Terrier as they were a ratter and hunter of similar varmints long before they became a toy companion.

Body: The proper Yorkshire Terrier body contains a chest with both depth and spring of rib. A back that is rather short over long. Sufficient muscle throughout and a backline level over the loin. Both sway backs, fortunately not as frequently seen, and roached backs, unhappily more prevalent, are incorrect. Flat toplines deserve special attention, always assess on the move as hard stack allows for manipulation to fool the inexperienced! Flat backlines the same height at shoulder and rump both standing and moving will please both the experienced and inexperienced judge of this breed.
The underline should reveal a long brisket with good tuck up but no wasp waists please. Look for dogs well ribbed; ideally, the space from the last rib to the front of the stifle should not contain more than roughly the average sized adult humans’ three fingers. 

Rear Assembly: The croup, thighs, second thighs, hocks and feet. The proper Yorkshire Terrier croup does not appear to slope, penalize steep croups which detracts from the proper Yorkie type and which indicate weakness in the power, drive and movement of the rear. Heavy muscle should cover both thighs and second thighs, the latter too often not given sufficient weight. Looking at a dog from the rear, its assembly and musculature should resemble the working terrier like that pictured in the great Victorian authority Stonehenge’s book. Stifles should bend moderately; not nearly so much as the Italian Greyhound however, nor should they be straight with a longer hock, the latter more prevalent and a more serious fault. Look for strength, substance and shape throughout the rear assembly. Penalize the Yorkie with heavy boned and muscled thighs followed by weak spindly second thighs without the adequate muscle to balance the thighs above.

Tail: Be sure to consider both the structure and the carriage of tails. Yorkshire Terriers should possess docked, thick, full-coated tails. The thin or too long, or worse the thin and too short tail detracts significantly from the balance and type. As more breeds ban docking expect more with natural tails in your ring, know the AKC "opinion" on the subject prior to adjudication. Tails should set neither too high nor too low. The high-set tail, often accompanying a flat back and croup, inevitably makes the Yorkie who possesses it carry a gay tail. Under ordinary circumstances, they ought never to stand or move with their tails either between their legs over their bodies.

Coat: Three statements in the standard cover coats in the breed. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Quality, Texture and Quantity of the coat are of prime importance, all 3 statements not just one. However, when faced with the unhappy choice, prefer too little to too much coat provided the Texture and Quality are the better examples in the too little coat. Recognize that this is one of the most difficult and most important aspects to learn on the breed.

A Yorkie possessing sound body moves correctly holding its topline on the go around, no crossing or hackney-like appearance on coming at you with a nice kick showing the pads of the foot going away. Avoid fiddle-fronts and weak pasterns (if you hear a click when doing a simple examination on the rear recognize it for what it is - there is no need for undue contortions by a judge of the rear or front while on the table). Soundness includes having a spring of rib along with a nice sternum easily felt. Too many are becoming slab-sided one dimensional dogs who look great on the go around with the elegant long neck and long legs, which are not correct for this breed.

PLEASE NOTE WELL: Do not include young, misbehaved, untrained or inexperienced dogs in this category of weak temperaments. While all of these may distract from a dog, they do not without more bespeak poor temperament. Most important, a Yorkshire Terrier with poor temperament possesses neither soundness nor correct type; it cannot possibly show high head carriage and confident manner that gives the appearance of vigor and self-importance with a weak nature.

6. Fine Points:
After using the foregoing criteria now is the time to consider the "finishing touches" not before. The following add to quality:

Face: EYES are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in colour and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression; head is small, not too prominent (in balance to body) or round, does not have a pronounced stop and is not too long in muzzle (this does not mean short); dark pigmentation (the lips, nose and eye rims should all be black or close.
Ears: Well set, small and V shaped.
Feet: Round, toes tight and well arched with black nails.
Condition: Healthy coat, good weight and muscle tone, overall thrifty with a strong constitution.
Coat: Dark steel blue, shaded gold (or tan). Natural coat colour is shaded in all aspects. Standard is a description of an adult animal and should not be literally interpreted on a dog under the age of two years. 3 (THREE) references to coat descriptors all of equal importance: quality, texture and finally quantity). If taken in order then quality and texture are more highly prized and desired then quantity.

