Yorkie buying tips? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

_jenn · 10-15-2005, 10:40 PM

Hi everyone,

I posted a while ago asking for Yorkie buying tips ... but I wasn't planning on buying one right away. Well, I finally got to play with one at a pet store today ... and I don't think I can wait any longer! So I really want to know from the experts what to do ... because I am still so new to this.

I am from Southern California, so as you know, the going rate for Yorkies is a lot higher here. Today the Yorkie I was looking at was $2200 but the manager was going to let it go for $1800. I am a student (graduating this year), so its a big chunk of money for me, yet I was so close to writing a check for it. When I thought it through, I realized it was impulsive decision and I had to walk away. Plus, I read the recent post "Did I pay too much?" and I really believe that price is more reasonable for a champion/show-quality pup -- which I'm sure this dog wasn't.

I would much rather get my pup from a breeder, and have contacted a breeder in So Cal (Yorkie Pals - www.geocities.com/yorkiepals/YorkiePals.html) who has a litter for showing in a few weeks. They told me -- "Puppies will range from $1250 to $1450 for a CKC, and $1300 to $1650 for an AKC. The prices vary depending on size and sex (males are less than females, and the pups that will stay under 4 pounds fullgrown tend to be more than the standard size)." What is an AKC and a CKC?? Do you think this is a good deal? Has anyone gotten a pup from them before? Please let me know if you have!! Please let me know about "papers" too? What are papers? What should breeders be offering (shots up to date, declawing, etc.)?

I also contacted someone who had an ad on a website for a Yorkie (supposedly purebred) and he is charging $900 for him. I am going to see the Yorkie this week. The babies are still only 6 weeks and he plans to let them go at 8 weeks. I'm afraid to buy from this person because I have no idea if it really is a purebreed ... or if the pup is even healthy. Do you have any suggestions for this situation? The price is more than reasonable for CA and I am excited to have the baby. And since he is cheaper than other pups, I can spend more money on other Yorkie items for him ... so its something else to consider. But I also need to know what I should do that breeders would normally take care of (shots)? And do I ask for papers??

Lastly, should I ship a pup in? I know this is a very cost effective idea. But I'm afraid about not getting exactly what I want. What do I want? I want a male, it doesn't have to be a super tiny teacup, but I'm thinking up to 6lbs MAX should be okay. Ideally, I want one that will be 3-5lbs. I don't prefer silky haired Yorkies. I love the wavy haired Yorkies ... and I prefer a brownish gold coat, or dark-brown to black and gold coat.

Does anyone have any advice? Anything to warn me about? Anything at all? Please let me know if so. Thank you!!

xtine · 10-15-2005, 11:14 PM

Where in SoCal are you from? I'm also from SoCal (Los Angeles area kinda).. I'd love to help you out, please don't buy from a pet store!

maybe if your in my area, i can tell you of some close good breeders nearby.

xtine · 10-15-2005, 11:16 PM

If you don't want to adopt from a shelter, but instead, want a puppy from a breeder, here is a good check list:

--How knowledgeable is the breeder about this particular breed? Are they familiar with its historical origins? Can they educate you about the breed's disadvantages - especially genetic predisposition to health problems and characteristics like shedding, slobber, dominance, inter-dog aggression, etc. that may make owning the breed a challenge? Beware of anyone who sounds like a salesman and tells you that their breed has no disadvantages! Good breeders will play devil's advocate.

--Are the breeder's dogs screened for genetic health defects like hip dysplasia, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's disease, epilepsy, cardiac conditions, and anything else that is common in the breed? Can they provide you with proof, e.g., CERF and OFA certification and other relevant veterinary documentation? A good breeder will welcome your concern and be glad to offer the requested information - beware of anyone who is defensive! An excellent breeder will candidly discuss the health of their line of dogs, including the problems that have cropped up. Even good breeders can produce unhealthy dogs on occasion. The difference is that the good breeder is on a mission to find and remove those genetic influences from their breeding lines. The irresponsible breeder approaches health in a haphazard manner.

--Does the breeder have any old dogs on the premises? How long have their own dogs lived, and from what have they died? Beware of the person who sells off their adult dogs that are retired from showing and breeding. You want a breeder who loves the breed, not someone who loves to breed.

