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Originally Posted by Nancy1999 I agree, I think finding the best breeder you can is so important; one that does health testing and knows the line can eliminate many health risks. Surgery for one leg to correct a Luxating Patella will cost a minimum of $1600.00. Many dogs have to have two knees done, and finding a breeder who checks for this and knows her line will help increase your chances of not having a dog that needs the surgery. Because Yorkies are such a popular dog, breeders are breeding them purely for profit, and don't care if the puppies that they produce are sickly, so look for a breeder who is not profit motivated. Breeders who show are not being frivolous, they are trying to see if their dogs meet standard, and believe that only those dogs that meet standard should be bred. You can help improve the breed, by only supporting those breeders who are breeding to improve the breed. Cost should not be the primary focus, check out their breeding program first. |

People don't realize that often you can get a puppy from a show breeder who has done thorough genetic screening and health testing for as much or even less as some puppies from backyard breeders and online puppy mills/brokers.
Do your research and carefully select a breeder who follows all the YTCA guidelines.
Getting a "bargain puppy" can cost you a fortune in vet bills over its lifetime.