There are some things to consider when you are talking to a breeder to buy a pup.
How well do they know their lines the pup came from?
Are they breeding to just sell puppies?
Are they knowledgable about the breed? Can they tell you all about the two genetic problems most worrisome in the breed-livershunt and Legge Perthes. Do they know the age of onset approximately. What sort of guarantees are there in the contract.
What sort of things do you see around the home ie pictures of Yorkies, Yorkie little statues, and other Yorkie/dog related stuff.
Are they just in one or two breeds at most?
Regardless of number of dogs, are they well cared for and cared about? Dentals kept up on adults etc. You have to realize a family of two, three or four people involved with the dogs can have a few more dogs around than one that doesn't. Do they have their own pet Yorkie? Do they have one maybe that they would not sell as it has health issues and it would not be fair to a new owner to sell it?
Is the breeder anxious to get a puppy out the door?
Is the breeder willing and more than happy to answer all your questions and will tell you the downside as well as the upside of a Yorkie?
Is the breeder interviewing you to determine that your lifestyle and home would be suitable for one of his or her pups? The breeder that considers your home is not suitable regardless of the money you are willing to pay right now is a caring breeder that knows the breed. If the breeder considers you are suitable and will give you 24/7 help if there are any questions, problems etc after you buy the pup, I would consider that a good breeder.
From the other point of view, I have had enquirers that do not qualify as a potential owner for a pup from me at the current time. Some I will say I don't have anything available because no matter how hard I try, they will not tell me anything about themselves. I also want to know their dog experience and how much they want to put into dog ownership.
If the main concern of a breeder selling a pup is whether you are paying via paypal, cash, cheque or credit card, my opinion would be this is not a good breeder.
In my opinion, there are far too many posts on this board from people looking for help for medical issues and other issues with their pup that their breeder should be answering and be willing to answer for them and help them with whatever they can. I have helped all my puppy buyers and they do not hesitate to contact me for any reason at all. If a trip to the vet is warranted, I tell them the questions to ask the vet so they are going in informed. |