--How many breeds is this person breeding? Ideally, someone will have a special interest in only one breed (perhaps two). A Jack-of-all-Breeds truly is a master of none. How many litters does the breeder have in any given year? A good breeder may breed one or two litters, or may not breed at all for a year or more between litters. More is never better. Anyone who is producing a large number of dogs is probably doing it at the expense of quality.

--Are the breeder's dogs kennel dogs or house pets? While it is sanitary to keep large numbers of dogs outside in a kennel, you want a breeder who keeps their dogs in the house with the family. Breeders who keep their dogs in kennels may have temperament defects (like excessive dominance) of which they are not even aware. Puppies should be raised inside an active home to begin socializing them to a household environment.

--Will the breeder provide you with the names of their veterinarian and several past purchasers to serve as references? If given a choice, request pet references. Certainly a professional trainer will be able to handle a tough puppy, but what about a family with three kids and a cat? If the latter just loves the temperament of their dog, that speaks volumes. Ask the breeder about the homes that haven't worked out. There are bound to be some. Is the breeder honest that they made a poor placement, sympathetic to someone who underwent a life change that necessitated returning a dog, blunt that they produced a problem dog... or is the breeder bitter and accusatory about the person who bought the dog? Beware of the narrow-minded breeder who places blame on everyone but themselves.

--What kind of guarantees does the breeder offer? Most will offer a replacement puppy or refund of purchase price if your puppy manifests a serious genetic defect. Any responsible breeder will want to keep in touch with you and be informed if your dog develops health problems. The better ones may ask you to have your pet OFA and/or CERF screened when it is old enough (as your dog reflects on their breeding stock). Truly caring breeders will insist that you return your puppy to them if you are unable to keep it for any reason during its entire life.

--Does the breeder expect to sell you a puppy with strings attached? Concerned, responsible breeders will insist that you neuter your pet puppy as soon as it is old enough. They may have you sign a contract to this effect, or they may sell the puppy with limited registration (which means that if you do breed it, you cannot register the offspring). Remarkable breeders will pediatrically neuter puppies before sending them off to their new homes. This is a very good sign in a breeder, so much so that I would be suspicious of any breeder who does not insist on neutering.

--On the other hand, beware of any breeder who tries to sucker you into a breeding contract. They will treat you like you're stupid by flattering you and trying to con you into agreeing to keep your pet intact and breeding one or more litters, giving the breeder back one or more puppies from each litter. This is the biggest scam around. You get stuck with the expense and inconvenience (not to mention health risks) of keeping an intact animal and then providing the breeder with free puppies. If a breeder tries to talk you into this kind of pyramid scheme, find another breeder.

--At what age does the breeder send puppies to their new homes? Avoid any breeder who wants to send home a puppy younger than seven weeks. Many good breeders will release puppies at 8 weeks, but as long as the puppy is being actively socialized, it is arguably better to wait until 10 or 12 weeks.

--What does the breeder do to socialize their puppies? Ask them for specifics. Good breeders will have lots of toys and activities to which to expose their puppies. Mild stress is excellent for making puppies resilient later in life. A breeder who allows their puppies to experience different sounds, surfaces, etc. and meet different people is trying hard. A breeder who keeps their puppies in some sort of ultra-sanitary, almost sterile vacuum is doing the puppies a great disservice. Puppies raised in a kennel should be avoided.

--A good breeder will be very interested in who you are and somewhat choosy about whether you are able to provide an adequate home for one of their cherished pups. A breeder who wants to see your home, your kids, your spouse, your other pets, proof of your fencing, or talk to your veterinarian is simply trying to make sure that you will take good care of their pup. Do not resent this. Good breeders want to keep in touch with you after you've purchased a puppy and will be there for you with support and advice later on. Avoid breeders who take credit card orders over the internet and ship puppies to anyone who wants them. NO responsible breeder will sell a puppy to a pet store or other broker for resale.

--A good breeder will participate in breed rescue efforts for the breed they love. This is important. Anyone who scoffs at breed rescue or is not personally involved in it in any way is someone to be avoided. Often the best place to begin your search for a good breeder is to ask breed rescue volunteers for their recommendations.

