I chose to personally not post my "cost stats" on this thread and I'm not going to. I would have to say that I couldn't have said it better than the above quote.

I couldn't agree with this more. This is a point I've tried to explain to people God only knows how many times. Still, they seem baffled. :thumbup: I think it is just something that you can't understand until you've been there.

Well said :thumbup: :thumbup:
And it is not anyones business-

Maybe we should be asking those that are interested how much their annual salary is?? That would be a comparable question-

Having been on the "receiving end" of all this committment & love .... thank you!! I tell our breeder every time I talk to her how very much we appreciate all her effort and for the wonderful gift she gave us when we were chosen for Toto's forever parents!! :) And you're absolutely right, especially breeders who also show, there couldn't possibly be any profit after all the expenses!!

Thanks Jerry! Your baby is adorable!! Glad you got some girls!! :thumbup:

I think this thread has gotten way off topic with quite a few posts from people indignant that I would have the gall to ask Breeders to explain to the general public WHY yorkie puppies are so expensive to breed.

That is all this thread was for...a chance for breeders to explain to us, the lay people, what all goes into raising a puppy and why yorkies cost what they do but are so worth it as we all agree.

I was simply getting tired of people complaining about how $1000 is too much to pay and how that is "gouging" the consumer and that those breeders who charge that and more are just in it "for the money" and don't really care about the dogs. I was also tired of people telling me that I got "taken" or that "there are fools born every minute" who will pay that kind of money, etc.

The whole point was to help the good breeders and the breed in general and I am saddened that suddenly I am being called rude for attempting to bring this to light. I never asked anyone to reveal any "secrets" or "bottomlines" or anything of the sort as has been suggested.

I have never paid less than $2000 for a yorkie....and I have never asked for a discount. I always paid what the breeder was asking after establishng a good relationship with them. They are in my life for as long as the dog is and I feel I got a "steal" in every instance. I am so appreciative of all of the breeders who brought my babies into this world and gave them such a good atart.

I just paid $1200 to have Buddha's baby teeth removed by a dental veterinary specialist too, and it was worth every penny just for the peace of mind that it gave me to know that he was receiving the very best care. I want that for all of the furbabies in the world.

But that's exactly what you did!!! YOU asked what the expenses were. YOU bumped this thread up so you could get more responses from breeders that post regularly now. Well, don't blame everyone here if the responses you got were "It's none of your business!" I don't think it's right to be so densive, YOU brought it up and YOU asked for feedback--sorry if you didn't get the answers you wanted. If you don't want honest opinions and feedback, don't ask for them!

Plain and simple - what it cost any breeder to breed their interpretation of the Yorkshire Terrier Breed standard, is there business! Whether they choose to perform some proceedures themself is their business, whether they use a reproduction specialist, or a trusted vet is their business, whether they use a mid-wife is there business, whether they work outside the home is their business, whether they make a profit or are in the red each year is their business, how they reinvest any profits from a placement is their business.

What a breeder puts into their breeding program shows in their end result, happy, healthy well cared for puppies. Everyone has their own personal thoughts on what their ideal yorkie should look like, as well, know their personal finances and allot accordingly. What any breeder spends to accomplish a perfect breeding (in their eyes) is apparent in the puppy theyre placing, some pups simply look of better quality, health, conformation than others, or perhaps hold a better pedigree. This is why it's vital buyers are educated in the breed and more importantly the breed standard "look before they leap" so to speak.

I live by these old adages "You get what you pay for!" , "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder", "if it sounds too good to be true, then it is" "Quality not Quantity" and finally "Engage brain before Gob!"

It is obvious that you love your animals and that should be all that matters- cost is irrelevant- as long as the end user-(you) are happy with your purchase that is enough.

People are entitled to their opinion and the beautiful part of it is you get to ignore it. You do not regret the purchase and love your babies and that should be enough for anyone. Who cares how much they cost?

But you did you just fail to see it. Anytime you ask someone how much they have into something you are asking for their bottomline- take that number from what they charge and you have their profit- and again that is not something any person should have to divulge and to implore it is just like asking them how much money they make- same result just worded different- and in my opine it is wrong. From the sound of it others agree.

But some people don't get it. They believe all YOrkies are the same. (which is why we get the bragging over the low price versions) I think this thread has a place in explaining the difference. I don't think anyone expected personal receipts, just a general analysis of what costs there are. The things buyers are not aware of.

