Some people!!!

[rscaggs]

Just wanted to vent that some people need to research and learn about the breed they are going to get! Long story-short I had a lady email me about one of my pups and wanted to see pics-I sent the pics, she emails back stating that she wanted a "long haired yorkie." I email her back asking her what exactly she was talking about?? That if you choose to have a yorkie with long hair-you groom, brush, and do all the work it takes and let it grow out. She stated that she didnt know that and she assumed that they were born with a full coat, because all the pics of yorkie she had seen had longer coats!!!! I basically told her in a nice way that i wouldnt want her to have a pup of mine and that she needed to educate herself more before considering to get one-and that if you always assume that you make a a** out of you! She was even telling me that she only wanted to spend a hundred and some dollars for one anyway. I feel like I have priced my pups very well, and was not even going to consider that amount, and that she could find a nice one at a rescue or shelter.

[camile]

I'm happy to hear that you refused to sell such an uneducated person a puppy. If she knew nothing about the breed she was trying to buy, she probably didn't have any idea how to care for a puppy either. Sounds like she just decided to go out and buy a dog like going out to get a new pair of shoes.

Kudos to you, too many would have just gone for the dollar.

[kjcmsw]

Might be a little harsh. I remember getting my first Yorkie and all the dumb questions I asked. Thank goodness the breeder was willing to tell me everything and I became a better owner because of it. (I had always had big dogs before and decided a smaller dog would better fit our lifestyle after our big dog was ready to pass on) And your potential customer, like I, probably never paid that much for a dog before and it is "sticker shock" at first (though by the time I went to buy I knew what the average selling price was and wouldn't try to negotiate). How about this for dumb: I did research the breed somewhat prior to buying, probably learning how little they shed was the final decision point for me but at the time I went to get our first Yorkie it was at the breeders I learned their coats can lighten. hmmm, stupid? Now yes, but then...research Yorkies with novice eyes on the internet...you'll be hard pressed to find pictures of Yorkies with light coats. And I am an educated person with higher degrees (none with Ph.Yorkie in it), sometimes not all things are what they seem to be.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by kjcmsw

Might be a little harsh. I remember getting my first Yorkie and all the dumb questions I asked. Thank goodness the breeder was willing to tell me everything and I became a better owner because of it. (I had always had big dogs before and decided a smaller dog would better fit our lifestyle after our big dog was ready to pass on) And your potential customer, like I, probably never paid that much for a dog before and it is "sticker shock" at first (though by the time I went to buy I knew what the average selling price was and wouldn't try to negotiate). How about this for dumb: I did research the breed somewhat prior to buying, probably learning how little they shed was the final decision point for me but at the time I went to get our first Yorkie it was at the breeders I learned their coats can lighten. hmmm, stupid? Now yes, but then...research Yorkies with novice eyes on the internet...you'll be hard pressed to find pictures of Yorkies with light coats. And I am an educated person with higher degrees (none with Ph.Yorkie in it), sometimes not all things are what they seem to be.

You make some good points. I was very surprised when I joined YT and saw so many very light colored yorkies. I did not realize some faded that much. I also did not know about all of the other color anomalies. I did not learn near enough before I bought my first yorkie. But the next time I went in search of yorkies, I was fully prepared and knew what I was looking for and stood my ground until I found it. It only takes getting less than what you expected once, to learn a lesson. Somehow, even though that first yorkie was out of standard and a second hand pup that I later found came from a BYB, she still gave a lot of love to our family and I would never have traded her for any other.

Thankfully after that first seller, I too found a good breeder who seemed to enjoy teaching others about yorkies. She was very patient and never made me feel stupid for not knowing things. She had a normal check list that she went through and she just asked me to listen even if I thought I knew. I would never have stopped her though. Even things I did know were verified. But she taught me so much I did not know. Then she made it clear she was always on call should my pup need help of any kind.

Not only did she fully educate me on Yorkie ownership, much later she took her time to teach me about breeding. She even helped find a match so the two would compliment each other. She went WITH me to buy the pup from another breeder! She offered to come help me through the first whelping and again, she answered tons of questions. I decided that I would do the same for anyone coming to me for pups. I know we can't just let our puppies go to the unprepared, but it is part of our job to prepare the new puppy owners. So much cannot be learned from books. Many think because they have had a dog, it will be the same with a yorkie. It is up to us to walk them through it and see that they understand.

