[Jessbell]

First of all WELCOME to the site! It's so wonderful to have you here with us and I hope you like it here as much as we all do! I expect you will!

Secondly, congratulations on your iminent graduation! That is FANTASTIC news! You should be proud of yourself, ewll done you!

Now, about that puppy! Yorkies are a great breed if you're looking for individuality, loyalty and a loving companion. Good choice girl!
It is true (in my experience) that Toy dogs take longer to housetrain, my Chi girl was 10 months before I felt completely safe with her, and my Yorkie is only 5 months so I cant tell you yet about her, only that at 5 months we're still a few months off yet I think. Crate training is an excellent idea and really works, you'd be wise to invest in one. I put my Yorkie pup in hers at night at about 10pm and she holds it until 7am. Dogs very raerly deficate in their own personal space so it's a good tool.

I have only ever had bitches so I'm afraid I cnt help with your question on gender, sorry! But loads on here will I'm sure!

Feeling you have no money is not, if I'm completely honest with you, the ideal situation in which to go into having a new dog. Dogs cost a lot, especially puppies, what with all the vaccinations, so you'll need a bit of capital behind you. If you're not intending to breed then getting your pup spayed/neautered is the best idea. If you have a bitch and do that before her first season you'll elliminate any chance of Mammory cancer, but more often than not Toy breeds dont come into season by 6 months of age like larger breeds so you could probably afford to wait a few more months while you save your pennies. My advice would be to get insurance for your new puppy, although I believe I am actually in a mionority on that one on this forum, it is invaluable! It doesn't cover spayinig/neutering, but most other things and if you have an accident and your pet has to have surgery you dont want to be put in a place where you have to decide whether or not to go ahead with that surgery.

Questions to ask the breeder:

1) How long have you been breeding? A good answer is longer than "this is my first ever litter" althogh that doesn't neccessarily mean they're not a good breeder, just be aware it's not ideal.

2) How many dogs do you have? People with lots of dogs often cant give them the attention and love they need so they might be in poor condition. Equally, people who breed lots of different brees of dogs generally have lower standards and could well be puppy farms.

3)Do you worm your pups from 2 weeks of age? Puppies need to be wormed from very young and a breeder who does not do this is negligent.

4) Do you vaccinate your pups before they leave you? Very good breeders will vaccinate before they go just incase the pups have an sort of negative reaction to the vaccine.

5) Why do you breed? If it is not obvious (such as showing), I would suggest you ask as if they are breeding for money (this will probably be obvious too) then run away as fast as you can!

6) Can I view the parents, any siblings/relatives of the pup in question? If you cant view at least the Mother I would advise you walk away. Without meeting her at least you'll have no idea at all what your pup will grow up to be like.

7) How old will the pups be when they leave? In absolutely no circumstance ashold pups leave until they are 8 weeks old, but the older they leave the more adjusted and stable they will be.

When meeting a breeder and their dogs just be sensible, have your witts about you and go with your heart. You'll know if it's right or not.

Good luck, and please, please let us know how you get on!

Jess