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SET Yorkies · 06-15-2008, 04:12 PM

I am going to start off saying that I am not fussing at you personally and I really really understand the frustrating nature of your situation...... There is a certain palatable disappointment that comes with realizing what you were promised isn't what you received. Although, there were some red flags I'm sure you see in retrospect and do not need me or anyone else to point out....If I were you, I would really evaluate this on a personal level as matters of Dog Law are well, probably not in your favor.... I want you to bear in mind, some of my favorite dogs have been my "ugliest" biggest rowdiest.... Some of my most beautiful perfectly proportioned dogs are real A**es and would make poor family pets. You may wish to stop reading here as I am only taking this opportunity to remind potential buyers how important reputable breeders are...... How do you find one of those....LOTS and LOTS of VISITS WITH LOTS OF BREEDERS FROM LOTS OF PLACES ASKING LOTS OF QUESTIONS...... If you don't have a list of questions a quick post on this board asking for lists of questions will provide you with more than you needed, I Promise......

However, for those thinking about purchasing a puppy and unafraid to read on... here goes the rant....
Use the following formula to approximate size at maturity: 3 x the weight at 8 weeks or 2 x the weight at 12 weeks in conjunction with a growth chart on which you track weight from birth to 12 wks and 2 generations of genetics. A consiencious breeder will have that info readily available for you the first time you ask. That breeder will also have a comprehensive log of Veterinarian records for you to peruse as well as permission granted to contact the veterinarian of record. (FYI: don't ask till you get there, don't even mention it on the phone)
Even with all the data in the world, most can't do any better than an educated guess on a 15 week old but the data will show you that you have found a true breeder consumed by the quality of what he or she produces and the happiness of his or her buyers. That breeder has put in countless hours of real nose to the grindstone record keeping and hours of observation. It is always good to bear in mind that a 2 lb sire and 4 lb dam can easily produce a 10lb puppy at maturity. Dog genetics are no different than two right handed parents producing a lefty. As goes the world of dog genetics. I think what frustrates me the most are the two sides of that coin.... uneducated breeders who have never opened a book on genetics and don't intend to as well as buyers who pursue the concept of the ideal pet, but take no time to search out a top notch breeder. In fact size should never be the sole selling point.Descriptive words are never a guarantee.... You may end up with a 6 lb "tea cup" if you aren't careful. Also, breeder records are invaluable as to what size dogs any Dam / Sire combination may produce. Occasionally puppies will weigh less than 3 lbs at maturity. Our breeding program has produced several under 2's who have never had one health problem, others that die prior to 15 wks or just after. Be aware, you are just getting a description and nothing more, nothing special. All breeders are pulled into that fad description game at one time or another... I know i've been there.... Competing in the dog market is only getting harder. It is really difficult to swallow losing a sale to a "back yard breeder" who lists the word teacup in the ad and hasn't the first inkling of knowledge about the breed while you bust your rear everyday... I know, I sound a bit agitated, yes.... If buyers continue to reward poor breeders with poor practices, it simply won't matter anymore anyway.... Nothing that resembles a healthy Yorkie will be left. Reputable breeders do not gear breeding programs around producing puppies that are less than 3 lbs, but selling a puppy that will make a quality pets is acceptable no mater the size. In fact, a 2lb puppy produced out of a kennel routinely producing 5 lb or larger dogs is coming out of a healthy breeding program, IMO... Buyers must ask questions.... I'm going to stop here because I think I'm just making myself mad rather than making a point....

06-15-2008, 04:12 PM	#13
SET Yorkies Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2007 Location: Beaumont Texas Posts: 285	Does size really matter.... the age old question I am going to start off saying that I am not fussing at you personally and I really really understand the frustrating nature of your situation...... There is a certain palatable disappointment that comes with realizing what you were promised isn't what you received. Although, there were some red flags I'm sure you see in retrospect and do not need me or anyone else to point out....If I were you, I would really evaluate this on a personal level as matters of Dog Law are well, probably not in your favor.... I want you to bear in mind, some of my favorite dogs have been my "ugliest" biggest rowdiest.... Some of my most beautiful perfectly proportioned dogs are real A**es and would make poor family pets. You may wish to stop reading here as I am only taking this opportunity to remind potential buyers how important reputable breeders are...... How do you find one of those....LOTS and LOTS of VISITS WITH LOTS OF BREEDERS FROM LOTS OF PLACES ASKING LOTS OF QUESTIONS...... If you don't have a list of questions a quick post on this board asking for lists of questions will provide you with more than you needed, I Promise...... However, for those thinking about purchasing a puppy and unafraid to read on... here goes the rant.... Use the following formula to approximate size at maturity: 3 x the weight at 8 weeks or 2 x the weight at 12 weeks in conjunction with a growth chart on which you track weight from birth to 12 wks and 2 generations of genetics. A consiencious breeder will have that info readily available for you the first time you ask. That breeder will also have a comprehensive log of Veterinarian records for you to peruse as well as permission granted to contact the veterinarian of record. (FYI: don't ask till you get there, don't even mention it on the phone) Even with all the data in the world, most can't do any better than an educated guess on a 15 week old but the data will show you that you have found a true breeder consumed by the quality of what he or she produces and the happiness of his or her buyers. That breeder has put in countless hours of real nose to the grindstone record keeping and hours of observation. It is always good to bear in mind that a 2 lb sire and 4 lb dam can easily produce a 10lb puppy at maturity. Dog genetics are no different than two right handed parents producing a lefty. As goes the world of dog genetics. I think what frustrates me the most are the two sides of that coin.... uneducated breeders who have never opened a book on genetics and don't intend to as well as buyers who pursue the concept of the ideal pet, but take no time to search out a top notch breeder. In fact size should never be the sole selling point.Descriptive words are never a guarantee.... You may end up with a 6 lb "tea cup" if you aren't careful. Also, breeder records are invaluable as to what size dogs any Dam / Sire combination may produce. Occasionally puppies will weigh less than 3 lbs at maturity. Our breeding program has produced several under 2's who have never had one health problem, others that die prior to 15 wks or just after. Be aware, you are just getting a description and nothing more, nothing special. All breeders are pulled into that fad description game at one time or another... I know i've been there.... Competing in the dog market is only getting harder. It is really difficult to swallow losing a sale to a "back yard breeder" who lists the word teacup in the ad and hasn't the first inkling of knowledge about the breed while you bust your rear everyday... I know, I sound a bit agitated, yes.... If buyers continue to reward poor breeders with poor practices, it simply won't matter anymore anyway.... Nothing that resembles a healthy Yorkie will be left. Reputable breeders do not gear breeding programs around producing puppies that are less than 3 lbs, but selling a puppy that will make a quality pets is acceptable no mater the size. In fact, a 2lb puppy produced out of a kennel routinely producing 5 lb or larger dogs is coming out of a healthy breeding program, IMO... Buyers must ask questions.... I'm going to stop here because I think I'm just making myself mad rather than making a point....