If you do decide that yorkies are for you, pls look for a breeder that does not mix breeds purposefully; one that does not breed females under 5 pounds, one that sells only AKC and not APRI/CKC/ACA. Many breeders use multiple registries so they cna still provide "papers" when the AKC has them suspended. The other registries will register puppies even if a breeder is banned or suspended from the AKC. AKC is the only not-for-profit registry. The others will bend over backwards to register puppies without previous registration of the parents just so they can make a buck. They were actually started by breeders banned from AKC or unwilling to comply with record keeping and safe breeding practices required by the AKC.
Also -- REALLY look at the dams and sires being bred. Do they meet AKC standard or are they scraggly-looking, cowering, unkempt, off-color? Take a good look at the health guarantee. Is it full of things they do not cover? Does it cover them for a full year? Does it require you to exchange your pet to use the guarantee or do they agree to pay for vet fees? Breeders know that most people bond with their dog and are not going to trade it in for a new one after a couple of days. So, if they require that intheir guarantee, they are basically off the hook for everything! There is a great post about things to look into before buying a dog. It is posted as a "sticky" at the beginning of the Yorkies For Sale Forum. Take time to read through that. Good luck! |