Alaskayorkie is right. You need to know what you are looking at. You need to know the difference between a backyard breeder and a puppy mill. Some people have gotten healthy dogs from both types of breeders but, personally, I would not reward bad breeding practices by giving them my money. Puppy mills keep their dogs in horrid conditions and then sell them fairly cheaply to pet stores and "boutiques." They take those poor puppies away from their mom way too early and many of them die in transit. Many more people have ended up with sickly pets from puppy mills.
A backyard breeder pays no attention to such details as genetics or health background. They take a dog that they think looks good and mate it with another that they have. No science is used and they many times produce genetically weakened pups that are far from the breed standard. Why should you care since you just want a pet? They are doing the breed a disservice. They weaken it as they produce dogs that are further and further from the healthy vital Yorkie that it should be.
When you do a Yorkie search online you will pull up mostly puppy mills and backyard breeders along with brokers. Unless you do a specific search for a particular kennel or breeder you will find the kind of things you have found so far. These people can make fancy websites but they are simply a front for some crooks that are trying to make money off the backs of these very popular dogs.
Look for clubs in your state or nearby states.The AKC has a search area where you can find conformation and breed clubs in your area. These clubs usually have a breeder referral person that you can contact. Also go to the YTCA website and do some research about the breed and breeders. Good breeders do have websites but you won't find them easily in a google search. Research any breeder you find, even if they show. A show breeder is not a guarantee of a healthy pup. You need to know what you are looking for. A reputable breeder should be able to sell you a healthy pet puppy for $800.00 to $1500. There is no reason to pay much more than that for a pet.
People who are trying to breed extra tiny Yorkies are making a mess of the breed. They will try to gouge you for thousands of dollars promising a tiny dog. Way too many people have paid way too much money for a tiny dog only to end up with a larger than normal pet or a very sick puppy.
The world of dog breeding is way more complicated than most people would ever imagine.
Buyer beware. All puppies are cute but you don't know what kind of health or personality issues lurk under that cute little furry coat. |