Please Help Substantiate the Costs of Yorkies?

[mommadog1]

Everyone had some really great info, as always But I just wanted to touch a tiny bit on why hobby breeder is used.

For example, here in my state when you go to get a breeding license they have 2 categories. One is either a commercial breeder or a hobby breeder. A hobby breeder usually is, or used to be, for people who bred for show, which is their hobby. So it is basically how the term came about.

A hobby breeder who basically isn't making money, a commercial breeder is certainly making tons of money.

They just recently changed some of the laws here, but if you have 10 dogs or less you are a hobby breeder.

We also have to have a breeders/kennel license even if every single dog is altered. In my county we cannot have any more than 5 dogs without having a "kennel" license.. Even if you don't have a kennel you are treated as if you do. they seem to consider your home a kennel..at least mine anyhow since my dogs all live in my house..

Anyhow, that was meant to be helpful so I hope it was
Have a great saturday

[Lula-Mae Famous]

Gosh, I feel your pain.

There are not many breeders in my area and all the ones I had talked to were freaking nuts. In some cases, beyond nuts!

I understand that breeders might have to deal with all sorts of weirdos that want to buy their puppies but being a lady that is looking for a nice pet to love, there are a couple of breeders that I just couldn’t deal with. Its almost unfair to their dogs, knowing that they scared away someone who could have loved one of their dogs as much as I love my little Lula.

Oh and then there is breeder drama. "don’t buy from that breeder, she wears purple on Sundays and washes her dishes with hand soap" type stuff. I don’t give a crap about you breeders personally, you could worship satan for all I care, just as long as you have loved, healthy puppies. Sometimes the breeder attached just isn’t worth the dog.
You want to come see my house? Sure, I'll even make you a 5 course dinner. Want to talk to my landlord? I'll invite him over too, perhaps even my best friend who is a dog trainer and dog foster parent, maybe even a handful of my other breeder/trainer/vet friends. Anything just get this breeder hell over with! Oh, but I only have a partially fenced in back yard. whemp whemp wahhmp.
Game over.

One woman wanted $3500 for her puppies. Most were looking for over $2000. I would have loved to adopt but most adoption puppies have more problems than I can care for at this time in my life.

I ended up flying to a breeder out of state. Its funny how different breeders in different areas have way different prices. Even with couple flights I still paid less than what people in the MA area wanted.

Its sick. If a dog isn’t show quality and is being sold as a pet it should defiantly without a doubt have a different price. A reasonable pet price. I think if some of these breeders lowered their pet price they could put puppy mills out of business.

I can honestly say at one point I wanted to just go to the mall and pick up a dog. It would have saved me months of headaches (yea I know, in the long run, vet bills, blah blah, I know, Ive read the 8 millions threads dedicated to cheap puppy mill puppies) all I’m saying is that I felt punished for doing things the right way.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by perenlawn1

I am still in search of our first forever pet yorkie. We have been in search since last year. I am having a hard time convincing DH about the prices for one of these little darlings. I also am having a tough time to even give him substantial reasons for the costs myself.. as I am new to the breed.

If buying from a "Hobby" breeder, why are they advertising at $1200-1800 for a puppy? I could see if they were from a champion sired momma and daddy who actively were shown and promoted, but to pay that much for a puppy from a "hobbyist".. is that normal? I have even encountered some who are asking more than $2000.

Also, we are considering a breeder who shows and is local.. They do not have a litter now and not any planned until later this year. I do not know about waiting and if so, do we just deposit on a puppy without even seeing anythng other than the parent? I have only seen the parents on their website. They seem leery to allow us to see them and these are very well-known breeders who are national champions... I know they are very well known and our vet mentioned they knew of them and they raise great dogs... But, they do not seem willing to allow us to even see what they have.

So, I am here at home, spinning my wheels trying to figure out what is the best course of action? We truly want a little girl...just because... and we want a very nice puppy... but I hesitate to pay for a dog that is not near me to see, I don't know anything about the people and don't know about their "hobby". Can you substantiate that? Thank you in advance for your advice... I appreciate it.

