This behavior that mom has will most likely be a trait transfered to her puppies. I wouldn't want an anxious pup like that. Sorry, JMHO.

Is this a fact honestly? It is not behavioral?

I think its all about opinion. I've seen puppies who are terrified or aggressive the first day of puppy class and after a few weeks of socializing its a new dog. Puppies are easy learners and as long as you socialize him when he's young I think he'll be fine.

I would believe the breeder when she said that it had never happened before. Sounds like the mother got very nervous.

When I got Mogli, I saw the mom and dad, but didn't ask to hold them. I was more concerned with how they looked and the facilities in general.

With Benny (coming home Saturday) ... I was more courageous, the mommy was laying with the babies. I got down low and let her sniff me while she grumbled ... but then she started licking my hand ... then the breeder stepped in because she was trying to bite me! Heh, I didn't even realize the licks turned to nips ... she was just being protective 'cause the babies were trying to get some lunch!

“A dog that intends to bite does not bear its teeth.”

You'll have to ask the breeders here on YT for a positive answer. I've always heard that if you want to know what a new pup is like see their parents (temperment, looks, etc.).

I could understand a little soft growl from the mommy dog if she was laying with her babies and you tried to take one, but I don't understand the nip she gave you while you were leaving. Doesn't sound like this mommy has been socialized very well, but hard to say if it's really aggression.
I'd also wait till the puppy is at least 12 weeks old before getting it. ;)

I don't think that behavior can be inherited. I think it depended more on the socialization of the mother and whether she's been exposed to having people in the home with her puppies. Exposure to a lot of stimilus as a puppy helps with socialization...be it people, other dogs, noises.

came back from a second visit. Mom still did not warm up to me. She was better but she is not the sweetie I hoped for. The pups on the other hand are so sweet. The one I like the most is very mild mannered and she kept coming to me and she loves being held. They are 9.5 weeks still young but use the dog door and are eating great all by themselves. She said she does not give them nutrical, has not had to. They are pretty solid. Not too fragile. The ears are needing some trimming up but over all cute potential other then my fear of moms temperament. I do not want to pay 1100 for her. I think it is too much for not being health screened or really even not having much experience with the breed. Hobby breeder. She is a very ,very pleasent woman. I don't find her to be ill- hearted at all. She loves her dogs, she is just not a gung-ho breeder. I felt I knew a-lot more about the breed then she did, but she is the one with the yorkies not me. Oh, the pups are not crated they have their own tiled bedroom with all their stuff..so I wonder if coming home to me and sleeping in a crate would be traumatizing. I plan on crate training. I saw one of the pups already running over to her carpet to pee. So they already have picked up some habits.

I still weigh in heavily for socializing being the cause of the mom's distress. I really, really don't think this is an inherited trait that you would see in your puppy -- assuming you do socialize him/her.

It will be interesting to see what you do. Keep us posted.

:thumbup:

Leaving the only home they have ever know will be tough on the pup. Some adjust really quick and others take more time. I always recommend that you don't take the pup anywhere to show it off for the first 3 days and have as few people as possible come over to see it during those three days. That gives the pup time to adjust to the new family and make bonds. I recommend the new owners hold the pup a LOT while sitting on the floor (so it doesn't fall). Oh gosh, I think I'm getting carried away....:D

You know this is exactly what I was going to ask as I was reading this thread...When our girl Dori had her first litter, I had been over to my Dads and been around his Shiloh SHephard and when I came back, she sniffed and sniffed all over my legs and feet and ran back to the whelping box and layed on the pups and it was ME!!! Now, whenever she has pups, she is very protective whenever strangers come to the house..she too has even nipped at two particular individuals, one my brother whom she didn't know and a 13 year old boy..now, she doesn't have a bad temperament, she just obviously fealt threatened at the time for some reason....I myself wouldn't let this situation be the determining factor on not getting one of her pups, I would be more concerned on is the pup healthy, is the sire and dam healthy. Does the breeder know anything about their pedigrees. What does the premises where they are kept look like. How knowledgeable is the breeder on this breed. Is there a contract and what does she offer on it.ect.... Good luck on this. You are so so very smart to ask questions and be cautious!

thanks..Uhh I am forgiving a lot. She is a hobby breeder. She is not and expert on the breed. She has pretty yorkies. She is a realtor. No long term contract on health. She sees a local vet in our neighborhood. I trust her. So I am not expecting the world. For all the stuff I would love to have health screen, 1 or two yr health guarrantee, limited reg. breeding exp. etc.. I would be paying at least 1800 or more here in Az. So she does have a health cert. from vet exam. She at least took them to a vet. Most people here dock their own tails and vaccinate them. To avoid costs. So good breeders are hard to find. Not to say they are not here, just we all have a preference of a certain look we like in the Yorkshire terrier and we want it at an affordable price. I can afford to pay more but sometimes I want the best of both worlds. It makes me sick when I see some of these cute pics of yorkies and the owner only payed 700 or so. Then you have people here charging 1200 or more for Yorkies that half the time don't even look like yorkies. And that is for males..the females are so much more. So that is why it is a tough decision. thanks..time is a ticking.