All Yorkies are not the same. Learning where fair pricing comes from is all part of being a good buyer.

Big difference between shopping at Wallmart and shopping at Nordstrom. It's no secret why their prices are different.

Oh how so much I agree!! The words "wonderful gift, chosen, and forever parents" are etched in my heart. These words come into mind everyday when I look into the eyes of my fur babies!! :love:

I agree . . . thus the point of my prior post

I think asking someone about their expenses and what they take in..Is like asking a lady her weight, or age..Something that should never be done! With that being said, I understand how some feel about other people's opinion's about how much you paid for your ever faithful love, and companion. They say Love don't cost a thing...But, they never looked into the hearts Of Yorkies, Breeders, and their owners..... :p

Please do not take offense to this but...I just don't think the joyous look on someone's face when holding a puppy would be enough to make me risk the life of my female......not that any amount of money would either. Don't get me wrong.....I appreciate all of the breeders out there because I am one of those people whose face lights up, :D but when I look at my little girls and I read the risks involved to the females and hear the stories of so many breeders on here who have lost females or even "almost" lost females, I just cannot imagine making the decision to breed even if they were 6 or 7 lbs. That is why I am always curious to know the motivation because I know how hard it is, how expensive it is and what the risks are.

As for the posts claiming this thread to be rude and overreaching, I just find it curious that it did not get this reaction when it was first posted months ago. It wasn't until I bumped it up now that anyone said anything negative. In fact the responses the first time were from well respected and wonderful breeder members who had no probelm with sharing what they could.

Don't worry Lisa...I can take the heat, and I am not "getting out of the kitchen".....lol..... ;)

Thank you Shelbysmom for pointing out what I was trying to explain about why this is a valid thread and an important one. It helps someone looking for a yorkie to understand the costs that they may be unaware of and give them a better feeling about why yorkies are so expensive and SHOULD be so expensive if they are healthy and well cared for.

I didn't ask for a "bottomline" because I did not ask them what they charge so there is no way to figure a bottom line.

Yes Kim, we are all aware that this is an aspect of breeding that you just don't get. Furthermore, not that you are implying it--I don't think you are, but just to point out, because you feel this way and because breeders do make their decision, it doesn't mean they care about their females any less than you care about your little ones. Many breeders here, including myself, have attemtped to explain their motivation for breeding to you several times before and each time you state that because of this, you don't understand, which is fine...you feel how you feel. But why repeatedly question the breeders here for making this choice despite the risks, which they all seem well aware of? Thus far, no explanation given has been "acceptable," so why continue to push the issue and question others? You don't get it, some others accept it, why not just leave it at that?

As far as not understanding why you have been treated rudely, I really can't give you any explanation as to why you didn't receive these types of responses back in May. Fact being, this is how people are responding now so YOU have to decide if this is something you are willing to continue to push, despite the fact as beeing labeled as "rude" by some. Honestly, I don't think it will matter if you do or not. I am sure that like so many other threads here lately, tempers have flared on both sides and this thread too will eventually be locked.

If I had been back the first time I would have posted the same then- as for bottomline- there have been plenty of "price inquiries" so it would not be hard to attempt to figure. I think I understand what you are saying and your motivations I just agree to dis-agree. I think it wrong to ask- plain and simple, it appears as others do to.

As for not being able to imagine the risks involved - thank god some do and still choose to breed otherwise none of us would have our little buddies.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Well said- it is time to move on in my opinion.....or we can just wait for the next - Why do you thread.

[QUOTE=SoCalyorkiLvr]Please do not take offense to this but...I just don't think the joyous look on someone's face when holding a puppy would be enough to make me risk the life of my female......not that any amount of money would either. Don't get me wrong.....I appreciate all of the breeders out there because I am one of those people whose face lights up, :D but when I look at my little girls and I read the risks involved to the females and hear the stories of so many breeders on here who have lost females or even "almost" lost females, I just cannot imagine making the decision to breed even if they were 6 or 7 lbs. That is why I am always curious to know the motivation because I know how hard it is, how expensive it is and what the risks are. QOUTE]

I would like to add here. If we take statisics on the birthing process and deaths. Why would we as a society continue to breed??? :eek: Many, Many women still die during child birth, yet most of us want childern... :) :)

There are risks in everything we do. I understand you love for you animals, we care as deeply for ours. Some breeders never experience a death with their breedings and some do ~it can be from lack of experience in whelping, a vet not available when you need them, uneducated vet and/or the luck of the draw.

