[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

I paid $1500 for Sadie (RIP) and $1200 for Ben. At the time I bought them from two different breeders, I also saw some advertised for $600-800. I went with the breeders that raised them in their homes and treated their Yorkies as pets instead of breeding stock.

When you think of the years of pleasure they are going to bring, the price is really not that much of an issue. Besides, that purchase price is only the beginning.....add to that the price of all the supplies, quality food, treats, chewies, toys, beds, blankets, clothes, grooming fees or buy your own hair clippers and blades, trimmers, nail clippers or grinders, combs, brushes, hair dryer, xpen or play yard, crate, carriers, doggy bells, leashes, harnesses, bowls, water bottle & holder, shampoo, conditioner, detangler, ear cleaner, dog toothpaste, toothbrush, pee pads, pet stain remover, pet play pen, pet stroller, safety gates, car seat, doggie diapers or belly bands, misc. health products, dog poo scooper, registration fee, license fee, vet bills which can get expensive for even routine visits and astronomical if there is a crisis ..... I know I am forgetting other important "stuff" but you get the idea.

That purchase price, its only the beginning but .... they are worth every penny!

But, then as you know, you can look at the it from a reputable breeders stand point.

When you start you purchase the best your money can buy. You have them tested, maybe championed, give them the best medical care. All the supplies mentioned above; bedding, crates, grooming supplies for home and those differ from show supplies. If you show, you most likely have two or more of everything, a set for home and a set for the road. Make sure you have all the whelping supplies and meds needed You give the mother all her prebreeding tests, nutritional needs, etc. Puppies are born and hope nothing goes wrong, like a c-section in the middle of the night on a weekend or mother doesn't develop complications after whelping. Then the work continues, making sure mother's nutrional needs are met, puppies are nursing off of all nipples and rotating them around. Changing of the whelping pen linens 2 or 3 times a day. Making sure puppies are gaining and retaining their body heat. Expenses for their first vet check. Expenses for shots, expenses for all required testing for puppies. Once puppies are weaned there special puppy food for puppies. Making sure they are socialized. Taking the time to prescreen potential new families. Making sure that each puppy package is readied for each puppy. Taking time with your new families, making sure their needs are met and all questions are answered. And it's not over when the puppies leave.....you get calls all the time, with more questions. There is more to this list.