New here-

[lovestiny]

Hi- I am new here. I read the "what to ask the breeder" page. I am looking for a yorkie as a family pet. I guess I am wondering what a realistic price is. I have only just begun researching and I am finding prices from $700-$3000. I understand the higher priced ones are from champion bloodlines. But I guess my question is, what is the lowest price I can expect to pay for a pet who is from a reputable breeder but not one that is show quality. I am feeling a little overwhelmed after all my research today. I am located in long island, but willing to travel. Thank you. Sorry if this isn't posted in the right place.

[Maximo]

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. In New England, prices for a well-bred Yorkie are higher, around $2000 or a little more. When seeing prices closer to $3,000, that is typically a broker, unless you can verify that the person is a show breeder.

Female Yorkies tend to priced higher than males.

Research the breeders carefully. Look for a good health guarantee and try to find references.

[lovestiny]

Thanks-I think $2000 is still a bit on the high end, in that case, do you have any advice on how I can research and review breeders in other states? Thanks for any input.

[smelcerk]

I was recently in the same position as you and probably put in 50 hours of research before I settled on the perfect breeder for me. Google was my best friend. I had an early scare where I almost got sucked in by a horrible puppy broker. This caused me to be very very cautious. I googled every potential breeder for good and bad reviews. I checked each of them out on yelp. I contacted the Better Business Bureau and checked each one out. I personally drove to the home of each breeder. This was invaluable to me as I had very bad feelings after visiting several of them. I contacted AKC who led me to YTCA. Through this 50 plus hours of research, I found yorkie talk which is the most amazing group of yorkie lovers ever. I read so many threads my eyes started crossing but that is where I found my most favorite breeder ever, I will PM you her information but want you to know that my recommendation is not enough. You must do your own research. I was looking for signs that the breeder was breeding for health, I wanted health guarantees, I wanted connections with her dogs and with me as a potential buyer, I wanted a willingness to talk and talk and talk until I felt comfortable, I wanted to know that her love for her dogs did not end when the check was cashed. Do not trust a breeder who is willing to sell you a puppy without running you through the wringer first. I was not interested in anyone who was not interested in me. If they didn't care where their puppies went, they just plain didn't care about their puppies which to me means they were not careful with their breeding practices. A dog that enters my family usually dies of old age and if I am going to be spending that kind of time with another one of God's creatures, I really want to have a quality experience. So, research, research, research. Start dialogues with lots and lots of people. You will get there.

[Maximo]

Searching is a big job. Patience will pay off with a better chance at having a healthy dog who will be your companion for upwards of 15 to 20 years.

I searched for more than 2 years on and off.

Here is the YT library guide to finding a reputable breeder:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...e-breeder.html

[lovestiny]

Thank you. I wish it was a little easier. It would be great if some of the breeders in here posted their available dogs but it didn't appear that forum was too active. I appreciate everyone's input.

[SirTeddykins]

Originally Posted by lovestiny

Thank you. I wish it was a little easier. It would be great if some of the breeders in here posted their available dogs but it didn't appear that forum was too active. I appreciate everyone's input.

I know how you feel - it can be disheartening and very time consuming.


But, like others have said, the time you put into research is invaluable. I spent over a year looking for the right breeder, considering if I actually wanted a dog, what type, what to look for, how much to spend, etc.


I have been rewarded with a very good pet quality dog from champion bloodlines (his grandpa is the only Yorkie to ever have won best in show in Crufts!) from a reputable breeder. I checked the Yorkshire Terrier Club of England site to get a breeder and the breeder was actually a chairman of the club and an international show judge. I paid about $900 for my dog.


SO, moral of the story, not all reputable breeders are going to charge millions of dollars. And, the higher price doesn't guarantee a good dog or reputable breeder. Research is key.


YT is invaluable for the info you will find and everyone is great with answering questions.


Keep searching, don't get disheartened and good luck!

[lovestiny]

Thank you. Wow. What an inspiring story...
I feel so overwhelmed but I know the right dog is out there!

[lovestiny]

and now I cannot even look because the yorkie club site is down? help!

[matese]

Welcome to YT, remember the saying “you get what you pay for” There are qualified breeders that breed for show quality. They may keep a puppy or 2 that appear to have show potential. They may keep these puppies for 5 or 6 months to watch their development. If they see these pups are not show quality they are sold as pets. Because they are not 12 weeks old they will sell puppies for less money, but you can be assured you are buying a puppy that the dam and sire back ground has been checked for heath and genetic issues, and they offer health guarantee. Then there are BYB (back yard breeders) they breed for money only, or their female got pregnant by accident, they sell puppies for $500. to $700. No dam / sire health, genetic research is done. Hey I have a female, neighbor has a male, yeah, lets mate them up. Or the female could have gotten pregnant from a dog that was not even a Yorkie, but if the puppies look more Yorkie they will say puppy is 100% pure yorkie. What you save if you buy from a BYB it will cost you so much more down the road in vet bills. Not to mention watching your beloved little baby suffer with health issues. As excited as you are, as over whelming as it may be, please be patient, do your research, and you will get that perfect lil puppy. If you don’t mind getting a puppy at 5 or 6 months I suggest working with a breeder that is holding on to a puppy to see how it develops, this does not mean you will get a mis-fit puppy lol, Show dogs have strict requirement, height, length, ear size, eye placement, and much more, we have breeders who are able to give far more info then I can, the point I am trying to bring out is. Getting a 5 or 6 month old puppy from a qualified breeder means you are getting an older puppy that will be a perfect pet from an excellent, caring breeder, for less money because it is not a 12 week old puppy. The puppy is still a baby, you will miss out on nothing but getting your slippers, shoes, and walls chewed up lol. Good luck in finding that perfect baby for you and your family. Good luck in finding the perfect baby for you and your family.

[lovestiny]

Oh thanks, we definitely would be happy to find one that is six months old :-) so if anyone reading this is looking to sell, please let me know! I definitely don't want to buy from a BYB or puppymill. Thanks!

[Wylie's Mom]

I think you can find a well bred dog for somewhere around $1500, give or take. I got my Marcel (my avatar) from a Show breeder who breeds champion lines, and I got a very decent price of $1400. She is at Welcome To GoldDust Yorkies! Breeder and Exhibitor of Yorkshire Terriers, and she does use a courier to fly her pups to you if needed, for a charge.

[lovestiny]

Thanks, I would prefer to drive there and be able to meet the breeder and see the sire/dam. Where is gold dust located? Thanks
ps-your doggie is beautiful :-)

[yavenay]

Have you considered adopting an older yorkie from a yorkie rescue? Both of my yorkies were older when I got them and it was the absolute best decision I ever made. I've never had a yorkie puppy although Duchess acts like she was born yesterday sometimes

[lovestiny]

Yes, we are approved for our local rescue but we would ideally like one under age 3. hard to come by. We really loved having our maltese with us for 17 years and would love to have a yorkie hopefully many years as well.