Hi, I completely understand where you're coming from and that's why I wrote this thread, that several people have already linked. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...kie-puppy.html I tried to explain the difference in pricing. So many times you read, "You get what you pay for," and this is NOT true when it comes to pricing dogs. Please read the thread, and you will be a little more aware of the different categories of breeders, and different pricing strategies. Good luck in your search, and remember a Yorkie is a 15-year investment, your yorkie will become an important family member, and you will be glad that you found it from a reputable breeder.

[Rhetts_mama]

Can I ask why you want to buy from a breeder? Are you intending to show or breed your new pup?

If that is your intention, then do your homework on the breeders.

But if it's just a wonderfully sweet dog you are after, have you considered a rescue? Both my mother and I recently adopted. We both have young males (Mine is 12 weeks, rescued from a breeder) hers is 17 weeks (was going to be put down by the breeder because of his too small stature.) The initial cost of rescuing was significantly less than purchasing from a breeder; around $400. We also found a great rescue society that let us visit with the puppies several times so we got to know their personalities. Yes, they screened us thoroughly, even called our vets to get references from them. (I did the same to her, I wanted to know that she was taking good care of my little guy.)

Just a thought...

[jrsygal37]

Can I suggest too that you may want to check out Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder. Contrary to what you hear, there are full breed pups in rescues. And, if you are open to a young adult you can find them as well. With the economy as it is I am finding more and more pups coming into rescue due to owners losing their homes. There are many upsides to adopting. For one cost. On average you can adopt for about $400 which will include not only the shots and vetting but also the spay or neuter which in NJ alone costs $350.00. Not trying to cram rescue down anyone's throat, just making a suggestion since cost was brought up. The great part is you not only have a reasonable cost but you are also saving a life.

Elaine (mom to five rescues)

[jrsygal37]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

Can I ask why you want to buy from a breeder? Are you intending to show or breed your new pup?

If that is your intention, then do your homework on the breeders.

But if it's just a wonderfully sweet dog you are after, have you considered a rescue? Both my mother and I recently adopted. We both have young males (Mine is 12 weeks, rescued from a breeder) hers is 17 weeks (was going to be put down by the breeder because of his too small stature.) The initial cost of rescuing was significantly less than purchasing from a breeder; around $400. We also found a great rescue society that let us visit with the puppies several times so we got to know their personalities. Yes, they screened us thoroughly, even called our vets to get references from them. (I did the same to her, I wanted to know that she was taking good care of my little guy.)

Just a thought...

Thank you for posting about rescue. Elaine

[ltret0294]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

Can I suggest too that you may want to check out Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder. Contrary to what you hear, there are full breed pups in rescues. And, if you are open to a young adult you can find them as well. With the economy as it is I am finding more and more pups coming into rescue due to owners losing their homes. There are many upsides to adopting. For one cost. On average you can adopt for about $400 which will include not only the shots and vetting but also the spay or neuter which in NJ alone costs $350.00. Not trying to cram rescue down anyone's throat, just making a suggestion since cost was brought up. The great part is you not only have a reasonable cost but you are also saving a life.

Elaine (mom to five rescues)

I second Elaine's and rhetts mama replies. Out of 6 rescues Zoey was the most expensive at $400 dollars. It did not cover the rescue groups spay, vetting etc. There are many dogs in rescue groups looking for a good forever home. There is a small rescue group in Butler OH that has "toy breeds". That is the rescue where I adopted Zipp (was Spike) from late Feb '10.
Bob (dad to four rescues)

[shodanusmc]

Pay all you can afford to from a great Breeder who breeds not for money but for breed inmprovement, and showing. If your personalities clash, don't buy from them. They can be a great resource after the sale. Besides the upfront cost, they can get very expensive after they are home. Illnesses, clothes, food, dental cleanings, fixing, etc. I am not kidding when I say we have over $20,000 in ours. The cost of the dog was the inexpensive part, even though she cost more than the first Car I bought...bit that was well over 40 years ago.

