Originally Posted by MyFairLacy (Post 1567706)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Breeding to IMPROVE the breed is so important - to breed to the standard for the breed, and most of all to breed HEALTHY dogs free of all genetic problems. I have learned SO much over the past couple years about the correct reasons for breeding and what a reputable breeder is and isn't. I can get so worked up over people breeding for the wrong reasons...it just angers me to see dogs bred that are so far from standard and see genetic issues passed along...not fair to the puppies or the new owners:( It amazes me too all the time at the people breeding their dogs...not having a clue about the breed or the first thing about breeding. I swear the funniest thing to me is when someone wanting to breed their dog is asked "have you had the necessary health testing done?" and they reply "well, my dog has had all her vaccinations" :rolleyes: Anyways, I'm glad you did your research and I hope you find a wonderful breeder

Originally Posted by jp4m2 (Post 1567788)

I was just floored when I made those calls today, and for these people to not even know what liver shunt was and then to brag at how they just bought two dogs and decided to breed :( ......I was so torn on telling them (nicely of course) that if they wanted to breed they really should do so research and reading before doing so because the clearly don't have a clue as to what there doing.....or just hanging up. :confused: ...I just hung up .....

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 1567776)

What a great post!

I'm pretty new here, but on the Maltese forum I belong to we get people all the time who bought a Maltese with an image of a little silky coated dog they could carry around in a carrier and were shocked when their puppy grew to be 13 lbs. and had a curly coat. Or worse yet, was diagnosed with luxating patellas or liver disease because their breeder did no health screening and knew nothing about genetics or the dogs she was breeding.

I really appreciate all the time and money reputable breeders invest in showing their dogs to first determine if they are as close to the standard as possible, then doing all the health screening necessary to make sure the puppies are not just born healthy, but will stay healthy. A puppy from a reputable breeder is the real bargain, not the $800 puppy from a backyard breeder who can cost you a fortune in vet bills over its lifetime.

Doing all that shows a breeder's love of the breed and their commitment to keep their chosen breed looking and acting like it is supposed to. :bravo:

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy (Post 1567779)

oh, Lacy is nowhere near show quality, although I think she's pretty special. She also has L.P. :( She was given to me as a gift and I know she didn't come from a good breeder. But when I buy my next yorkie, it will surely come from a good one

Originally Posted by Yorkiekids (Post 1567860)

I think it's great that you did your research, and are going to get a pup from a reputable breeder.

Originally Posted by jp4m2 (Post 1567197)

I used to see the breeders on this site saying over and over how they try and stick to standard and how important it is to their lines and I would think,blah blah blah.....You can now give me 40 lashes with a wet noodle....I finally get it and I admire and respect all of you who choose to stick to the standard....:thumbup: :thumbup:

I was looking for a close good breeder because I'm kicking around the idea of getting one more yorkie :eek: .... and was having no luck on any breeder sites....Soooo, the DH suggests I call some in the local paper, after all, they're half price....Wooo-Hoo for him, so I thought I'd amuse him :rolleyes:

I called three....the prices ranged from $500-$800 for a female....when I asked all three for a written health contract I got complete silence, one didn't even know there was such a thing, and she wanted to know what it covered and she had never heard of L.P. or liver shunt the other two said no. :eek: ....two ads ( not the ones I called) wanted $500 or obo :eek:... They all wanted to release at 8 weeks (I know, that is kind of ok) but I would have liked to have heard at least 10 weeks.....when I asked one how big was mom and dad, she said mom was 8lbs. and dad was 13lbs., I about fell over.....One said, "she got one from her sister and bought another one and just had a litter, just because all her friends wanted her to do so"....One proudly said he had "all different sizes to chose from, I always have lots of puppies!"....

In addition, I've seen so many yorkies on web site that don't even look like yorkies, they looked more like Benji....and the prices where outrageous for a pet....too many pups and on and on :( ....

To all you breeders care about the breed.....

I'M SORRY and THANK YOU ...THANK YOU!!

Originally Posted by jp4m2 (Post 1567876)

I just think it's such a shame that when I do look for a yorkie that it seems like I have to weed through the bad before I can find the good, the bad ones seem more of the norm out there .....it's very scary purchasing a pup out there....

I certainly don't expect show quality, but I would like a decent representation of the breed, and a healthy one at that.....Your probably better armed with info when you go on your search, that puts you ahead of the game....I hope you have better luck than I did....

Originally Posted by MyFairLacy (Post 1567779)

oh, Lacy is nowhere near show quality, although I think she's pretty special. She also has L.P. :( She was given to me as a gift and I know she didn't come from a good breeder. But when I buy my next yorkie, it will surely come from a good one

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 1567995)

My Lady is a rescue and from a backyard breeder. I wouldn't trade her for the world, but my next puppy will be from a reputable show breeder. Lady has so many health problems, all which didn't start until she was almost five years old. She's diabetic, epileptic, hypothyroid, arthritic, has allergies and a Grade 1 heart murmur!

Her medications cost me $250 a month. Between those and her vet bills to monitor all her conditions, I could buy a female Maltese puppy from a top tier show breeder every year!

As far as not being show quality, as long as Lady and Lacy keep dressing so well, no one will ever know that they're not Best in Show! :D

Originally Posted by cockerduchess (Post 1568118)

:thumbup: Great post! I meet a lady recently who has a 3 lb female and she wanted to know if I knew anyone with a small male she could breed her with I told her she was too small to breed and she said her vet told her it would be just fine to breed her I told her I would never breed such a small female it wouldn't be worth it to me I even invited her to YT hoping she would learn but haven't anyone from around here sign up :rolleyes: