Wonderful suggestion regarding Xmas pups

[ButterflyYorkie]

I have been researching and speaking with breeders lately from groups other than "toy or companion". My daughter is seeking a medium sized dog to train with and participate in the future in "other" events, along with conformation. She's pretty much settled on the breed she will venture out with but will keep that under wraps until we've made final decisions. During our research we ran across a breeder with this philosophy concerning Christmas puppies and I wanted to post this paragraph here because I love it!

NOTE on Christmas puppies:

As a parent of two boys, I fully recognize the surprise and delight in having an adorable puppy
under the Christmas tree. However, as a reputable breeder who wants only the best for my
puppies, I discourage bringing a young puppy into the new household on Christmas Day - due to
the normal hustle and bustle associated with this busy time. Your puppy will be frightened and
confused and will need plenty of reassurance and quiet time in order to make the best
adjustment to the new family. I will work with you in every way possible to make your holiday
a successful one, including providing photos to wrap up and set under the tree should you desire
this to be a holiday gift, but I do not advocate puppies as gifts on Christmas Day. Together, we
can make safer arrangements for introducing your new puppy to the family during this busy
time of year.

[ButterflyYorkie]

Please keep in mind that the person who said that breeds dogs who mature to 55 lbs. So it just goes to show that it isn't just for yorkie pups at Christmas. All puppies could experience problems at Christmas time no matter what the breed.

[RLC12345678]

I got my first yorkie at Christmas time because my hubby and I were both going to have 2 weeks off of work for Christmas vacation and we thought this would be the best time to bring a yorkie into our home since we were both going to be home for an extended amount of time to take care of it and make sure it is fully adjusted. Our first yorkie was also a Christmas present from my parents. Yorkies are so expensive that unless it was some sort of present, we would have never been able to get one. So, while this may hold true for SOME people (i.e. those with VERY small children or lots of young children and those who have tons of people over for Christmas) it is certainly not true for all. I am thankful that my breeder DID sell yorkies during Christmas, otherwise, we would not have gotten Hobbs.

[txshopper73]

Good thread!

[ButterflyYorkie]

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

I got my first yorkie at Christmas time because my hubby and I were both going to have 2 weeks off of work for Christmas vacation and we thought this would be the best time to bring a yorkie into our home since we were both going to be home for an extended amount of time to take care of it and make sure it is fully adjusted. Our first yorkie was also a Christmas present from my parents. Yorkies are so expensive that unless it was some sort of present, we would have never been able to get one. So, while this may hold true for SOME people (i.e. those with VERY small children or lots of young children and those who have tons of people over for Christmas) it is certainly not true for all. I am thankful that my breeder DID sell yorkies during Christmas, otherwise, we would not have gotten Hobbs.

You know I totally see things from your point of view as well. I feel the paragraph I posted would mostly pertain to families with children and HECTIC holiday gatherings hosted in their homes. Our home for example, is very laid back at Christmas because we have our gatherings at my mother's or sister's homes. Mainly because the last time I hosted a big family dinner, I had to eventually lock my dogs away from the "hustle and bustle" because people kept letting them out the door, giving them bites of dessert that they should not have, allowing them to play with the wrapping paper, twistie ties, hooks, tags, you name it!! LOL!!!
So I understand your side of it, and do agree that there ARE exceptions.
The only problem I see is that some breeders do not really bother to see what kind of atmosphere the new pup is going to be in during the holidays. So I feel in general a breeder should atleast inquire about the prospective family's holiday schedule and then make a responsible decision regarding the pup that everyone involved can live with.

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by ButterflyYorkie

You know I totally see things from your point of view as well. I feel the paragraph I posted would mostly pertain to families with children and HECTIC holiday gatherings hosted in their homes. Our home for example, is very laid back at Christmas because we have our gatherings at my mother's or sister's homes. Mainly because the last time I hosted a big family dinner, I had to eventually lock my dogs away from the "hustle and bustle" because people kept letting them out the door, giving them bites of dessert that they should not have, allowing them to play with the wrapping paper, twistie ties, hooks, tags, you name it!! LOL!!!
So I understand your side of it, and do agree that there ARE exceptions.
The only problem I see is that some breeders do not really bother to see what kind of atmosphere the new pup is going to be in during the holidays. So I feel in general a breeder should atleast inquire about the prospective family's holiday schedule and then make a responsible decision regarding the pup that everyone involved can live with.

