Yeah, I get that a lot, and if they seem to be truly interested in the breed. I'll tell them how much; I feel a lot of them are asking because after seeing my cute pups they want a Yorkie all their own, lol.
The rat comment, I don't like at all.
I might say that when they're wet, or whatever, but being affectionate to your own dogs is different than a complete stranger making a snide comment about a beloved pet.