Secondly, ask the dogs to go around the ring together one (or at most two) last times(s). This is no mere formality; neither is it a staged action to increase suspense and test the exhibitor’s endurance. You will often rearrange dogs on this final go around. Why? Not for movement as such. Instead, in this last go around you will often find the dog who excels in shape, quality, presence and balance both standing and in motion. Hopefully, the dog you put tentatively at the front of the line will retain the best shape, display the same quality, posses the same presence and demonstrate equal balance in motion that it did standing still. If not, then do not hesitate to replace it in your placement. In the end, the winning dog should best fit the description:

THAT OF A LONG-HAIRED TOY TERRIER WHOSE BLUE AND TAN COAT IS PARTED ON THE FACE AND FROM THE BASE OF THE SKULL TO THE END OF THE TAIL AND HANGS EVENLY AND QUITE STRAIGHT DOWN EACH SIDE OF THE BODY. THE BODY IS NEAT, COMPACT AND WELL PROPORTIONED. THE DOG’S HEAD CARRIAGE AND CONFIDENT MANNER SHOULD GIVE THE APPEARANCE OF VIGOR AND SELF IMPORTANCE.

EXAMINATION NOTES FOR JUDGES

*A Yorkshire should show interest and sparkle, as with the terriers, this should not be a shy dog. 

* Most exhibitors will walk in, drop to their knees and hard stack the breed. Recognize that this does not allow the animals in the ring to build up in excitement but causes them to do the proverbial up/down that wears them down quickly and does not allow for the response when the reward is on the line. I strongly encourage judges to ask the exhibitors to stand and allow the dogs to stand natural; this will give you a much clearer idea of what the dog in front of you is really about. 

* Do not reward one who attempts to bite a human but do not punish an attempt to spar with another dog. Think terrier attitude. 

* This breed is shown on a table and does require a hands on examination to "see" beneath the coat, do not be afraid of putting your hands on the dogs (and into the topknot if questionable) but gentleness in touch will allow a more natural stance then using the heavy hand that many do. The dogs learn early on to move out of the way of feet and while fearless with other animals are aware with human touch of their miniature size 

* First look at the dog on the table to see if it is presenting an alert interest in what is going on in the ring and around them. Does the action of the dog show it is "standing over it's ground" 
on the table? Head should be up with a keen eye looking at you with interest. Walk up to them confidently, not too slowly, and go over them impersonally. While gentle is appreciated don't 
be afraid to touch. 

* On the table recognize the breed overall is taught to be hard stacked, give a bit of time to allow this but do not encourage the regrooming of the dog on the table. Many exhibitors, knowing 
judges are taught coat of prime importance, spend extraordinary amounts of time grooming the coat rather then checking the stance of the dog. 

* Many of the breeds object to having their vision blocked during the exam of the mouth, Yorkshire's are no different; these dogs can have their lips raised from beneath the chin and since there is no disqualification or fault for teeth and mouth, a short exam is all that is needed. However, again remember a sound dog and the teeth should be clean and should be enough to allow to assess the real bite of the dog. 

* Hands-on is necessary to evaluate structure and muscle tone. Lift or part the coat to see the feet as many of the breed will show broken pasterns and flat feet from the time spent on wire 
to protect the coat. Recognize that this will cause some of the topline faults you may see. Remember the standard states sound animal! 

* Do not go overboard on the noises, while you may get a response the first time this intelligent breed quickly gets your number. A better trick is to see how they respond to a furry toy tossed a bit away from them, but only use this for a final decision if needed. 

* Most will respond to bait if used correctly, unfortunately many feed the dogs rather then bait/tease the dog. As a judge you control the ring and can put a stop to this and to the running up on other exhibitors, crowding the line up and so forth.

*If you judge terriers don't be afraid to spar these toy ones. 

* You will find a common theme on examining Yorkshire is that they refuse to put all 4 feet on the table at the same time, it is very typical for them to lift one of their front legs. Expect it and 
go on. 

* Do not be surprised by wild excitement at the examination, this breed is not reserved for the most part. Expect a Yorkshire to like you, they do, they really do! 

* Be aware of the faults profuse coat can hide, you need experienced eyes that can "see" through the coat some of the faults are flat feet, long or big ears, shallow chest, lack of sternum, rears that look like both legs come from the same hole. Or the illusions of faults it can create elbowing out, flipping pasterns, bad rear, ewe neck and so forth. While some watch the coat, with "experienced" eyes you will see the actual movement and should see the pads push in the rear and the front reach out towards you through the coat. 

