Hello, I'm a first time poster and appreciate any insight. Sorry for the long post.
My husband and I have been looking for the perfect addition to our family for a long time - a Yorkie, of course! We're in Northern California and I don't know anyone that has one, so personal references are out of the question. We've searched local rescue groups and shelters without luck.
I've finally decided that I prefer a puppy. After after a lot of research and reading about so many scams and puppy mill brokers in disguise, I'm scared to actually trust someone. I've narrowed down a few potential little boys, but each of the breeders are from out of state, which increases my hesitancy.
I know AKC is not fail proof - is USDA any better? Each of the folks I'm talking to is registered on the USDA list and I've googled them and haven't found any negatives. Other than talking with them and trading information, what more can I do to ensure I'm getting a great puppy from an honest person? We're just so skeptical at this point.
TIA!