But a prospective buyer like the one the OP had.....well, expecting a Yorkie for $100 and not knowing they did not start with long hair is really stretching things. I might not have completely blown her off but I would have suggested she was not ready and needed to do some research on Yorkies before she actually started looking. She might not even be interested if she knows they are more likely to cost $1000+ than $100. So, I see both sides of this one.

[lexi43]

I have to say that when I got Zach I knew very little about yorkies. I just fell in love with him at first site. The day after I got Zach I joined this forum and I've learned so much from the people on YT. I can't tell you how helpful they have been. I am one of those impulsive people and when I see something I want I buy it, Dumb huh? I guess maybe if I had joined YT before I got Zach I never would have gotten him from a pet store. Then again I would never have Zach to love. I have to say I've lucky with Zach so far and I pray to God that he stays healthy. At least I know now how to take care of him the right way.

[BiewerMommy]

While being a member here on YT has provided a ton of information; many are often critical of those that aren't as full of knowledge about the breed. I personally question how can people become familiar with the breed and share the joy that these wonderful babies provide if they aren't able to feel comfortable asking some dumb questions. There are plenty of dumb owners but there are many that are trying to familiarize themselves with the breed and unfortunately many people are quick to be critical of their questions. As a breeder you have a right to be concerned over who will care for you amazing babies but if it were me I would relish in the ability to encourage others to realize how amazing these wonderful animals are. Just my humble opinion. Hope I don't offend just offering an alternative view point.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by BiewerMommy

While being a member here on YT has provided a ton of information; many are often critical of those that aren't as full of knowledge about the breed. I personally question how can people become familiar with the breed and share the joy that these wonderful babies provide if they aren't able to feel comfortable asking some dumb questions. There are plenty of dumb owners but there are many that are trying to familiarize themselves with the breed and unfortunately many people are quick to be critical of their questions. As a breeder you have a right to be concerned over who will care for you amazing babies but if it were me I would relish in the ability to encourage others to realize how amazing these wonderful animals are. Just my humble opinion. Hope I don't offend just offering an alternative view point.

I totally agree. if they have never seen a yorkie puppy, how are they to know that they aren't born with long blue and tan coats. I have had many buyers ask me about the color of the puppies vs the color of the adults.

If all you have ever seen are blue and tan adults and someone tries to sell you an almost all black puppy, I would question it too.

You are right, they do need to educate themselves on the breed, but asking questions is part of learning.

[TatumsMom]

Originally Posted by BiewerMommy

While being a member here on YT has provided a ton of information; many are often critical of those that aren't as full of knowledge about the breed. I personally question how can people become familiar with the breed and share the joy that these wonderful babies provide if they aren't able to feel comfortable asking some dumb questions. There are plenty of dumb owners but there are many that are trying to familiarize themselves with the breed and unfortunately many people are quick to be critical of their questions. As a breeder you have a right to be concerned over who will care for you amazing babies but if it were me I would relish in the ability to encourage others to realize how amazing these wonderful animals are. Just my humble opinion. Hope I don't offend just offering an alternative view point.

I was almost afraid to ask questions on here nearly 6 years ago when I got Tatum. I didn't know near enough about Yorkies at that time but have learned a lot here. I try not to be judgemental when I hear "dumb questions" and instead try to educate. I agree though that when people refuse to listen to simple explanations and act like they know everything and that I am being unreasonable about even the simple basics, that can get frustrating. It should be our goal though to educate. These people with the "dumb questions" will probably laugh at themselves later after learning more.

As for the price.... I did have a friend express interest in one of our newborn Australian Shepherd pups. I highly doubt that she has ANY idea how much these pups go for but I told her I would give her more info after I spoke to all the people on our waiting list.

[Lil Sis]

Kendra--- I like the PH.Yorkie degree... well said

I have been a teacher for 22 years... I believe there are not dumb questions...if they are honest questions. I try very hard not to put my students down when they ask... if I did they would not ask again and that would stop the learning process!!!

Before I got Remy I did a lot of research on the internet, and asked the vet lots of questions, some of the breeder. Did I make mistakes, yes.
Am I sorry, no because I have Remy.. That said, I would not like being made fun or criticized because I am learning. I may know about "stuff" another does not know.. we are not better than one another. Of course I draw that line before harm comes to a puppy!

