i'm not a breeder, but i don't agree with pricing being determined by the anticipated adult size of a yorkie. imho, that's just a marketing scam... err.. marketing "trend". and would never buy from a breeder whose pricing reasoning is based on adult size. i think pricing should be based on the quality (closeness to standard), health, pedigree, and the breeder's adherence to "quality control", ie, tests a breeder run on the parents and the puppies to ensure best health and quality and medical care provided to the dam during pregancy.
from the playgroups i take bunjee, i know very few true yorkie lovers who become dismayed at their puppy has grown to the high end of the standard such as 7 lbs or a little larger. unless of course, they paid a bundle for a yorkie that will stay small. and even then, the disappointment is not directed at the puppy, but at the breeder for false advertisement and unrealistic guarantees on the pup's adult size.
with that being said, you'll find that pricing can vary a lot based on locale too. in my area, there are yorkies for sale as low as $500 to $5000, but the average is prolly around the $1000 to $2000 range for a typical pet quality yorkie puppy. i paid a little under $1k for my first puppy, who is totally non-standard (cotton coat, floppy ears, 8lbs, etc) and a little under $200 for my second puppy, who is closer to standard (silky coat, up ears, 5.5lbs, etc).
as a buyer, if i pay more for a puppy i would expect more from the breeder, there should be documented tests on the parents for eyes, patella, etc., verifiable pedigree (especially if champion lines were claimed), a reasonable health guarantee, akc registration, references, quality of parents are verifiable, puppy's expected adherence to standards, etc.
i think when pricing your puppies, you should take all of that into consideration. most people who are willing to spend only a small sales price may have lower expectations while most who are willing to spend top dollar will expect more of you and your puppies.
JMHO. |