[4doggiemama]

Originally Posted by Jellybears

Thank you for your post. I did read it all - quite the eye opener. I did not even know about 'brokers' before I read your post. Bottom line - how the heck can a person know what they are getting into. I know there are reputable breeders, but I just can't pay $1200 to $2000. That is why I have been looking on line - around the $800 mark. I also know there are some private families that have nice puppies, well looked after, social little beings! I would definitely want to go to them, not the other way around!!! Any thoughts??

Let me tell you...........it IS much cheaper to pay $1,500 for a healthy puppy than to buy one that could possibly have genetic diseases. As was mentioned above, many of the diseases are time bombs and don't go off until later. I have a 12 yr. old Yorkie that has many issues that came to light as she got older. My dh estimated the other day that we have spent around $10, 000 keeping her alive.......and we aren't through yet. I adore her and she still has a happy life, sooooooo........ the cycle continues. As you can see, it WOULD have been much cheaper to buy from a reputable breeder. ~Joanne~