No, I don't think you can go too far, you are responsible for the life of that puppy, and any puppies that it will produce. People can "seem" so nice. The things you've mentioned, don't really exclude them from being a breeder, that's why a vet reference is so important. How do you even know that they are not a puppy mill or raising dogs as a business, if you don't inquire about employment? How do you know if they can afford to properly care for a yorkie? I believe that you are establishing a life-long connection with these people, and later you can explain why you have been so careful, believe me, if they are on the up and up, they will be impressed by your thoroughness, if not, they'll find another breeder who they can pull the wool over their eyes. I would rather reject 10 good owners than accept one poor owner. You should be every bit as careful as a rescue would be.

This is the way I see it and yes a lot of it is gut. It maybe a bit over the top for some. I've put blood, sweat and tears into my line, as the others that came before me. I brought this pup into the world and I am responsible for it. Ultimately it is up to me that I do everything I can to make sure it is placed in the best possible home. Do I think there's a point where we over step the line. Frankly and bluntly no. This is my pup and it deserves the best, if someone has objection to my interviewing process and what I require, then they don't have to have my pup. If someone is retired, that is one thing, but if someone is working, you want to know if their job is stable or they are....it can affect the pups future.

Excellent post!! :thumbup:

I'm with Motherhen on this---
 

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
I'm in New England and we don't have the problem that exists in some parts of the country where breeding is extremely competitive and dishonest. I am very confident that I'm not sending puppies home with the class of people who would go ahead and breed them after promising me they wouldn't. When I mention that I'm selective about where my puppies go, the good homes know exactly what that means and they willingly offer up all the information I need. When I start feeling the need to visit their homes and phone their vets I'll just stop breeding.

It's pretty easy when you build a relationship with people prior to placing a pup.

I came from Texas and left pups there. Whenever I go back to visit, they know when I'm coming in. Since I usually stay at my mentors, they're bringing the pups in for me to groom and see them. Since I offer free grooming and boarding for the rest of a pups life....I see all my pups on a regular basis....

sorry, I never heard of "growth platelets". Do you mean growth plates?

These threads all start to sound the same after awhile.:thumbdown

Too many experts.....

Would you rather no one answered the OP's questions? Which have all been excellent, by the way.

The OP asked for advice, of which you offered none, so why post.

personally i commend you guys for doing this as I would do the same if i bred although that will never happen lolllll i would leave it to you experts here for sure. I know when you rescue a dog as i did my maltese they do a thorough background check, came to our home,etc and i was happy that they did all that as i knew they cared about this little rescue and that she was getting a good home. Vet care is expensive and very important part of being financially able to care for a dog as i had no clue how much and boy do i know now but thank goodness i was prepared ahead of time. I welcome anyone doing a check as i want the breeder to feel comfortable and i want to feel comfortable next time that i am dealing with a reputable breeder as well as i thought dd breeder was reputable but when dd started having health issues and i started asking questions she went awol and i never expected her to pay for anything or give me my money back i just could not understand why she was having so many issues:( I just wanted her help as she bred yorkies for years and she was of no help had to figure it out on my own through groups such as this and yahoogroups sadly after spending alot on vet bills and getting minimal help. I was getting so frustrated prior to learning from other pet owners that were so helpful.

this thread caught my eye as dd is limited AKC and never understood what that all meant so will be reading the rest of this thread for sure as this is very interesting to me since it applies to my dee dee - i never did register her but obviously have all her papers but vet said she was definitely inbred :( breeder said she was an accident but me being a new dog owner did not question it or understand it just loved this little girl from day one :( she was born 7/3/04 and we got her over labor day weekend that year so i think she gave her to us too early as i read alot on how 12 weeks is usually the case for toy breeds - i was afraid to bring her home as she was so little and i had to get dex fixed before she came home too :) no babies here for sure

I posted to correct your misuse of the word "platelets". Thought it was obvious. :animal36

I guess you can discuss that with my vet then.

However, correcting someone is not what this thread is about.

Mardelin, I don't know why you're behaving this way. A platelet is a component of blood. What you were referring to is a growth plate. If your veterinarian refers to it as a platelet, they need to go back to school.

You dish out lukewarm advice/pseudo-expertise but can't take a correction without an attack?

I don't want to cause a lot of drama, but I just have to speak up. Mardelin is one of the most helpful breeders here, she has so much experience and knowledge. I know she shares her wisdom because she really loves the breed, not because she wants everyone to know how smart she is. She misused a word, but the message was still valid. Your correction wasn't a correction, it was more like "Oh good, I caught her in a mistake." To suggest she gives out "lukewarm advice/pseudo-expertise" is just plain ignorant.

It's ok Nancy.

Whoever this person is, accusing me of behaving in a certain manner. I just wonder why this person chose to single me out...what is their motive, really don't care.

Lukewarm-psuedo expertise....isn't that an attack, very petty.

Had you not quoted her, I would have never known what she posted. People that get of by correcting someone publically, feel the need to elevate themselves due to low self esteem.

Totally agree. You have forgotten more about Yorkies than most word checkers grammar and syntax experts here know. I know what you meant, as I am sure all of the others did as well. I can't type worth a darn, but I know my intent come across. Forget about the word checker, not worth your time! I enjoy reading your replies, and have learned a lot from you and others such as Jackson25. You guys make this a great forum.