Print out the article from the library here entitled Guide to finding a Responsible Breeder.
Suggest that they attend dogs shows with-in their area, they can go to
www.infodog.com to see what shows are up and coming in the New Year.
THis way they can get to meet some show breeders. What they can also do is about 7-10 days before the show begins, they can go to that website and look for something called the judging schedule for that show. They then can see how many Yorkies are entered to be judged and which ring and what time the judging is set to begin.
Also they can communicate with their local rescue, and their shelter, and volunteer to walk some small breed dogs or help out in some doggey way.
Rescue can be considered as often times the dogs DO NOT have behavioural problems and an older dog is often crate trained, house broken, knows how to walk on a lead, etc etc. With new dog owners that can be a big PLUS.
They can expect to answer lots of questions from either the rescue and or a good breeder.
Some things to consider; this maybe covered in one or both of the books YorkieMom recommended but here are a few things:
1. How long will the dog be home alone? If everyone is gone all day, will they make arrangements for their dog to be walked mid-day?
2. Vacations and holidays, their dog either needs to come with them, or they will need a pet sitter, or put their dog into boarding. There are pros and cons to the doggy coming with them versus boarding versus pet sitter.
3. Are there special activities they would like to do with their dog? Does the family hike a lot, go on weekend bicycle trips? Are they cottagers or campers? How will their dog fit into their life style?
4. Beyond family outings, who will feed / train/ exercise the dog?
5. Do they have the financial wherewithal to care for their dog for their dog;s lifetime? Think about the cost of emergency medical care, then the ever present annual health care. And now think about this for 15yrs or so.
6. What kind of temperament are they looking for in their dog? Laid back, couch potatoe, athletic energetic dog, calm/inquisitive, barking (will that be an issue for them), outgoing/shy, etc.