* Exhibitors should be encouraged to show on a loose lead in order to assess natural head carriage and movement. However, many of the breed will stride out in confidence ahead of the 
handler, be aware that a tight lead may be due to the dog itself rather then "stringing" up to cover a fault. Know the difference in the look. Exhibitors should be encouraged to move at a natural and easy stride for the breed. There are many top handlers and knowledgeable exhibitors that seem to think the ring is for speed or a foot race. Don't be fooled, make them slow down to a jaunty walk for the dogs. 

* The gait of this toy terrier is best assessed at a medium speed; however, few exhibitors will believe you really mean it when you ask them to go slowly. Just as they will be shocked when you ask them to stand naturally allowing you to assess the natural dog.

On to discussion of the AKC standard. You will find that I moved some of the General Appearance terms to the box of what is being described: 

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SIZE, PROPORTION, SUBSTANCE

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Yorkshire Terrier AKC Standard . The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. Well  proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short

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Carolyn Hensley Judging Interpretation of the Standard .   This is as key in judging this breed as with the coat is you  need  to recognized that this same language is repeated in the General  Appearance portion of the standard as well as in the description  of the size, proportion, substance. . Again is stated:The body is neat – look up this word in the  dictionary, the old English term is n at and means: Orderly  and precise in procedure; systematic.  . Compact again going to the old English term means: closely and  firmly united or packed together; heavy and compact in form or  stature; "a wrestler of compact build"; "he was tall and heavyset";  "stocky legs"; "a thick middle-aged man"; "a thickset young man" [syn: heavyset, stocky, thick, thickset] .  . Well proportioned, not one area should stand out from the other it  means: Agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole;  balance or symmetry.  . However, here introduced for the first time is that the back should be rather short. Does this mean short-backed, no, although it is  interpreted that way by many. The precedence is on proportion,  neat and so forth as descriptors. However, preference should be  that the back is RATHER short over the longer backed animals.  . These statements take an understanding of canine structure to  put into the proper framework. . B had the correct length of back. A is too long and C is too short. . B is the best proportioned. A is too short in leg, C is too long in leg. .

HEAD

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Yorkshire Terrier AKC Standard. Small and rather flat on top, the skull not to prominent or  round, the muzzle not to long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small,  V-shaped, carried erect and set not to far apart.

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Carolyn Hensley Judging Interpretation of the Standard. .  Again, relative proportion comes into play here. The head small,  which is a relative term, it would be clearer to judges if the term  “in proportion to the body” were to be introduced into the  language. . The skull not to prominent or round. This would tell you that  the dog needs a moderate stop or the skull can become prominent  or round appearing.  And why the encouragement of the helmet like poufs on the head? Encourage a more natural look when judging the breed and perhaps some brave soul will do the twin top knots ala the Maltese and show off a good Yorkshire head. . The muzzle not too long. Again in proportion. It also does not  state the muzzle should be short just not too long, major  difference. . Teeth sound. My goodness the dogs that finish or are specialed  in this breed with missing, misshapen, dirty and so forth teeth is amazing and goes totally against the word sound.  It goes on to  state the bite is neither undershot nor overshot with no preference to scissors or level bites.  . Nose black. Eye rims are dark. If you stop to consider this it is to  encourage the pigmentation a requirement if this breed is going  to hold correct color. . Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent. This contradicts  the tendency to what is commonly called a baby-doll face as in  that look with the short muzzle the eye is large and round. Dark in color does not say black does not say hazel or any other shade other then dark. However, again the attitude of sparkling with a sharp intelligence; I want to remind you this is a toy terrier think of that expression in the bulk of the terrier breeds. . Ears small, v shaped, carried erect and not too far apart. This  does not mean they are to touch on top of the head, they should be set apart or why would the standard state not too far apart?  Small, in proportion again as it does not give you a reference to the word small. V shaped gives you a good visual of a prick ear  coming to a point on the end.   B is the correct head carriage. A is too short and C is too long of a neck. .. B is the correct muzzle. A is too downfaced, C is too short. B is the correct ear set.  A's ears are too wide, C's ears appear to be tied up.

NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY

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Yorkshire Terrier AKC Standard . Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with height at shoulder the same as at the  rump. The dog’s high head carriage and confidential manner  should give the appearance of vigor and self – importance.  TAIL-docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher  than the level of the back.