--Good breeders think ahead and make reservations in advance for the puppies they will produce. You may have to wait for a puppy, but that's not a bad thing. Beware of someone who first creates puppies and then worries about how to disperse them.

--What does the breeder do for a living? Dog breeding should be an avocation. Avoid anyone who makes their living through breeding dogs! The corners they cut financially may be at your expense.

--Are the premises clean and orderly? Are the breeder’s dogs healthy in appearance? It can be a messy proposition to raise a litter of puppies, but puppies should not be wallowing in waste, covered with fleas, or otherwise appear neglected. Keep in mind that many longhaired bitches will shed their coats heavily during this time, so if the puppies’ mother appears a little ratty it is not necessarily inappropriate or unusual.

--Do you like the temperaments of the puppies' parents? Remember, temperament is genetic! Avoid puppies from bitches that demonstrate any aggression or shyness. Specifically inquire about possessiveness (food and object guarding), inter-dog aggression, defensiveness about being handled, etc. Accept no excuses for undesirable behavior. Don't be afraid to ask the breeder to demonstrate the *****'s good temperament to you.

--Has the breeder or will the breeder allow you to temperament test the litter? While puppy-testing is not especially predictive of adult temperament, it’s an attempt to gauge a puppy’s personality so that it can be best matched with a new owner. Ask the breeder's permission before doing anything to a puppy. No potential buyer has the right to do anything to a puppy which a breeder perceives as potentially harmful.

--Does your breeder respect veterinarians, trainers, groomers, breeders, and other peer professionals in the dog world? Beware of breeders who are paranoid or hostile towards other professionals. One cannot operate competently in a vacuum, and in general, good breeders are socially well-networked. They are liked, like others, and respect competent professionals in their field. A good breeder should make the effort the know other good breeders (especially of their own breed). It is important for a breeder to strive to improve their knowledge and understanding of their breed and submit to peer critique, even if it is not necessarily formalized (as in the show ring).

-----------
The information (with some more important points that I did not include due to character limitation) can be found on the following site:
http://www.kateconnick.com/library/breeder.html

_jenn · 10-15-2005, 11:18 PM

Well I go to UCLA so I live right in Westwood Village so you are right by me. Please give me some advice!!! I just found a site with some rescued Yorkies from Hurricane Katrina, so I am also emailing the rescuers (I think the dogs are in Los Angeles somewhere). The pet store was at the Block at Orange. I know, I don't want to buy from a pet store, but you can imagine how tough it was for me to walk away from the pup when I had been playing with him for so long!

xtine · 10-15-2005, 11:20 PM

I'll PM you!

_jenn · 10-15-2005, 11:20 PM

Thanks <3

_jenn · 10-15-2005, 11:28 PM

What is the difference between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Silky Terrier??

xtine · 10-15-2005, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _jenn

What is the difference between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Silky Terrier??

There's quite a difference between the two. I know that one of our members Browniesmom622 has A beautiful Silky Terrier named Kayko and a Cutie Pie Yorkie named Brownie! you might want to check her out and look at her pictures

but i found a few websites if you want to read up on them.

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/yosiau.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/silkyterrier.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/yorkshireterrier.htm

sylvan · 10-16-2005, 06:22 AM

EXCELLENT post by xtine!

The site www.buyingapuppy.com has a good list of questions to ask a breeder when choosing a pup.

good for you walking away from the pet store...not an easy job.

chachi · 10-16-2005, 07:22 AM

Great tips Xtine!

yorkiegal719 · 10-16-2005, 08:58 AM

You have already made the hardest decission, walking away from a pet shop yorkie! Don't go back and see if he's still there, no matter how strong the urge, you'll get into trouble

I'm sure that there are good breeders in your area, even if you have to drive a distance, it's a once in a lifetime commitment, so it's well worth the time. Just look for clear healthy eyes, they should smell clean, be energetic, and if possible see the parents and see how close to the standard they are. If your not interested in showing I don't think that it matters much whether they are AKC or CKC. Good luck and when you make the commitment, please be sure to let us know...

