I agree, so many are so eager to just *sell* the pup they could care less
about the vet care..and there are breeders who are offended if you ask about there vet.

You know what? That is another thing that people should perhaps think about doing. Asking the breeders for vet references! Of course I suppose some vets, in order to keep their business, would give glowing references when they should not. Still not such a bad idea!

I think what would be a good idea is to have a Stickie on here about are you really really ready to have a pet... what does it mean?.... how do you tell if you are ready..

Also a stickie on here about the health risks of very small dogs, in particular the Yorkie.

Is now the right time for me to have a dog?

A dog or a cat is a long term commitment, anywhere from 10-20 years of time. Are you prepared to commit for the caring, love, and expense of an animal over this period of time?

Do you work? Most of us do. So how when you are away at work, will you provide for the needs of your dog? Will you hire dog walkers, go home at lunch? What about going out in the evening? Away on business trips? Vacation time.. do you take your dog with you? Do you find a good boarding place? Have friends or family willing to care for your dog/cat?

Your adult will need out at least 3 times a day, rain, snow or shine. Hot humid or cold. Are you able to do this?

What happens when your dog/cat gets sick? Vet care is expensive. Can you afford it? Can you afford pet insurance, as a safety margin against unfortold health concerns?

If you are buying a dog for your children, do you realize that over time you will likely become the primary care giver for that dog. Walking, feeding, grooming,vet visits?

How do you feel about pet hair in everything?

All dogs every type, every breed, big or small, need training, socialization, and exercise. How much time can you truly see yourself giving to those aspects.

If all this seems too much, consider putting your love of animals into volunteer work, donations, maybe fostering a dog for a short period of time.

Reputable breeders also should always beware of those who want to go in the back door to obtain certain pedigreed dogs. Know who you are selling too especially to those who sell on open registration and haven't been in the show ring very long. I saw on another forum someone make referrence to just because they are well thought of here on YT that's not always the case...I do happen to agree with what I saw...always know who ya sell too..

Example:

I sold a showdog to a mutual friend of ours. The boy was my breeding. However, she contacted my mentor to obtain her permission to have her lines. She wanted to make sure she wasn't going the back door to obtain her pedigree.

I know several breeders that are in the show ring and have championed dogs I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. And I know several that wouldn't know a good yorkie if it bit them in the butt. In the show world it's really who you know and reputation and trust me there are some with a not so good reputation and NO I'm not talking about myself as some would like to think...but of course most know I could care less what some think about me because those I deal with do have good reputations and would not have a problem placing a show dog with me :) Contray to somes belief :) One has to earn the good one's trust. I'm so thankful I do have some good reputable breeder friends that are my good friends and I would go to bat for each one of them and protect them at all costs!
Donna