Please Help Substantiate the Costs of Yorkies?

[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.

[VickyG]

I'd suggest "buy the breeder" first. There are many, many threads on the traits of good breeders. First and foremost they will be interested in placing their puppies in good homes, and breed for the betterment of the breed.
Prices vary all over....I personally would not go by price, but a healthy quality pup now at $2000 could be a bargain over a $800 pup that you find out is sick later.

I would personally not get a pup from someone that was hesitant to show me the parents in person as well as their home environment that they raise the pups in.

All puppies are cute, be sure to use your head and common sense, and go with your gut feelings.

[anevarez]

Be careful with the hobby breeders as alot of times their hobby is making money! I know of a lady who breeds very well known Yorkies and she will not allow people in her home. She used to allow screened prospective pet owners in, but a few years ago was asked to show a pedigree of one of her bitches. As she turned to get the correct file the couple left the home with 2 of the 3 puppies. She had one in her arms. The puppies were only 5 weeks old and the couple was supposedy ready to put a deposit down on one of the pups. She had been breeding for over 20 years and was always able to screen well... it seems that criminals come in all shapes and sizes - and now she will not allow anyone in her home to see her puppies. As her health deteriorates she breeds very seldomly, but I totally understand her logic. Just some food for thought!

[BamaFan121s]

The costs of breeding ethically are ungodly when you really think about them, therefore, so are the pups being produced. Consider the price of the dogs, whelping and grooming supplies, vet bills, health tests, registration fees, food, vaccinations. Then there could also be show costs, supplies, and heaven forbid if the dam experiences problems, has to have a c-section, etc.

[Mardelin]

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.

Please read this thread and it can help you on prices and the type of breeder to support.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...kie-puppy.html

Explanation on breeder/exhibitors....they breed minimally, but breed for themselves first. And most of the time you will have to be put on a waiting list. However, at no time is a deposit requested until the litter is born. They will more than likely interview before allowing you into their home and the pups are over 8 weeks and have had their first innoculation. It's normal practice. These breeders are not in the business of selling puppies, even though they do. There first priority is for the welfare of the puppies and only want the best for them. Yes, you will have questions for them, but be prepared to be grilled too. It won't be a situation where you meet and you walk away with a puppy on the first meeting.

You are right to do your homework, take your time, don't be in a hurry. We are an instant, I want it now society....but this is a major decision. Stay away from websites, classifieds. Stick with a breeder that you have easy access to and when the time comes can visit the breeder and puppies.

[capt_noonie]

Yorkies are an expensive breed to own, and I'm not even talking about purchasing the puppy! The upkeep is expensive, and this breed is not for everyone. But if you already have your heart set on a yorkie, make sure you research a lot! Just bc a breeder charges a large amount of money does not make the pup any better than a lower priced one. And that goes both ways, just bc a pup is priced lower does not necessarily make it a poorly bred one. Price is effected by many things, and actually the price is relative. There are bad breeders out there who breed "teacups" and "teaspoons" and charge $5000 and up. Absolutely ridiculous! Or they say a pup is "rare" (which in fact could be a genetic defect) and sell for more $$$.

If you truly want a good breeder, i suggest you start from the breeder referral list at http://www.ytca.org

There is also an informative thread here you should read: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/general-yorkshire-terrier-discussion/201720-how-much-yorkie-puppy.html

It is much better to get a healthy well bred pup from a reputable breeder that may cost more, than to get a cheaper poorly bred pup from a byb with health problems down the road. the poorly bred pup will cost you more in the long run. Good luck!

[capt_noonie]

I guess I posted the same time as you Mary, we linked the same thread!

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I guess I posted the same time as you Mary, we linked the same thread!

Great Minds.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

The costs of breeding ethically are ungodly when you really think about them, therefore, so are the pups being produced. Consider the price of the dogs, whelping and grooming supplies, vet bills, health tests, registration fees, food, vaccinations. Then there could also be show costs, supplies, and heaven forbid if the dam experiences problems, has to have a c-section, etc.

And when thinking about the prices of other things like flat screen tv's, fourwheelers (toys in general), $2000 isn't really that much b/c doggies love you back.

I don't want to discourage you from getting a puppy b/c you sound like you are doing a great job with research/would be good owners, but if $1000-$1500 is making your husband hesitate (totally understandable), then what happens when vet bills get that high (and they may)? So just lots of things to think about... Yorkies can be very expensive dogs all around. I'd suggest starting a savings account for pup's needs early and/or insurance.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Yorkies are an expensive breed to own, and I'm not even talking about purchasing the puppy! The upkeep is expensive, and this breed is not for everyone. But if you already have your heart set on a yorkie, make sure you research a lot! Just bc a breeder charges a large amount of money does not make the pup any better than a lower priced one. And that goes both ways, just bc a pup is priced lower does not necessarily make it a poorly bred one. Price is effected by many things, and actually the price is relative. There are bad breeders out there who breed "teacups" and "teaspoons" and charge $5000 and up. Absolutely ridiculous! Or they say a pup is "rare" (which in fact could be a genetic defect) and sell for more $$$.

