Price and mentor
 

When I first got Carmel and Emma I was planning on breeding them. However, I did my research and learned on YT that it was a BAD idea. Carmel has bad knees and Emma is too small, 3.5 lbs. This summer, I have spayed/neutered both of them.

Well, I won't be getting another yorkie until at least another year from now. I plan to get a girl and I would like to breed her, but only once and maybe twice. Most likely just once though. The puppies will NOT be sold, they will stay with me. So, if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right. I will buy her from a reputable breeder and was hoping to spend $800-1000. Is that too little? What's a reasonable price...?

Also, it won't be at least 3 years until this happens because I will only breed her when she's 2, given that she's at least 5 lbs, hopefully 6. Would it be suggested that I see other litters be born beforehand? I really want to learn how the process is before I decide to do it. I just don't know how I would find someone to let me see their baby give birth. :confused:

I've been hesitant on whether to post this because I know many YT members are against inexperienced people to breed. Please don't bash me on my decision. I would simply like answers to my question and I'd really appreciate it. Again, this won't be happening until at least 3-4 years down the road.

THere are serveral terrific show breeders here, and that is the place to start. Hopefully you will find a mentor well in advance pf purchasing a pup that you might breed. I am not a breeder, but I think it may cost you considerable more than $800-1,000 for a quality female. Here, it is hard to find one not bred to the standard at that price. Find a mentor, and to get a good one, it will no doubt be hard. Any one can breed....but most can't do it right. Best of luck.

You won't find a reputable breeder anywhere that will agree to this. No reputable breeder will sell to someone on open papers unless you co own, are willing to show, and often your first dog will not be a female, a show breeder will want to see what you are going to do so may agree to a male.
I am not saying you won't find a breeder to sell you a bitch solely for the purpose of breeding but you will not find a reputable one.
First, why would I spend all the time, money, go through the hearbreaks I go through to put championships on my dogs to turn a female over to someone to just breed regardless of what your plans are for the puppies?
Why would I put the life of one of my girls at risk in the hands of someone not at all experienced in whelping and raising a litter?
Breeding is not likely what you think it is. We have so many hearbreaks, risks of losing puppies, dams, illnesses, vet bills through the roof. C section in the middle of the night usually can run well over $1000 and you may not end up with your girl and pups at the end of it, many things can go right but many can go so wrong.
Enjoy your two pets you have. If you want another yorkie or two find a reputable breeder to buy from or rescue one desperately needing a home.

You got some sound advice here. Lorraine is so honest.

You are just going to be graduating in a year - I guess the reason why you are waiting a year to buy your next yorkie. But you have to realize that you may have loans to pay back and you will probably will be spending most of your time on your first job after graduating.

It takes a lot of time and money to breed correctly and not done lightly. You will need now more time to spend - studying up on our breed. A white yorkie is not to standard - the one you thought was so cute on another one of your posts. Breeding is not something you just make a decision of now. You have to be totally ready when you purchase - know the standard, learn what makes a yorkie worth breeding, go to shows (yes, this is important), and save up a lot of money. It will cost you more for a good representation of the breed than what you mentioned and you will need money for emergencies, such as c-sections. And you will need to have your girl complete health tests before breeding - this is not cheap!. First though as mentioned you will need a good mentor. You just do not breed and let your yorkies have pups. You have to know how to deliver them - if not ready and know what to do you can lose your girl and the pups.

It is a lot easier and cheaper just to buy your next pet. A lot less money, time, and worries.

So you would want someone who has spent 20-30 years devoting their life to the betterment of the breed to stop what they are doing and mentor you so you can PLAY with breeding once maybe twice? Someone who has devoted more time, energy and tears into their chosen avocation than you could imagine. Someone who has studied the breed standard, the genetics, the health and breeding? Someone who has also invested thousands upon thousands of dollars to purchase the right breeding dogs, to show them in quality AKC shows, to give them the very best in food, vet care, grooming, and housing? And you don't want to pay more than $800-$1000 for the girl that is going to be putting her life at risk so you can get some free pups? BTW those "free" pups could very well wind up costing more than a dozen would if you buy them outright.

And how would you get someone to let you watch their pups being born -- under these circumstances, probably no way to do that. As Lorraine told you -- no truly reputable breeder would agree to something as ludicrous as this. Do you see how this really sounds?

The only way one of these reputable experts is going to agree to invest in mentoring an individual is if they see the same dedication they have, the same drive, determination, and love for the breed -- someone who wants to breed to perfect a line -- to be right on the standard in all respects, moderate in temperment, full of personality, and possessing that extra spark that makes the judges take another look, just because they are thrilled to be seeing it -- someone who truly cares about the future of the Yorkshire Terrier breed and not "just one or maybe two, but probably one litter."

Thank your higher power that you were wise enough to take the counsel here and spay/neuter your pets, enjoy them, and if you feel like adding to your family in 3 years, do that by going to a reputable breeder and seeing if they will be kind enough to put you on their list for a pet yorkie. Hopefully by then, they will have forgotten this conversation or at least see that you have abandoned this plan. This is not meant to "bash" you in any way. It is meant to be an honest reply to what seems to be such an outlandish proposition, I had to look at a couple other posts to be sure you were not shining us on.

A breeder dog is gonna be alot higher than that and that is even if you can find someone to sell to you. Youve been given good advice and I think everyone just trying to give you an honest opinion. I hope you consider their advice.

I know what it is like to want to do something and get doors shut in your face.
You need to start by attending dog shows...it is the "class room"...sit and watch, meet people when you can, listen and learn. Read and learn all you can about Yorkies, inside and out...it can take a long time to be trusted and find a mentor..but it is worth the work.

When you say you do not plan on selling any puppies...think about it. I had a litter of 5 males one time..and a fellow breeder who used one of champions got a litter of SEVEN females...so you need to plan for good homes when these things occur.
Breeding, correctly takes lots of work, time and money...invest the years to learn and get to know who you should know and it will be worth every minute.

PS..we all have our ideas about what works...I do not think a breeder can be successful without being a part of the Yorkie community...it is a bit like deciding to be a doctor, but not actually go into a hospital to learn...a lot can be learned from the internet, book, forums etc..but hands on is vital. IMO

Thanks so much!! I really appreciate your advice! :) I wasn't really sure that I will do it, but I just wanted to get opinions in advance.

Something to ponder.

Eventually I would like to show and then possibly breed. Luckily I have an amazing mentor, but I am also fully aware of the time commitment, cost and sheer luck that is involved with welping/breeding.

Right now, I am totally content with being my breeder's "assistant". Right now I am "fostering" one of her stud dogs and such and slowly learning from her.

Not only am I learning a lot but I also have developed a new friendship. Maybe this is something you would be interested in?