trying to be an informed buyer

[kmastrorio]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

If people can afford it, I always recommend they go to a YTCA breeder, this is the mother club of the AKC, and sets the standard. These breeders are show breeders, (not all show breeders are members), but they also believe in breeding healthy dogs, because they are developing a "line" and will not be in and out of the breeding business. They have the highest ethics, and are actually trying to improve the breed, and are not in the business of "selling dogs." A champion in the line means that the dog's relative met standard, and was an excellent example of the breed, and the offspring has a high chance of meeting standard if both parents were good examples of the breed. Not every champion produces champions, but there is a higher probability their offspring will indeed look like yorkies.

Show breeder's prices are higher than non-show breeders' prices, but they actually make less, and many don't even break even because the cost of showing is very expensive. Showing is not a frivolous thing though; it's the way for others to judge your breeding stock, with an unemotional eye. As owners, we always think our dogs are perfect, but some should not be bred. Right now, there is a tremendous surplus of dogs, and only the best, conforming to standard, and healthiest should be breed. I think of it not so much as buying a dog, but showing monetary support for a breeder whose breeding program meets your approval. I'm not saying every member of the YTCA is perfect, but your odds of getting a healthy dog that looks, and acts like a yorkie are greatly increased. The really hard part of getting a dog from a YTCA member is proving that you will be a fit mother!

I checked the YTCA list and Sheri L. Clark is a member, personally I think this is a great price. Here's the link: Yorkshire Terrier Club of America About The Club . So many people get dogs from byb's, and one leg surgery is more than that. I also recommend registering your dog with the AKC for many reasons, but mainly I believe in supporting the AKC because they are the only registry that does routine unannounced kennel inspections and this will help get rid of puppy mills.

I agree 100% with this info. I found my 4lb baby thru a YTCA breeder and paid $1500 for a male in FL. Males are typically less expensive than females. I was very happy with the breeder I chose.
Definitely do your research and write down your questions to ask the breeder so you don't forget.

[mscat]

Your doing all the right things Nancy is brillant as well , and knows so much. I beleive you have already found a wonderful breeder. That is the most difficult part! your already almost through ! Have fun choosing your new baby! I can't wait to see pictures soon !

[amandawash]

Wow! All I have to say is that is incredibly refreshing to hear from a first-time yorkie buyer that they are looking into purchasing a puppy from a truly reputable breeder.

Good job and welcome to YorkieTalk!!!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by mscat

Your doing all the right things Nancy is brillant as well , and knows so much. I beleive you have already found a wonderful breeder. That is the most difficult part! your already almost through ! Have fun choosing your new baby! I can't wait to see pictures soon !

Lol, thanks, but I hadn't even heard of the YTCA until I found Yorkietalk, I started researching dogs and found this site; I was clueless on what qualities to look for in a good breeder. Thank goodness for Yorkietalk, I found a wonderful breeder, and when I took Joey to the vet for his first check-up; he told me that I should congratulate my breeder because she did a wonderful job, I was so relieved! He also added that most of the Yorkies he sees are in terrible shape, they are just too popular, and too many people are breeding that shouldn't be breeding. Now 2 ½ years later, Joey's cute as ever, but more importantly, he's still healthy!

[jeanm1963]

I just wanted to say that I looked FOREVER for Laci and I mean forever puppies in Massachusetts are rediculasly priced. I was very fortunate to find a nice breeder who sold " pet quality puppys" every time I saw a puppy it was nearly 2000.00. I would have bought from one of the breeders on here that shipped puppies before I spent 2000.00. I sincerly hope you look in that section because many people do ship on here!!
Boson prices are silly when you go and look at the for sale section on here.

Good luck!!

[omichka]

copy from another topic:

If you do not want to adopt or rescue, please buy responsible:

The best choice is YTCA.org since most of show responsible breeders belong to a club.

Please, just be careful when you are looking for a yorkie puppy. Unfortunately, many back yard breeders and puppy mills in the US.

