[Peta-Gaye]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

It's impossible to know if your little guy is healthy and free of genetic conditions he could pass on to offspring at only eight months old and without health testing.

I wasn't planning on breeding him now, contrary to popular belief [see quote below]

Originally Posted by HillbillyBelle

I personally, don't know what the rush is (although I know there could be some reason that you don't feel you want to reveal)

Originally Posted by Ladymom

By health testing we don't mean listening to his heart and lungs. Responsible breeders test to make sure the dogs they intend to breed don't have liver disease, luxating patellas or other orthopedic problems, thyroid imbalances, etc.

I never once thought that listening to their heart and lungs constituted health testing.

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Many genetic conditions don't show up for years. My Lady is a perfect example. She was the picture of health for four years ... until her "genetic time bombs" starting going off. She is now both epileptic and diabetic to name just a few of her conditions. Her vet bills and medications run about $5,000 a year now.

Just asking, did any of these health issues show up during testing, or did they become apparant as she aged?

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Did you know that Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined? And that the OFA ranks Yorkies #4 in the number of cases of luxating patellas? Surgery to correct those conditions runs into the thousands. I'm sure you wouldn't want to unknowingly pass that kind of financial liability on to friends and family members.

Yes, I did read these statistics prior to acquiring my puppy.

Originally Posted by Ladymom

You've come to right place to learn about being a responsible breeder. Please try to be open minded and listen to the advice given by our experienced YT breeders.

I'm aware that I may not seem open minded, after the exchanges that have taken place, but I was very open to what the experienced here had to say. It was the tone it was delivered in that got my defenses up. Does show quality=breed quality? There are several things that while they may disqualify a dog from show, including, but not limited to coat color/quality & lineage, it doesn't mean they are not worthy of being reproduced.
Not every private owner that breeds their dog, who may not be the crème de la crème, is irresponsible.

However, with all that's been said, I would like to say Thank You for all the input.