I completely agree! I responsible breeder absolutely should inquire about the prospective family's holiday schedule and then make a responsible decision regarding the pup that everyone involved can live with.

[furby2000]

I completely agree with you The holidays are hectic enough.No need for a new baby to be involved with all the craziness...

[Chelsey]

Originally Posted by ButterflyYorkie

I have been researching and speaking with breeders lately from groups other than "toy or companion". My daughter is seeking a medium sized dog to train with and participate in the future in "other" events, along with conformation. She's pretty much settled on the breed she will venture out with but will keep that under wraps until we've made final decisions. During our research we ran across a breeder with this philosophy concerning Christmas puppies and I wanted to post this paragraph here because I love it!

NOTE on Christmas puppies:

As a parent of two boys, I fully recognize the surprise and delight in having an adorable puppy
under the Christmas tree. However, as a reputable breeder who wants only the best for my
puppies, I discourage bringing a young puppy into the new household on Christmas Day - due to
the normal hustle and bustle associated with this busy time. Your puppy will be frightened and
confused and will need plenty of reassurance and quiet time in order to make the best
adjustment to the new family. I will work with you in every way possible to make your holiday
a successful one, including providing photos to wrap up and set under the tree should you desire
this to be a holiday gift, but I do not advocate puppies as gifts on Christmas Day. Together, we
can make safer arrangements for introducing your new puppy to the family during this busy
time of year.

Good thread!!

[JCarlson2004]

Great post! Thanks for sharing.

[Breeze]

Originally Posted by ButterflyYorkie

You know I totally see things from your point of view as well. I feel the paragraph I posted would mostly pertain to families with children and HECTIC holiday gatherings hosted in their homes. Our home for example, is very laid back at Christmas because we have our gatherings at my mother's or sister's homes. Mainly because the last time I hosted a big family dinner, I had to eventually lock my dogs away from the "hustle and bustle" because people kept letting them out the door, giving them bites of dessert that they should not have, allowing them to play with the wrapping paper, twistie ties, hooks, tags, you name it!! LOL!!!
So I understand your side of it, and do agree that there ARE exceptions.
The only problem I see is that some breeders do not really bother to see what kind of atmosphere the new pup is going to be in during the holidays. So I feel in general a breeder should atleast inquire about the prospective family's holiday schedule and then make a responsible decision regarding the pup that everyone involved can live with.

Great post and thread!

[YorkieRose]

I used to fix a gift basket and put pictures of the new baby in it..then the first week of January or so it could go home. I never place a pup as a surprise gift. You might be surprised how many people do not want a new puppy..but the family thought it was a good idea to keep mom or grandmom company.

I have had a number of people ask me to bring a puppy to Christmas parties at hotel in DC or NY...it never felt right to me...and that goes for a big name too...they had to take the time to come to my house..Christ Rock sent his mother, no exceptions.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by RLC12345678

I completely agree! I responsible breeder absolutely should inquire about the prospective family's holiday schedule and then make a responsible decision regarding the pup that everyone involved can live with.

Your situation is in the 1% category, the other 99% is not that situation and place for a puppy that you have described.

[Lorraine]

For the other 99% of people that Christmas is a poor time for a puppy, or any holdiday for that matter, it occured to me today that if something should happen or that puppy gets sick, regular Vet clinics are closed often for days in a row over the holiday season.
As the new owner, you would be stuck going to an Emergency clinic which are usually over $100 to just walk in the door and it is questionable that you would get a Vet that knows anything about toy breeds especially toy breed puppies.

[Lorraine]

It also occured to me just now, how do you get that Vet check that many of these breeders say you must do within 48 hours. Do you know how hard it is even if that time is extended to take a pup in 4 days later and find out there is a major problem and you should likely return it to the breeder? It would break your heart and I know that as if that were me, it would break mine.

[Safire]

I agree 100%...but again, I am one of those exceptions to the rule.

I'm getting my pup at xmas because my breeder is a 6 hour drive away from me, yet only 20 minutes from my mom's. Since we're going to be at my mom's for xmas anyways, it's perfect. Add to that the fact that I'll have 2 weeks off and the timing couldn't be better. Once I firm up a date with the breeder (either a few days before or after xmas) then I'll make an appointment with a vet (weeks in advance) in my mom's neighbourhood for a checkup within 72 hrs.

Oh, and I should also mention there are absolutely no children involved.

So I wholeheartedly agree that a pup with a big red bow under the tree xmas morning is a recipe for disaster... however for us it is a blessing to have the time off to be with him.