[Nancy1999]

Well you'll probably get lots of different opinions on this, but I believe you should find the best breeder you can, and buy a pup from him or her. I always recommend the YTCA as a starting place; the YTCA is the mother club for Yorkies for the AKC. YTCA breeders have the highest standards, and really are trying to improve the breed. I think the chances of finding a healthy beautiful dog are much higher, if you find a great breeder. Prices are variable around the country, but $1500-2000 sounds average. I would not pay this to just any breeder. The dog should be a direct descendant of champions, not one whose grandfather on one side was a champ, or who has "champions in the blood" as this means nothing. A show breeder is more likely to do genetic testing, and since profit is not the motive for breeding, you are getting a great deal. Showing dogs is expensive, as well as all the testing that is required, yet many breeders will charge as much as a show breeder even though they don't have these expenses. You can buy a bargain pup, and luck out, but so many need costly surgeries, and one surgery can cost a minimum of $1,500 so it makes financial sense to buy from a quality breeder. Not only is the financial cost high with a sickly dog, the emotional cost are much higher. Remember, you don't have to plan to breed or show to buy a dog from a show breeder, most of the dogs they place are pet only, meaning they sell with limited registration. I had to learn this the hard way, and after owning a dog bred by a back yard breeder, I learned that that is something I would never wish on my worst enemy.