_jenn · 10-16-2005, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkiegal719

You have already made the hardest decission, walking away from a pet shop yorkie! Don't go back and see if he's still there, no matter how strong the urge, you'll get into trouble

I'm sure that there are good breeders in your area, even if you have to drive a distance, it's a once in a lifetime commitment, so it's well worth the time. Just look for clear healthy eyes, they should smell clean, be energetic, and if possible see the parents and see how close to the standard they are. If your not interested in showing I don't think that it matters much whether they are AKC or CKC. Good luck and when you make the commitment, please be sure to let us know...

Thank you for your tips ... so AKC and CKC is only for showing?? Is that the "papers" everyone is always referring to???

And yes, I will keep everyone updated!

shelbysmom · 10-16-2005, 09:56 AM

In my opinion the MOST important thing to consider when buying a puppy is the reputation of the breeder. All Yorkie puppies are cute and most seem healthy when you look at them. The only way you can get a better idea about what is going on under that skin is learning all that you can about the parents of the pup and the breeding practices of the breeder.

I wouldn't ever buy from Internet Ad, wouldn't ever buy from the newspaper and I wouldn't ever buy from a petshop. If I wanted to buy from a small hobby breeder it would only be after someone refered them...someone who had a dog from them that was a couple of years old and healthy.

Otherwise I would go to the YTCA website and contact the breeders on there and get on a waiting list.

Don't be in a rush! These dogs are wonderful but owning one can be heartbreaking if you don't do your research. They are so popular right now that a lot of unethical people are cashing in on it.
www.AKC.org
www.ytca.org
Good luck

mybirdys2003 · 10-16-2005, 10:14 AM

In my opinion that is way too much to pay for a pet Yorkie. I paid $800 for mine, and that was quite a bit here in Montana. You really do need to see the parents and the breeder to see how she keeps care of the pups. All in cages in the garage, for example? Or, in a loving home with interaction with people. Makes a big difference in the long run.
YOu have been given wonderful advice from people here, so I am sure you will make a good decision and have a wonderful pet for a long time.
Pat

whispersmom2 · 10-16-2005, 11:29 AM

The very first thing I would advise you to do is to look at sites related to puppy mills. There are several and this forum has info and sites showing who, what and where those pets are gotten. I am not trying to start a flame bait, but this has been discussed many times on this forum. Pet shops count on impulse buying and luckily, you were smart enough to walk away. The info already posted in your thread is superb.
AKC is the registry that sanctions shows in the US. I am not sure which CKC you are referring to but in the US, those letters usually stand for Continental Kennel Club, which is not a registry that sanctions any event. Nor do they require proof of pureness of breed in most instances.
However, if you mean the Canadian Kennel Club it is similar to AKC and those dogs reg in Canada with CKC can be reg with AKC if their paperwork is accurate.
Meet with Xtine and I will bet you will get really good info. You can always find a good puppy if you look long enough and research enough. Getting a PM puppy or a sickly one can rarely be undone... Good Luck in your search for just the right companion..