Talk, references, and you can still buy from a great breeder without seeing the pup...there are pictures, reputation, etc. Best of luck

[mommadog1]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

Can I ask why you want to buy from a breeder? Are you intending to show or breed your new pup?

If that is your intention, then do your homework on the breeders.

But if it's just a wonderfully sweet dog you are after, have you considered a rescue? Both my mother and I recently adopted. We both have young males (Mine is 12 weeks, rescued from a breeder) hers is 17 weeks (was going to be put down by the breeder because of his too small stature.) The initial cost of rescuing was significantly less than purchasing from a breeder; around $400. We also found a great rescue society that let us visit with the puppies several times so we got to know their personalities. Yes, they screened us thoroughly, even called our vets to get references from them. (I did the same to her, I wanted to know that she was taking good care of my little guy.)

Just a thought...

You were extremely lucky to get a puppy from a rescue. It is a very rare thing. There is nothing wrong with buying a puppy from a good, reputable breeder though. Older rescues can and most of the time, come with issues that some folks just don't want to deal with, and I don't blame anyone for not wanting to adopt. Of course there are many very well adjusted rescues out there. But not to often.

I was looking at one rescue the other day and they were asking 600.00 for adoption fees.. I don't think I have ever seen a rescue charging that much before. it just surprised me.

[mommadog1]

Originally Posted by jrsygal37

Can I suggest too that you may want to check out Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder. Contrary to what you hear, there are full breed pups in rescues. And, if you are open to a young adult you can find them as well. With the economy as it is I am finding more and more pups coming into rescue due to owners losing their homes. There are many upsides to adopting. For one cost. On average you can adopt for about $400 which will include not only the shots and vetting but also the spay or neuter which in NJ alone costs $350.00. Not trying to cram rescue down anyone's throat, just making a suggestion since cost was brought up. The great part is you not only have a reasonable cost but you are also saving a life.

Elaine (mom to five rescues)

I agree that looking into rescue is a great idea. I just went to petfinder and only about 6 came up for my state and all but 1 was special needs. One was paralyzed, (cute tho), another had kidney disease, one was deaf, another had LP and would need surgery eventually..

They of course deserve homes, but not many people are up to caring for dogs that have these problems. So you pay the adoption fee's which are often higher then 250.00 and then you have to be able to afford their medications and surgeries. Thats a lot for some people as we know LP surgery is very expensive.

So people find it easier more often than not to just go buy a puppy from a breeder. Now of course these things can happen to your own puppy especially if you buy from a bad breeder.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by mommadog1

You were extremely lucky to get a puppy from a rescue. It is a very rare thing. There is nothing wrong with buying a puppy from a good, reputable breeder though. Older rescues can and most of the time, come with issues that some folks just don't want to deal with, and I don't blame anyone for not wanting to adopt. Of course there are many very well adjusted rescues out there. But not to often.

I was looking at one rescue the other day and they were asking 600.00 for adoption fees.. I don't think I have ever seen a rescue charging that much before. it just surprised me.

Good point, poor breeders selling their dogs as through "rescues" is one of the fastest growing scams. This is when you're most likely to get to find puppies. Occasionally, a reputable rescue has puppies, if there has been a bust, but it is more likely to be a scam. Reputable rescues are listed here. GuideStar nonprofit reports and Forms 990 for donors, grantmakers and businesses Reputable rescues also insist on spaying and neutering before placing pups. While I think it's great people are considering rescues, make sure they are reputable, otherwise you are just enabling millers to continue breeding. Furthermore, your point that, "There is nothing wrong with buying a puppy from a good, reputable breeder though," should be remembered. If we want the Yorkshire Terrier breed to continue in the future, we need to support reputable breeders.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Good point, poor breeders selling their dogs as through "rescues" is one of the fastest growing scams. This is when you're most likely to get to find puppies. Occasionally, a reputable rescue has puppies, if there has been a bust, but it is more likely to be a scam. Reputable rescues are listed here. GuideStar nonprofit reports and Forms 990 for donors, grantmakers and businesses Reputable rescues also insist on spaying and neutering before placing pups. While I think it's great people are considering rescues, make sure they are reputable, otherwise you are just enabling millers to continue breeding. Furthermore, your point that, "There is nothing wrong with buying a puppy from a good, reputable breeder though," should be remembered. If we want the Yorkshire Terrier breed to continue in the future, we need to support reputable breeders.

