While I have to agree that she is probably not the breeder of all of the puppies she sells (which is why I said I can't be sure that I was actually shown Tatum's true parents), I do think she had a very nice, clean set-up and that she really cares for the puppies. I was shown 3 different females when I went and they all were very nice looking. I do (and always have) hestitate to recommend the Rascoes with my whole heart but they are not the worst people out there, that's for sure. I would most definitely prefer to see the OP purchase from them vs. Jeff Dane! And even Betty (that I mentioned earlier)!

I do know that the IDEAL person to buy from is someone that breeds their own adults that are perfect specimens, give a long health guarantee, raises the puppies underfoot, only has maybe 1 litter a year or every 2 years.... the list can go on and on..... BUT there are not all that many of those kind of breeders in our area.

Again, I also said that I'm not sure I would buy from the Rascoes again but I do know that we got very lucky with Tatum - she's perfect in her size, very healthy and has the very best personality. So I can only speak from my own personal experience.

I say go talk to them, ask a ton of questions, see what she'll show you and go with your gut. Good luck!

Not really much info on the site to go by, but what little info that is there presents some red flags. :thumbdown I would keep looking.

I sent you a PM.

There are twenty breeders from Texas on the YTCA breeder's list. That's where you should be looking so you don't keep finding "bad" breeders as you say.

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America About The Club

I'm curious to know if anyone in the Houston area has dealt with any of these listed TX YTCA breeders. Just in case we decide to go that route the next time we get a Yorkie, I'd like to know if anyone has any opinions of them.

I do remember now that I talked to at least 4 or 5 of these that are listed when we were searching for Tatum but the ones that were within reasonable driving distance for us did not have any available pups (specifically, females). AND a couple of them were actually quite rude when I called them. Wouldn't hurt for the OP to try contacting them though. Maybe she'll have better luck.

Just out of curiosity again..... what exactly makes these people better than other breeders? What are the qualifications for being in the YTCA and how can we be so sure that these people are more trustworthy than other breeders?

YTCA members and recommended breeders have to adhere to the YTCA code of ethics and guidelines, which are listed on the site. Other breeders do not have any guildelines to meet. Does it mean that only YTCA members/recommended breeders are running ethical, responsible programs? No, of course not. But if it's a YTCA recommended breeder, you already know that certain crucial criteria are being met. :)

And who is checking up on all these members to make sure that everything is up to code?

That is a question you would need to ask the YTCA. Are you aware of some that are NOT conforming to the code of ethics, or is this mere speculation?
It's something that ultimately prospective new owners need to see first hand and judge for themselves.
It doesn't mean that everyone of the breeders is perfect, but IMO, starting within a system where there are some guidelines in place is better than starting where there are none at all. Most of us follow that logic on various levels already.
Again, it doesn't guarantee perfection, but is a good option to have for someone new to the breed.

No, not at all. I never said that. I'm just trying to understand how it all works. We are not planning on another Yorkie any time soon (we love our only-child furkid status right now) but for the future, I'd like to be more informed.

My opinion still stands regarding the Rascoes but I never said there weren't red flags there. I don't think anyone is perfect but I have seen first-hand where she lives and have dealt with her personally so I gave my opinion based on my experiences. It would not hurt for the OP to check out all of her options - especially if none of the YTCA breeders have something she's looking for.

I sent the OP a private message about Fancy Pups, but will post a short version here, also. I purchased a female puppy from Fancy Pups last year when I was totally uneducated about breeders, brokers, back yard breeders, etc. and I certainly paid the price...literally. We spent the first weekend in the Emergency Hospital with this little female who had several problems. I, too, think Jimmie Rascoe was very kind and cares about these dogs, but I don't think she has any idea about their health when she is brokering them and not breeding them. I am so happy, TatumsMom, that you had a great experience with them. I, too, love my precious baby girl more than I can ever express - but it was definitely a rough go of it at first....one that should not have happened and one that I would not wish on anyone else. I have since bought two other babies from a breeder and have not had one single problem with either...what a difference a good breeder makes!

Oh I know you didn't say that. Just with the way you worded your reply it kind of indicated (to me) that maybe you did....thus why I asked for clarification. :) No worries.

Of course if you feel strongly about any one breeder and have first hand knowledge, why wouldn't you stand by your opinion? That's expected. :) Of course there is no guaratee that a YTCA breeders would be able to accomodate--but the suggestion shouldn't be shot down just because one person didn't have any luck exploring that option.
Agreed though, definately good to check all options and to make sure you possess the knowledge to make an informed decision. :thumbup:

I'm so sorry that happened to you. Like I've said, we got very lucky with Tatum - especially being inexperienced with this breed. And no, Jimmie couldn't possibly know the health background of all of these puppies that she's selling. Health issues can happen with even the best breeder's dogs though too. I'm definitely not trying to push the Rascoes on anyone. I've already said a few times that I don't know that I would purchase from them again. I agree that the OP should do tons of research to find the best breeder she can afford.

Well that speaks volumes, in particular if you see this as a concern and actually have had first hand experience with them. Yes, health issues can and do happen in even the best of breeding programs--but that does NOT justfy having no background knowledge of the dogs to begin with! Why take a chance like that if you know in advance that there is some vital info missing!? :eek: That's just begging for a problem, IMO. Yeah, it *could* happen with any other breeder, but why increase your chances by choosing someone that you know ahead of time is playing with fire? :(

:goodpost:

Brokers sell puppy mill puppies who have had no genetic screening or health testing. You are playing Russian Roulette with the future health of your puppy.

Remember, just because your puppy doesn\'t get sick or have symptoms right away does mean they are healthy. Poorly bred puppies can carry genetic time bombs that may not go off for years. My Lady is a rescue, but poorly bred. She was perfectly healthy until she was four years old. Then her genetic time bombs started going off and she was first diagnosed with epilepsy, then a year and a half later, diabetes. Over the years she has developed other health conditions.

I spend $5,000 a year on medications, diabetic supplies and routine vet visits to monitor all her conditions. This does not include emergencies which usually add another $1,000 to that figure.

My advice, take it or leave it, is to pay a few hundred dollars more upfront to get a puppy from a responsible breeder who is health testing the dogs she breeds and carefully breeding to avoid genetic conditions. It will save you a lot of money and heartbreak later on.

I considered buying from the Rascoe\'s before I got Canyon. The Rascoe\'s are brokers.