There are many ways of looking at this. I would also like to add that I think I was the one that posted about the joy we bring to others. As proud as I am of my children & 12 grandchildren and am as equally proud of my breedings. Keeping in touch from those that have purchased through me and hearing their stories of the joy that puppy or dog brings into their lives. Not being a monetary person this IS what I feel as the most rewarding experience in breeding. I guess it is what you value in your life....

It is a good thing that not all pet owners want to breed... :D It does take a special person to breed and breed responsibly, that is committed. When breeding properly there isn't a big profit margin. But as long as my dogs are well cared for and my vet is paid. I welcome the blessings the Lord gives me in each litter and what I can bring to others. :p :p

Sue...That Was BEAUTIFUL ....What a great post...you said it perfectly and I agree....It DOES take a special person such as you to breed and thanks so much for sharing....I think you summed it up just right.

[QUOTE=Snow Yorkies]
Thanks for posting this. You made a great point not everyone should breed or wants to. It does take a special person.

I think this topic has been run into the ground- we all understand Southern Cals point that she does not wish to breed at this time. Please do not step over the boundaries of good taste for those of us who do enjoy and seem to have a good track record on breeding our females. We place a lot of time effort and thought into our breeding programs.


Kathy

I'm so glad that there are people like you (and all the other responsible breeders out there!) that do what you do so that I can sit back and enjoy my pets without having to worry about 'making my own'!

You really are special people. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

That was so nice Sherry Lynn and I "ditto" your words. The hard work and dedication
these wonderful people do every day so that we can sit back and enjoy our darling
little yorkies is sometimes taken too much for granted. IMHO I think there was some
good here, in that anyone thinking of breeding without giving a thought to all it
entails could give it some very serious thought.

Well said Sue!!! :bravo:

I find it comforting to see that all of the breeders who have posted, at least mentioned that their babies health was first and foremost. I am new to breeding and I saw this post when it originally came out. I thought it was very helpful to have an idea of what others put into thier litters. With my first litter I had many people comment on my price, which was well under $1000. They were mostly complaining about the cost of Yorkies. I put so much more into that litter that I didn't make any to put aside for future litters. I am still in the red. This litter I have I have gone to all ends to give them the best care, and I have also learned that if I want to succeed at breeding I need to charge more and make a little to be put aside for future litters.
Are yorkies more expensive than most litters? Yes, there is a high demand for little dogs now compared to bigger breeds. When I look into the papers and see pups selling under$500 it makes me cringe, because I know that there is no way that they recieved all of the tests, care, vet appointments that would be needed for that price. Even if a breeder does all of the shots, tail docking, and dew claws raising a pup is expensive and time consuming. If a breeder wants a strong business they have to charge a reasonable yet fair price for their pups. At the other end of the spctrum though I think it is sad to see pups priced above reason, I believe that is when you get wrapped up in money and just charge alot because you can, and becaue there will always be someone out there that believes the more you pay the better off you are.
There are breeders on this forum who state they never have charged over a $1000, and thier pups get the best of care. I think that is great; but remember you can't really set that as a limit to everyone because there are many different cost for everyone; cost for vet care varies state to state as does supplies. If you see a yorkie priced high make sure you look and see everything that you are getting.
With my pups they don't only get a pup they get a friend, me. It is my responsibility to always be there if possible for them. I have a contract to up hold and that is my job. So my job as a breeder does not stop once they leave my home, it is a never ending job.
There are yorkies out there that are in all price ranges it doesn't matter sometimes of you pay alot or not. It matters what has been done for your pup. That is what is key. I thin kit is good for people to see at least an idea of what cost are beoing put into thier babies. That way they understand more why they cost more.

Very nicely stated :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thanks Kathy, sometimes I worry about posting in a theread that has so much tention.

I appreciate the careful thought and time that went into your post. This is a perfect example of what I was looking for explain to the non breeders why yorkies are so expensive and WHY good breeders deserve to be conpensated fairly.

Nicely done!! :thumbup:

It really isn't hard to be civil, even if you don't agree with what the thread is about or what is being sad on the thread. My sociology teacher would always remind us to watch how we word and write things on the discussion board, because you can't hear or see the faces of those giving them. It was a pretty simple thread that seemed to be blown to the moon and back. You weren't asking for exact amounts just general info. i hope i was able to help.

You definitely did and you have a brilliant sociology teacher!!! :D