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Originally Posted by topknot  Many people though expect to get something for almost next to nothing. We have a lot of money invested in our dogs and the tests are not cheap. There are many buyers out there right now that want a really nice yorkie, great lines, with all the testing for 500. Not happening! And then there are the people that get upset when we want references and will check them out. They think we are invading on their privacy. And you get others that expect a lower price since the pup is spayed/neuter. I will keep my babies rather than sell to anyone not expecting me to check out their references, and I am not just going to give them away either. I understand that times are hard, but if you cannot pay - the breedrs are thinking how are you going to take care of them when they get sick. I had to pay to get really nice yorkies and it was just what I had to pay to get good ones. I accepted it. I wanted to make sure they were tested and had good lines. It all adds up when you buy nice, really nice yorkies. I wanted to show too, so knew I had to pay to get the best. I wanted sound yorkies with beauty and brains. We are showing the ones we have now and also have plans to train them and go to the hospitals and nursing homes. It is our part to make a difference.
I have bought pet yorkies (1,000) before (when my kids were teenagers and before I started showing again) and I can tell the difference.
I too wish the cost of good quaity yorkies were cheaper than they are now, but I do not think it will change. When one pays a lot - really a lot of money (multiple thousands) plus the cost of testing and any pups in return in the future - how can someone paying all that then in turn sell their pups for a lot less. Show people do not include in the cost of their pups what they pay for showing. It doesn't calculate in at all. We just figure it is gone and what it cost to show. Nor is the food and care calculated in. They think of what they paid or the value of their dogs that were breed and the value of its lineage behind the pup, as well as the quality of the pup. Plus I think the testing should also be calculated in. I would rather have a peace of mind knowing the dog/pup is sound and healthy than not knowing and having to pay later.
I prefer to have the ones I have now. I know that a lot of care and thought went into their breedings and it shows! I was happy to pay for the quality and the work that went into producing my beautiful babies I have now.
T. |
I agree with you! I understand where this mind thinking comes from to a point. When I first started looking for a yorkie I was clueless as to the price range and what the standards where. I actually first started looking for a small yorkie 4 pounds or so for $500.00
As I started learning more about the breed and a went to a few dog shows I realized what I wanted was not a $500.00 yorkie. When I saw Jaden, I had to make an appt with his show breeder, a month in advance just to see her. I had to get on a waiting list, most of her pups go from 4,000-6,000 dollars depending on whether or not they are altered and what your purpose is in having them (for show or pet...)
This is because of the extensive work done in their breeding program, the blood lines, the test ran, etc. When I talked with her, to me, it was like talking to a scientist, breeding to her was like an art form, a sacred science so to speak, and had to be done just so. She would bring up certain traits in Jaden, certain feautres, and could tell me that's because of this champion, and that comes from this champion blood line etc. I take comfort in knowing his genetic health is clean for many, many generations, that all of his relatives have lived long healthy lives and knowing where he came from.
The only reason I went ahead and had Jaden nuetered before I took him home was because of his temperment. His is a bit on the nervouse side, a trait that is considered a flaw in the yorkshire terrier breed. Mrs. Wolpert told me I had the right to breed him if I wanted to, however, if she was keeping him, she would never breed him because of his tempermant. I respected her opinion and figured her, being a champion show breeder would know best in these matters, and I didn't look to get a yorkie for breeding in the first place. I wanted a pet that I could love, but I wanted him to be a first class yorkie and that was what I got. I am sure some people think it is ridiculous to own a show dog for a pet but I wouldn't have it any other way. I only wish that everyone that wanted a yorkie for a pet could have a yorkie that was a sound, quality yorkie. You see so many people today wanting to break the standards and not only have but breed these 10-15 pound yorkies with floppy ears and under bites, I just find the whole thing very sad. I have nothing against over the standard yorkies, they are already born, it's not their fault, they deserve loving homes too...but to breed them, I just can't understand why anyone would want to do that
I was at a local shelter here a few days ago and there were 3 yorkie mixes in there...they had the sweetest personalities but, and I hate to say it, but they were the ugliest things I had ever seen. There legs were too long, their faces were too big and they had all kinds of healthy problems. I just felt so bad for them that some breeder was so irresponsible to allow that to happen.
I also find it shocking how often I get complimented on my dogs, everyone I go, from the Vet to the groomers to Petsmart, everywhere people are like "Wow, they are so beautiful, I have never seen a yorkie look like that before! Where can I find one that looks like that?" and I always tell them "This is what a well bred yorkie is suppose to look like, find a good breeder and you can get a quality yorkie." It's just strange and a bit sad how many people who are out there, who really have no idea what a "yorkshire terrier" is suppose to look like because they have never seen one that was bred with the intentions for it to be the best of its breed and within the standard.