10-15-2005, 10:40 PM	#1
_jenn Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 45	Yorkie buying tips? Hi everyone, I posted a while ago asking for Yorkie buying tips ... but I wasn't planning on buying one right away. Well, I finally got to play with one at a pet store today ... and I don't think I can wait any longer! So I really want to know from the experts what to do ... because I am still so new to this. I am from Southern California, so as you know, the going rate for Yorkies is a lot higher here. Today the Yorkie I was looking at was $2200 but the manager was going to let it go for $1800. I am a student (graduating this year), so its a big chunk of money for me, yet I was so close to writing a check for it. When I thought it through, I realized it was impulsive decision and I had to walk away. Plus, I read the recent post "Did I pay too much?" and I really believe that price is more reasonable for a champion/show-quality pup -- which I'm sure this dog wasn't. I would much rather get my pup from a breeder, and have contacted a breeder in So Cal (Yorkie Pals - www.geocities.com/yorkiepals/YorkiePals.html) who has a litter for showing in a few weeks. They told me -- "Puppies will range from $1250 to $1450 for a CKC, and $1300 to $1650 for an AKC. The prices vary depending on size and sex (males are less than females, and the pups that will stay under 4 pounds fullgrown tend to be more than the standard size)." What is an AKC and a CKC?? Do you think this is a good deal? Has anyone gotten a pup from them before? Please let me know if you have!! Please let me know about "papers" too? What are papers? What should breeders be offering (shots up to date, declawing, etc.)? I also contacted someone who had an ad on a website for a Yorkie (supposedly purebred) and he is charging $900 for him. I am going to see the Yorkie this week. The babies are still only 6 weeks and he plans to let them go at 8 weeks. I'm afraid to buy from this person because I have no idea if it really is a purebreed ... or if the pup is even healthy. Do you have any suggestions for this situation? The price is more than reasonable for CA and I am excited to have the baby. And since he is cheaper than other pups, I can spend more money on other Yorkie items for him ... so its something else to consider. But I also need to know what I should do that breeders would normally take care of (shots)? And do I ask for papers?? Lastly, should I ship a pup in? I know this is a very cost effective idea. But I'm afraid about not getting exactly what I want. What do I want? I want a male, it doesn't have to be a super tiny teacup, but I'm thinking up to 6lbs MAX should be okay. Ideally, I want one that will be 3-5lbs. I don't prefer silky haired Yorkies. I love the wavy haired Yorkies ... and I prefer a brownish gold coat, or dark-brown to black and gold coat. Does anyone have any advice? Anything to warn me about? Anything at all? Please let me know if so. Thank you!!

10-15-2005, 11:28 PM	#7
_jenn Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 45	one more question What is the difference between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Silky Terrier??

10-16-2005, 07:22 AM	#10
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Great tips Xtine! __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

10-16-2005, 08:58 AM	#11
yorkiegal719 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 603	You have already made the hardest decission, walking away from a pet shop yorkie! Don't go back and see if he's still there, no matter how strong the urge, you'll get into trouble I'm sure that there are good breeders in your area, even if you have to drive a distance, it's a once in a lifetime commitment, so it's well worth the time. Just look for clear healthy eyes, they should smell clean, be energetic, and if possible see the parents and see how close to the standard they are. If your not interested in showing I don't think that it matters much whether they are AKC or CKC. Good luck and when you make the commitment, please be sure to let us know... __________________ Theresa & The Boys +1 The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue

10-15-2005, 11:14 PM	#2
xtine Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: CA Posts: 1,406	Where in SoCal are you from? I'm also from SoCal (Los Angeles area kinda).. I'd love to help you out, please don't buy from a pet store! maybe if your in my area, i can tell you of some close good breeders nearby.

