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Originally Posted by Toy4Chey  Hello everyone! My name is Chey and I've been researching and educating myself for several months in order to make an informed decision, purchase and commitment to my new puppy. In my process, I've spoken with several breeders and asked many questions and have received much insightful information about their breeding programs.
I know that some breeders administer puppy vaccinations, but my questions are, should the breeder or the vet dock the puppy's tail? What kind of examination should I expect the breeder's vet to do prior to receiving my puppy? Is an experienced breeder examining the puppy without a vet acceptable?
Thank you so much for all of the information already provided in this forum.  |
Welcome to the YT group!! Looks like you are really putting forth an educated effort at providing what is best for your baby!
I will answer your questions as they pertain to me and the way I conduct my breeding program....others do things differently. You have to decide what is best for you in any given situation with any given breeder. While you may feel totally at ease with one breeder, you may feel a twinge of uncertainty with another breeder and they way they do things. Further exploration and investigation may help put you at ease with the difference in methods......
Breeder administered vaccinations: You always want to be absolutely certain the breeder has attached the label from the vial of vaccine for each injection, to the puppy record you are given when you pick up your baby.
Breeder tail docking: I dock all my own tails....I learned the technique from my days working with a vet for 4 years...he was excellent and taught me sooooo much, and was instrumental getting me into vet school!
Vet check when purchased: My vet issues a complete systems check and how the pup scored in each area. My new owners must take the baby, along with the systems check MY vet has issued, within 36-42 hours of purchase in order to validate the health certificate and the health guarantee on the baby.
I am an experienced breeder, for many years. I am also a cardiovascular intensive care nurse for 40+ years....I have 4 years of vet tech experience in my past (in prep for going to vet school, which I did not complete!)....there is NO WAY you should ever accept an experienced breeder as the FINAL call on purchasing a baby....the breeder can certainly look and see more than you can, and may have many years experience working with these dogs, but you always get a vet to pass judgement on the health of that puppy!! Your experienced breeder can tell you if that pup is structurally good as a show dog or as a great pet, but you need to let the vet make the final call on the health check! (Just make sure you have a good vet because experienced breeders that have done this for many years, often are very knowledgable about the breed and can challenge a poor vet or one that is not experienced caring for Yorkies!)
You continue to gather information, and ask questions....attend Yorkie shows in your area and mill around with dogs and breeders between classes...some will be abrupt with you...but if you feel one is open to answering your questions, lucky you!! Jump on that!!! Remember these people are nervous about what may be goping on with judges, or other dogs or even their dogs, so they may not want to be social and answer a bunch of questions or chat! They have BIG bucks invested in what you are looking at, so understand that before you approach busy breeders! Just put on your Thick Skin Coat.....leave your feelings at home, and set your jaw and go forth!