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Originally Posted by gemy  Why not start with the Yorkshire Terrier Club in England? I know there is a National Club. The Kennel Club over there will post their show locations and times et al, and you could find some to go to, to meet the breeders.
If you like I could ask my breeder who does have dogs in Europe if she knows of any good breeders in the UK. I am sure there are; after all this is the founding country for the Yorkie!!
The library here is a fountain of information. I do know that customs and traditions are different in each country; how-ever I still recommend waiting until your pup is at least 12wks old AND 2 lbs prior to adoption. Although I have heard that the European Yorkies tend to be a "bit" larger then the regrettable mania we have here in North America for "teeny" dogs.
Just a couple of cautions if you are used to BIG dogs. Yorkies need a halter to be walked with. Appropriate size corrections; use voice/treat/pet rewards...ie positive training. One measurement my breeder gave me, was leash correct with one finger... move to two fingers as they become adult.
Many things to look out for a good breeder and to assess the pup. One thing I suggest is truly feeling the parents out (hopefully both). First for a good temperament, then for structure. I want you to feel for boney width; this is a very rough approximation of how strong the parents bones are. Run your hand down their legs, do they remind you of sticks? Qualify that by descriptives; ie popsicle stick, twig, small roundish strong stick?. How wide in finger width are the legs from mid joint, ie knee or elbow to ankle? In an adult yorkie for most sized female hands one to less than one width is "thin" bone.
Now watch the parents move. Very important. Do they fall into a natural trot? Or do they run, then do a kind of bunny hop? Do they stack naturally and easily? This is called free stacking. When they move in a walk or trot, do their toplines stay level?
From the above bunny hopping/always running, never trotting, a roached or rounded back when moving at a walk or trot or standing are NOT good examples. I'd pass on any puppy from those parents.
If what I have explained is unclear please private message me, and I will try to elaborate.
This is such an exciting time for you. I wish you all the best in finding that right puppy for you and your husband. |
Not wanting to offend anyone, but I'm personally not interested in a 'teacup' Yorkie, or tiny Yorkie. They do tend to be bigger over here and that is fine with me. A little sturdy dog will do. As a teen I worked at a Kennel, for toy poodles, so I do know what you mean about the walk and flow of a dogs movements. I'm looking for a pet, so it can have some faults, but obviously I want a healthy dog.
Meeting breeder is an issue, as I'm home bound mostly. Hubby could go, but he doesn't know what he's looking at. If it has a tail and four legs, looks like a dog, then he'd probably think it's a good dog, he could come home with a ferret. lol ok he's not quite that bad, but not far off.