There is also another option and a good one. At times reputable breeders will place their retired females in homes for the price of a spay and teeth cleaning, sometimes even less. These girls are usually Championed and are still young/approximately 5 years of age, many years left for loving. These girls have been well taken care of, house trained, socialized and of course healthy.

[mommadog1]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Good point, poor breeders selling their dogs as through "rescues" is one of the fastest growing scams. This is when you're most likely to get to find puppies. Occasionally, a reputable rescue has puppies, if there has been a bust, but it is more likely to be a scam. Reputable rescues are listed here. GuideStar nonprofit reports and Forms 990 for donors, grantmakers and businesses Reputable rescues also insist on spaying and neutering before placing pups. While I think it's great people are considering rescues, make sure they are reputable, otherwise you are just enabling millers to continue breeding. Furthermore, your point that, "There is nothing wrong with buying a puppy from a good, reputable breeder though," should be remembered. If we want the Yorkshire Terrier breed to continue in the future, we need to support reputable breeders.

You said what I was thinking but didn't want to say out right..lol.. I see that on CL all the time..

Always make sure the rescue is legit

And supporting reputable breeders will help cut down the PM profits too! If we don't buy from them they will eventually go out of business (ok I can hope right?)

[mommadog1]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

There is also another option and a good one. At times reputable breeders will place their retired females in homes for the price of a spay and teeth cleaning, sometimes even less. These girls are usually Championed and are still young/approximately 5 years of age, many years left for loving. These girls have been well taken care of, house trained, socialized and of course healthy.

Very very true!! I completely forgot about that!

[jrsygal37]

Originally Posted by mommadog1

I agree that looking into rescue is a great idea. I just went to petfinder and only about 6 came up for my state and all but 1 was special needs. One was paralyzed, (cute tho), another had kidney disease, one was deaf, another had LP and would need surgery eventually..

They of course deserve homes, but not many people are up to caring for dogs that have these problems. So you pay the adoption fee's which are often higher then 250.00 and then you have to be able to afford their medications and surgeries. Thats a lot for some people as we know LP surgery is very expensive.

So people find it easier more often than not to just go buy a puppy from a breeder. Now of course these things can happen to your own puppy especially if you buy from a bad breeder.

Yes, some do have issues, but not all. I've seen quite a few that are perfect. And, yes you do have to check out to be sure the rescue is reputable. There are a lot of brokers now posing as rescues and charging upward of $600 and not spaying or neutering. I adopted my Lilly at 13 weeks of age. She is a pure bred and although not a show dog, she is very pretty, ears up and small like a lot of people like. She's 4 lbs. full grown. The rescue I adopted her from, and who I now volunteer with had a fee of $400 for her. She had already been spayed (pediatric spay) which I don't necessarily agree with but they were cautious. She also had her shots, heart worm preventative etc. She has no issues what so ever. And knock on wood no health issues thus far (She's 3 yrs. old now). What I like about rescue is the fact they are upfront. You know what you are getting and you can make a decision based on what you want and can handle. Buying a pup does not always insure no issues. Many have bought even from reputable breeders and have later had to pay for LP surgery, and some who have bought later discovered Liver Shunt. I think it's a misconception to think that if a dog is in rescue they have issues. Some do, but the rescue is upfront about them. But many are in there to no fault of their own. Owners moved and can't or don't want to take the dog with them. Kids came into the picture and no time for the dog. Or just someone bought a pup and didn't have the patience to house train. Again, not cramming rescue down anyone's throat, but for someone who is looking I do think it's a nice place to start. Elaine