Before you chose a breeder please do your homework what responsible breeder is and its code of ethic. Just google "back yard breeder vs responsible breeder"

Below a few tips:

- reputable breeder will not sell yorkie earlier that 10 weeks. Run from a breeder who sell a pup at age less that 8 weeks. It is illegal to sell puppies younger that 8 weeks.
- reputable breeder will never ever sell puppies to a third party (broker/pet store)
- reputable breeder will try to avoid shipping and try to find a local buyer.
- reputable breeder must show at least one parent. If a breeder doesn't show the parents of puppy, this is huge RED FLAG of puppy mill.
- reputable breeder must give you a guarantee. And WITHOUT frase "no money back, only replacement a puppy". Too many sad stories when BYB sell sick puppies and no one pay a vet bills, even if pup died. Just think - do you really want to replace for another defective puppy from a BYB? Protect yorself - discuss about possible vet bills in a case of sick puppy.
- PLEASE READ STANDARD. (When I was looking for a pup, I was told that yorkie standard is 10-12 pounds). There are a few quality of yorkies (pet/show), and some breeders charge way too much money for a POOR BREED pup (fluffy coat, disproportional body, oversize, etc)
- NO such a thing as tea cup or whatever. Those word people love to use as marketing words. There is ONLY one standard: not exceed 7 pounds ! Period.
RUN from a breeder who breed too tiny yorkies less that 3 + pounds. Either run from a breeder who breed out of standard yorkies.
- Reputable breeder ALWAYS sells pet quality puppies with limited registration (spay/neuter)
- Reputable breeder must do genetic tests (for instance, luxating patellas). Those, who have any of genetic desease CANNOT be used for breeding. Run from a breeder who breed sick dog. ALWAYS ask for approval of genetic tests. Protect yorself. Luxating patella surgery is very expensive.
- Reputable breeder tries to find a best home for puppy and always will ask many questions.
- Reputable breeder does not breed more that one breed. Two are acceptable, more is definitely a puppy mill.
- Reputable breeder does not have puppies all the time and has a waiting list. According some definitions, if breeder has more that 3 litters in a year, it considers as a puppy mill.
- reputable breeder will not sell yorkie to a family with small children - yorkies are too fragile and not good match with small children.

Check references, call to AKC, etc. before you buy a puppy.

To review a references on particular breeder, go to

Wags & Wiggles Teacups User Reviews - Snohomish, WA 98290 - Citysearch

good luck

more:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...buy-puppy.html

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by amandawash

Wow! All I have to say is that is incredibly refreshing to hear from a first-time yorkie buyer that they are looking into purchasing a puppy from a truly reputable breeder.

Good job and welcome to YorkieTalk!!!

I couldn't agree more!!!!!

To answer the poster who said you shouldn't buy a show dog because it is more than you need, here is a wonderful article from a Maltese breeder that explains why you want to get a "pet quality" puppy from a show breeder.

Maltese Show Dog Versus Maltese Pet.....What is the difference?

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

Originally Posted by sailyn

thank you!!! i replied to your message but im not sure where it went! anyways, i am looking for a "pet quality" dog. i dont plan to show or breed.

well than that is a very high price in my opinion...Mei Ling only cost me $1500 with way over 50 CH in her bloodline and I am looking to show...I am not sure what the going price is for Yorkie in your area...but if you were looking for pet only I would talk to the breeder and see if she has a pet quality Yorkie...not a show quality...what is your breeder name and does she have a website. Also be careful about broker...they will tell you just about anything...when they really don't know anything about about the sire and dam and line of the yorkie...because they buy them cheap...probably from puppy mills and then triple their cost if not more to make a quick buck! take your time and research...don't just jump into buying...

[sailyn]

Originally Posted by Marilize

You mentioned that you just want a puppy as a pet. So, why then are you planning to pay for a show dog? I think that you know what you want and what you need, so why not keep looking and find a pet quality puppy. You end up paying less and then you can spend the money on the pup and buy loads of treats and toys

Disclaimer: I am not saying, in any way, that a show dog isn't a great buy. I am sure that there are loads of people (myself included) that would love to have a dog with so many CHs in the bloodline, but I just figure that if you are not going to show, why pay the extra moola?

thats pretty much what i was thinking. after i posted this question adn did a lil more research i realized i was getting "more" than i need, for lack of better words. im going to look around. i want to make a good informed decision and get a good healthy dog from a breeder .. i just dont need a show dog.

thank you everyone for your help, i really appreciate it.