If you truly want a good breeder, i suggest you start from the breeder referral list at http://www.ytca.org

There is also an informative thread here you should read: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/general-yorkshire-terrier-discussion/201720-how-much-yorkie-puppy.html

It is much better to get a healthy well bred pup from a reputable breeder that may cost more, than to get a cheaper poorly bred pup from a byb with health problems down the road. the poorly bred pup will cost you more in the long run. Good luck!

The other thing that hasn't been mentioned is that BYBers, Puppy Mills, Whole Salers, Brokers, Pet Stores have capitlized on this breed, since they are the #2 most popular dog in the USA. When this happened I cringed, I knew breeders would be coming out of the wood work.

[artie merlino]

I can only explain it from my point of view.......I did Breed my 2 Yorkie's, w/c
had a litter of 3, 1 male & 2 females. I Sold the male for $1,800.00 and 1 female for $2,000.00 and we kept the smallest one w/c is now almost 4 yrs. old and she is only 4 1/2 lbs. I get offers all the time from People I meet every
day. I had a 1 1/2 year waiting list, plus a $500.00 Deposit that was paid on each of the puppies when they were 8 weeks old to hold them until they were
20 weeks old. So I had the pleasure of enjoying them until they were picked-up by their New Families, they were allowed to visit their puppies and take pictures until they were old enough to leave my Home. Many times they only gave me 5 min. notice that they were "on their way"! My House was always clean so I never had any complaints. The Parents do have 14 Champions, in the past 3 Generations of their Pedigree/Bloodline. I know I was very Lucky,
since she did NOT have any complications. I also had to pay for their Tails to get "Docked" & their Dewclaws removed by the Vet. w/c was $150.00 per puppy, 3 days after they were born. I also paid for all their shots until they were 20 wks. old. I can tell you that I did'nt set the prices I just based it on what other Breeders were charging in my area. As well as comparing prices on the Internet too! There is NO Justification in the price of these Dogs, that's just how much they are? They are a 20 yr. Investment and for the record they are very addicting, I'm sure once you get one you will want another one! I'm pretty sure once you find the right Breeder and the right Puppy? There are alot of Yorkie's that need to be "Rescued" too? You might want to consider a Rescue?

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

The other thing that hasn't been mentioned is that BYBers, Puppy Mills, Whole Salers, Brokers, Pet Stores have capitlized on this breed, since they are the #2 most popular dog in the USA. When this happened I cringed, I knew breeders would be coming out of the wood work.

Well the good thing is they have slipped to 3rd place and I hope they continue to slip...and you are so right...so many people just cashing in on them...so many animals suffer.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

Well the good thing is they have slipped to 3rd place and I hope they continue to slip...and you are so right...so many people just cashing in on them...so many animals suffer.

Yes, they did drop to #3 in 2009, but the litter and dog registrations are up again in the first 3 months of this year.

[perenlawn1]

Thank you all for your words of advice. I totally get the reasons why... I have a background in showing/training horses and know how much money can go into animals. It is more my husband... And, I am truly a person who wants to visit the breeder, be more hands on with getting to know the sire/dam before buying or even considering a dog. However, I can understand the breeder's worries, this strange person who found them online and they don't know me from Adam!! So, I can understand that. The breeder I am very interested in is "top" notch. I have no doubts based upon vet info, people in the community and so forth. I have been invited to attend a dog show they are going to (this year) to see the breed, get to watch etc..Which is very interesting to me... I just have to find out when the next one is. I think that will be fascinating.

I want a good dog... I want one that is well bred, healthy and will be great with my family... And, you bring up good points... the costs down the road... It is an investment. Good help!! Thank you very much!! You are all so sweet!!

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by perenlawn1

Thank you all for your words of advice. I totally get the reasons why... I have a background in showing/training horses and know how much money can go into animals. It is more my husband... And, I am truly a person who wants to visit the breeder, be more hands on with getting to know the sire/dam before buying or even considering a dog. However, I can understand the breeder's worries, this strange person who found them online and they don't know me from Adam!! So, I can understand that. The breeder I am very interested in is "top" notch. I have no doubts based upon vet info, people in the community and so forth. I have been invited to attend a dog show they are going to (this year) to see the breed, get to watch etc..Which is very interesting to me... I just have to find out when the next one is. I think that will be fascinating.

I want a good dog... I want one that is well bred, healthy and will be great with my family... And, you bring up good points... the costs down the road... It is an investment. Good help!! Thank you very much!! You are all so sweet!!

You live in Ohio, check out the YTCA.org breeder referral pages also the regional club show dates.

I'm not sure who the midwest Dog Show Superintendent is, but infodog.com publishes all the dog shows and their dates for the whole country.