So the members who know a lot about Yorkies... it is your "job" to educate the rest of us and that is best done with understanding..

Saying that I do understand your frustration.. why would you want to buy a puppy without any research or knowledge??? And $100.00 -- really????????

[jltwigg10]

Before I even talked to a breeder I did internet searches and read magazines and books about the Yorkie breed to try to make sure I was prepared as possible. When I talked to the breeder she confirmed most of what I had read but her EXPERIENCE with my puppy was not something I had read. She knew them and how they liked things. That was valuable information to me as well.

I have also learned so much on this forum. I am still learning. I visit almost everyday. My dh says that this site is "my fb/social network". I just smile.

When my Papillon had her first litter I made sure that each owner who came to see the puppies had done their research and knew what they were in for, the good and the bad. Papillons and Yorkies are so different but some of their shelter stories all have the same tune. People did not look at all that the breed is, good and bad, and when they have to face the bad part, (housebreaking, barking, etc), then they give up and drop them off at a shelter.

I personally enjoy the fact that I am still learning how to make my Yorkies happy. They are like people and over time different things interest them and make them happy in different ways.

[camile]

Here's the thing. From the OP's post, the prospective buyer didn't say she wanted to learn anything and when she said she only wanted to spend $100. I would have thought the conversation was about over too.
I agree, breeders are liable for questions as to the habits and care of the puppies they sell but, they are not responsible for educating everyone who calls for a puppy when it is obvious they know nothing about what they are trying to purchase. How many puppies are born with an adult coat, this woman didn't even know that much.

[Lil Sis]

Originally Posted by camile

Here's the thing. From the OP's post, the prospective buyer didn't say she wanted to learn anything and when she said she only wanted to spend $100. I would have thought the conversation was about over too.
I agree, breeders are liable for questions as to the habits and care of the puppies they sell but, they are not responsible for educating everyone who calls for a puppy when it is obvious they know nothing about what they are trying to purchase. How many puppies are born with an adult coat, this woman didn't even know that much.

Well said... but... I KNOW the op did not mean it to sound this way but..
some of us could take the comments as a put down because we don't know as much about yorkies as she does. I know she was blowing steam, and that is great that she can. At least that is my take on some of the comments.

[JeanieK]

Originally Posted by camile

Here's the thing. From the OP's post, the prospective buyer didn't say she wanted to learn anything and when she said she only wanted to spend $100. I would have thought the conversation was about over too.
I agree, breeders are liable for questions as to the habits and care of the puppies they sell but, they are not responsible for educating everyone who calls for a puppy when it is obvious they know nothing about what they are trying to purchase. How many puppies are born with an adult coat, this woman didn't even know that much.

I took a litter of puppies in to have thier tails docked, and the vet, an older gentleman, asked me what kind of dog they were. I told him yorkie, and his comment was "with short hair?"

This is not a big "yorkie" community, and apperently, he had never seen a newborn yorkie before.

[BiewerMommy]

I agree expecting to pay $100 dollars for a pup is a bit of a stretch but as for her being confused about the coat issue I could see how someone might get confused with that. There are many breeds of dogs that have different types of coats. A Yorkie could have a cotton or a silky coat. Adult Yorkies often look like a perpetual puppy and that is why many people love them so much. I am sure that many people ask or say silly things with regrets later and hindsight is 20/20. I have yet to meet a human baby with long flowing hair but I am sure she wasn't thinking about these kind of details when she asked the question. LOL I am sure I will say or ask a thousand more silly dumb questions in my life and am thankful for the many people that will or have extended grace in my stupidity. I am sure the original poster was only blowing off steam as well and in no way am pointing fingers because I hate people pointing fingers at me. I probably should have posted my feelings in its own threat. Hope everyone is staying warm on this super freezing day.

[camile]

Not to beat a dead horse but.......I don't think the point here whether we can and have asked questions that someone else thought was stupid or silly at best, but rather how much information should a breeder offer to a prospective buyer when it is obvious that the person is not a good candidate to purchase a puppy.

We get mad all the time at unscrupulous breeders then when one shows up and has denied someone, she is scolded for not offering Yorkie 101 when its obvious its going to take much more than answering a few questions, silly or otherwise. This is the point I am trying to make.