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Originally Posted by FlDebra  $350 for an AKC registered Yorkie puppy is a very low price. Just be careful, try to find a reference of a previous buyer. Check out the health guarantee, ask her for a vet reference, check with the local dog owners club. Some smaller town areas just have a dog fancier's club, no specific Yorkie club. But still they may knwo some background of areas breeders. Ask the vet, groomers, and other yorkie owners what they know.
As for the specific puppy in the picture -- it is too hard to really assess by those face only pics. You need to look at the whole pup. Check his back for straightness; learn to check knees to ensure tightness; look at his bite; check the palate; check the eyes for clearness, no excessive watering & hair around the eye not growing inward; check the build, head carriage, and ears, see if both testicles have dropped. Ask about the health history of the parents and at least the grandparents too. Any genetic faults being passed? Any LP, liver shunts, heart problems? Check the personality of any adult dogs at the premises. Watch the puppy play, run (want them to run straight instead sidewinding), and drink water. Some trachea problems are more obvious when they drink. Check out the environment where the pups are kept and raised. Make sure there is a recent health certificate from the vet. Also make sure to call the vet and ask specifically about the puppies. The breeder should have given permission for the vet to comment to prospective buyers.
Oh, and I forgot. Many people in this area register CKC instead of AKC for whatever reason. I just wondered if CKC was cheaper to register and therefore the puppies registered CKC may be cheaper?
I know I am forgetting lots of things to check for, but hopefully these will give some ideas to add to your own. Even when you are just looking for a pet, it is important to get the best bred dog possible to prevent future medical problems that can not only be costly but sometimes heartbreaking.
Good luck with your decision and be sure to post pics when you do chose your new baby! |
Thanks for the advice. With the help of independent research and this forum, I'm getting very well-educated in Yorkies!! Until I see the place where she is and know for sure, I know I won't be able to see whether or not it is ok to get her. But I know where the lady's home is and the area VERY well since my father is a minister at a church within walking distance of the home. The lady that has the puppy owns a small local beauty shop that she operates from her home, which is common here. I know the family name and they are good people and trustworthy, so I'm hoping that it's not a mill or anything and just a lady who happens to have lots of little furbabies, which is also common in this area! In fact, when I was younger I had 6 dogs at one time because we would get one and people would just drop them in our yard and we'd end up taking care of them! And a lot of people get several toy breed dogs and keep like 3 or 4 of different breeds around here. So I definitley want to see the parents of this puppy to make sure she is pure-bred. Thanks again for everyone's advice!