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Originally Posted by gemy  To know for sure have a DNA test done on your dog.
Visual clues are just that visual. How-ever you can ask to a) see the parents and b) get their full registration details, and c) hopefully they are registered with a reputable registry. for example; AKC or American Kennel Club - CKC - the Canadian Kennel club. If you do a Search on here for the kennel clubs you will find lots of threads. The search button is up to on the screen. Also go the the Yorkshire Terrier Library and look up the thread on What you should know/do before buying a puppy. |
First of all I am so sorry to hear about your first pup with Liver Shunts.
Gail had some great tips to help! :-)
When seraching for your next pup: Unfortunetly all yorkies pups look so cute when young. It is when they get older and become adults that you see the quality and type. If you look at enough pups, over years, you can start to see the difference with their (pup's) face and have a better idea on adult look (face).
With size - As seen even here on YT there are many yorkies that go over the standard size. When looking for a pup that will be smaller - you need to not only look at the parents but also the grandparents. I have seen often where the pups look and size will skip a generation. And no reputable breeder can or will guarantee size of a pup, since each pup will grow in its on time. Some lines do grow very fast at first and then stop, where other lines grow very slowly. Guaranteeing size is like guaranteeing what size a human baby will be once it is an adult. I see a red flag if a breeder does guarantee size. Either they do not know better or they are just trying to make a sell or will guarantee anything in hopes that you will become attached and then too late to return the pup. Breeder can though
guess adult size and that is it.
The best thing to do is interview breeders and go with one you trust and love her/his dogs. Also know and understand the standard. Be informed as best you can, so you can make a wise decission. I prefer AKC, but of course it will not guarantee quality. Some breeders can be unethical with paperwork, so be sure you go with one that you can trust. Do your homework and learn all you can about the breed, and breeders.