It's s great that you are starting your search early. It may take a while to find the right breeder and to establish a good relationship with a breeder. I'd recommend starting with the YTCA. I hear there are a lot of good breeders in the tri-state area. I live on Long Island, and I am also a high school teacher. My first six years were with the NYC Board of Ed, but I have been in an amazing high school in Old Westbury for a long time now. I'm just not ready to retire, although my little girl is going to be very sad when September comes around.
I am blessed to have the opportunity to share my life with Katie, a little girl who was retired from showing and breeding at the age of three. She has been with us since May 2102. Everything they say about the difference of getting a dog from a great breeder holds true with Katie. She has the most amazing temperament and is a dream. Two dear friends from YT helped me find her and get her to me, since she came from just north of Toronto. Katie is just the happiest little girl, so athletic, loving, sweet, and perfect in every way. We are just so lucky that our breeder entrusted us with her very loved little girl.
If you are interested in any feedback about breeders, let us know, and we'd be very happy to help. I'm attaching some links that are really helpful.
Welcome to YT. I'm sorry you had a painful experience with another breeder, and I hope your dream comes true for you like it did for us with Katie. Congratulations on your PhD.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...e-breeder.html http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/pup...ml#post4142424 http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...s-yorkies.html