 picking out a puppy
It depends on if you are looking for pet quality or show potential. As they change so much, it is hard, even for seasoned breeders, to accurately predict what they are going to look like as an adult. As I am blessed to have Joan Gordon as a mentor, she has imparted much very good advice in selecting my yorkie puppies. #1. If you are going to show your Yorkie, do not purchase one under 6 mths. old (4 mths is recommended for pet). #2. Things to look at: Topline, tail set, ear set & size, color, coat texture, height to length ratio, bite, in a male - dropped testicles, and of big importance is attitude. Read Joan's book, The New Complete Yorkshire Terrier.
#3. In picking a breeder, I recommend going to dog shows and talking with breeders showing Yorkies. Often in the case of reputable breeders, you don't get to pick the breeder, they pick you. They want to make sure they are placing their yorkie in a good home, even the pets. Their love of the breed has lead them to the show ring - their desire to keep the standards of the breed has lead them to do their own breeding. I do not know of a single person that shows Yorkies (I am even including those I am not very fond of) that breeds their Yorkies just to sell and make money. They breed to try to get the best possible Yorkie for themself and sell those that don't meet that goal. That doesn't mean they aren't beautiful just that they are perfect enough for that breeder. |