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Carolyn Hensley Judging Interpretation of the Standard. .  Once more is repeated: The body is neat – look up this word in  the dictionary. Compact again going to the old English term means:  closely and firmly united or packed together; heavy and compact in form or stature; "a wrestler of compact build"; "he was tall and heavyset"; "stocky legs"; "a thick middle-aged man"; "a thickset  young man" [syn: heavyset, stocky, thick, thickset] .  . Well proportioned, not one area should stand out from the other it means: Agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a  whole; balance or symmetry.  . However, here again is introduced  is that the back should be  rather short. Does this mean short-backed, no, although it is  interpreted that way by many. The precedence is on proportion, neat and so forth as descriptors. However, preference should be that the back is RATHER short over the longer backed animals.  . The backline level. Note it does not say the back, nor does it say the spine, it states the backline with the height at the shoulder the  same as at the rump. Unfortunately, this is many times achieved in the ring by a straight shoulder and tilted pelvis. Do not judge  the toplines with the exhibitor on the floor holding the dog  straight and pushed together, let the dog stand natural and look at the topline on the go around! . C has the correct topline. A is roached back, B is down in the shoulders.

Tail is docked under AKC rules. However docked or undocked  the carriage is more important. Note it states carried slightly  higher the back, this does not mean high up on the pelvis creating  a gay tail. . *AKC Judges Newsletter: Fall 2002 In accordance with Chapter 7, Section 15 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows, A judge's decision shall be final in all cases affecting  the merits of the dogs. Full discretionary power is given to the judge  to withhold any or all prizes for want of merit. . It is the judge's interpretation of the breed standard on the day.  In each of these situations you may judge the exhibit and place  the dog you feel appropriate based on its quality in comparison  to the other dogs being exhibited. Or, you may excuse the dog  from the ring noting that the exhibit is not consistent with the breed standard, natural tail, natural ears, etc. . B has the correct tail carriage. A is too far forward, C is down.    C is carried at a 45 degree angle which is the correct tail set. A is too low, B is too gay (high) . A has the correct tail length. B is too short, C is too long. .

FOREQUARTERS, HINDQUARTERS, LEGS AND FEET

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Yorkshire Terrier AKC Standard. Forelegs-should be straight, elbows neither in nor out.  Hindlegs-straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are  moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet-are round  with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.

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Carolyn Hensley Judging Interpretation of the Standard. B has the correct front assembly. A is too wide, C is too narrow. . This section is very self explanatory but I have introduced it again in my interpretation of Gait.

GAIT

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Carolyn Hensley Judging Interpretation of the Standard. . There is nothing in the standard to describe a Yorkshire’s gait. But go back to general appearance, go to the description of  the body and this tells you the type of gait one should expect.  . Here is my interpretation of what it should be, taking my cue  from my terrier knowledge and exposure. . Should be free, light-footed, lively and straightforward.  Hindquarters should have strong propelling power. Toeing in or out is to be faulted. As seen from the front and from the rear, the legs are straight from the shoulder and hip joints to the pads, and move in parallel to the centerline of travel.  The rear legs move in the same planes as the front legs. As the dog moves at a faster trot, the front and rear legs and feet may tend to converge toward the centerline of travel, but the legs remain straight even as they flex or extend. Viewed from  the side, the legs move in a ground covering stride. The rear  feet should meet the ground in the same prints as left by the  front feet, with no gap between them Topline remains firm and level, without bounce. .

COLOR

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Yorkshire Terrier AKC Standard. Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until  they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan  on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to  which the following color REQUIREMENTS apply: Blue-Is a  DARK steel blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn,  bronzy or black hairs. Tan- All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There  should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the  tan. Color on the body- The blue extends over the body from  the back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is darker blue,  especially at end of tail. Headfall- A rich golden tan, deeper in  color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle with ears  a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of  neck.  Chest and legs-A bright rich tan, not extending above  the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hind legs. .

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Carolyn Hensley Judging Interpretation of the Standard.  I don’t know how anything could be more descriptive then this section of the standard. It again addresses that the coloration of the puppy is NOT that of the adult dog that is fully matured. . Note the color referenced is tan, darker at the roots, Dark steel blue and so forth. . Now how to judge the breed on color when so many are  colored in the ring both on headfall and body? Learn correct texture and quality of a good coat and reward it. When judging part the coat at the front and rear leg, if it is colored most do  not take the time and effort to check underneath. Learn the correct placement of the saddle and check where the tan ends  and the blue starts, is a smudged line or a clear demarcation?  The shading is always darker at the roots in the blue and the  gold getting darker the further the shaft is away from the body,  same color all the way and on a fully mature adult, question  enhancements. . B is the correct color. A is too light, C is black.