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Originally Posted by WaterPKMNMaster  That website looks like it hasn't been updated since the mid 90s. What an old layout!  |
I had the same problem with the YTCA website. Try to mass email everyone listed within a few hundred miles of you, and if anyone replies, ask them for referrals. Most of the emails I sent came back to me because the email addresses were no longer in use.
The breeder you just mentioned
seems ok, but you'd definitely need to meet them before going any further. The males are less expensive, and since you're just looking for a companion, why not go with that? As long as you get him neutered, there's really no big difference.
As for the yorkie in college thing--my best friend had a yorkie during college. A few things about that: she trained the dog from a very young age to remain quiet. In fact, the dog was so quiet that professors let her bring the dog to class (of course, we're talking about Miami here, so a different university might be a different story...lots of people bring their tiny dogs to class). Also, our sorority technically didn't allow dogs, but no one cared or reported her because she was adorable, well-behaved, and well-socialized. She trained her in her dorm room (when she was in a double and definitely NOT supposed to have pets). I'm not condoning that, but since the dog was so small and quiet, she got away with it. I think that in a way, a college student's lifestyle is almost perfect for having a dog because we're home for short bursts and then leave again. It's perfect for those quick puppy play-and-then-nap sessions.
My biggest advice would just be to go with the dog--of whatever breed--that matches your personality and lifestyle the best. Make sure you get to know the dog you're buying rather than just counting on the breed's characteristics to shine through. We bought our Stella specifically because she NEVER barks unless something big happens (like something falling off the counter, etc.), and even then, it's only once, and because she loves on EVERYONE and EVERY DOG. You have to live with their personality/temperament, so that's what matters. Good luck!