[gemy]

It is my understanding that in the U.K. puppies must be kept until 8weeks at least. It is law? I'm not sure, just remember reading a post with a gal getting a six wk old puppy, and one comment from a member who was from the U.K. saying this.

With toy breeds for sure in my opinion no pup should leave the breeder until at least 2lbs and 12 weeks old. Both weight and age factors need to be present.

So for the OP find out the weight of these puppies, along with the myriad of other things you need to observe at the breeders and discuss.

If you want authoriative bodies, go to the YTCA.org website which delineates the age of which a Yorkie should go home.

You should know what exact health test have been done. It is not just enough to know although it is good that your breeder is a preferred one with the Kennel Club. The last time I checked the National Yorkshire Terrier club's website they mentioned no specific health tests.

I will mention this to you to save you trying to search for other threads on health testing.

The dam and the sire should be tested prior to breeding for:

1) BATS - the bile acids test. Indicates specifically how well the liver is functioning. Yorkies are at risk for Liver Shunt - this test helps to insure neither sire nor dam are afflicted.

2) PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy and or other eye diseases. Must be done by a specialist. In Canada and the USA there is a registry where-in our results can be posted for all to see.

3) LP - Luxating Patella. Knees are evaluated by a vet. Both parents should be clear.

4) Thyroid function - a special expanded Thyroid panel is done to help determine if either the dam or sire is suffering from Thyroid disease.

5) Hip Dysplasia - Xrays are taken and evaluated by a reputable expert. Here it is done by OFFA. Again results can be posted on the website.

I wish you all the best for your visit, and hope that if you decide on a puppy they are happy and healthy.