10-15-2005, 11:16 PM	#3
xtine Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: CA Posts: 1,406	If you don't want to adopt from a shelter, but instead, want a puppy from a breeder, here is a good check list: --How knowledgeable is the breeder about this particular breed? Are they familiar with its historical origins? Can they educate you about the breed's disadvantages - especially genetic predisposition to health problems and characteristics like shedding, slobber, dominance, inter-dog aggression, etc. that may make owning the breed a challenge? Beware of anyone who sounds like a salesman and tells you that their breed has no disadvantages! Good breeders will play devil's advocate. --Are the breeder's dogs screened for genetic health defects like hip dysplasia, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's disease, epilepsy, cardiac conditions, and anything else that is common in the breed? Can they provide you with proof, e.g., CERF and OFA certification and other relevant veterinary documentation? A good breeder will welcome your concern and be glad to offer the requested information - beware of anyone who is defensive! An excellent breeder will candidly discuss the health of their line of dogs, including the problems that have cropped up. Even good breeders can produce unhealthy dogs on occasion. The difference is that the good breeder is on a mission to find and remove those genetic influences from their breeding lines. The irresponsible breeder approaches health in a haphazard manner. --Does the breeder have any old dogs on the premises? How long have their own dogs lived, and from what have they died? Beware of the person who sells off their adult dogs that are retired from showing and breeding. You want a breeder who loves the breed, not someone who loves to breed. --How many breeds is this person breeding? Ideally, someone will have a special interest in only one breed (perhaps two). A Jack-of-all-Breeds truly is a master of none. How many litters does the breeder have in any given year? A good breeder may breed one or two litters, or may not breed at all for a year or more between litters. More is never better. Anyone who is producing a large number of dogs is probably doing it at the expense of quality. --Are the breeder's dogs kennel dogs or house pets? While it is sanitary to keep large numbers of dogs outside in a kennel, you want a breeder who keeps their dogs in the house with the family. Breeders who keep their dogs in kennels may have temperament defects (like excessive dominance) of which they are not even aware. Puppies should be raised inside an active home to begin socializing them to a household environment. --Will the breeder provide you with the names of their veterinarian and several past purchasers to serve as references? If given a choice, request pet references. Certainly a professional trainer will be able to handle a tough puppy, but what about a family with three kids and a cat? If the latter just loves the temperament of their dog, that speaks volumes. Ask the breeder about the homes that haven't worked out. There are bound to be some. Is the breeder honest that they made a poor placement, sympathetic to someone who underwent a life change that necessitated returning a dog, blunt that they produced a problem dog... or is the breeder bitter and accusatory about the person who bought the dog? Beware of the narrow-minded breeder who places blame on everyone but themselves. --What kind of guarantees does the breeder offer? Most will offer a replacement puppy or refund of purchase price if your puppy manifests a serious genetic defect. Any responsible breeder will want to keep in touch with you and be informed if your dog develops health problems. The better ones may ask you to have your pet OFA and/or CERF screened when it is old enough (as your dog reflects on their breeding stock). Truly caring breeders will insist that you return your puppy to them if you are unable to keep it for any reason during its entire life. --Does the breeder expect to sell you a puppy with strings attached? Concerned, responsible breeders will insist that you neuter your pet puppy as soon as it is old enough. They may have you sign a contract to this effect, or they may sell the puppy with limited registration (which means that if you do breed it, you cannot register the offspring). Remarkable breeders will pediatrically neuter puppies before sending them off to their new homes. This is a very good sign in a breeder, so much so that I would be suspicious of any breeder who does not insist on neutering. --On the other hand, beware of any breeder who tries to sucker you into a breeding contract. They will treat you like you're stupid by flattering you and trying to con you into agreeing to keep your pet intact and breeding one or more litters, giving the breeder back one or more puppies from each litter. This is the biggest scam around. You get stuck with the expense and inconvenience (not to mention health risks) of keeping an intact animal and then providing the breeder with free puppies. If a breeder tries to talk you into this kind of pyramid scheme, find another breeder. --At what age does the breeder send puppies to their new homes? Avoid any breeder who wants to send home a puppy younger than seven weeks. Many good breeders will release puppies at 8 weeks, but as long as the puppy is being actively socialized, it is arguably better to wait until 10 or 12 weeks. --What does the breeder do to socialize their puppies? Ask them for specifics. Good breeders will have lots of toys and activities to which to expose their puppies. Mild stress is excellent for making puppies resilient later in life. A breeder who allows their puppies to experience different sounds, surfaces, etc. and meet different people is trying hard. A breeder who keeps their puppies in some sort of ultra-sanitary, almost sterile vacuum is doing the puppies a great disservice. Puppies raised in a kennel should be avoided. --A good breeder will be very interested in who you are and somewhat choosy about whether you are able to provide an adequate home for one of their cherished pups. A breeder who wants to see your home, your kids, your spouse, your other pets, proof of your fencing, or talk to your veterinarian is simply trying to make sure that you will take good care of their pup. Do not resent this. Good breeders want to keep in touch with you after you've purchased a puppy and will be there for you with support and advice later on. Avoid breeders who take credit card orders over the internet and ship puppies to anyone who wants them. NO responsible breeder will sell a puppy to a pet store or other broker for resale. --A good breeder will participate in breed rescue efforts for the breed they love. This is important. Anyone who scoffs at breed rescue or is not personally involved in it in any way is someone to be avoided. Often the best place to begin your search for a good breeder is to ask breed rescue volunteers for their recommendations. --Good breeders think ahead and make reservations in advance for the puppies they will produce. You may have to wait for a puppy, but that's not a bad thing. Beware of someone who first creates puppies and then worries about how to disperse them. --What does the breeder do for a living? Dog breeding should be an avocation. Avoid anyone who makes their living through breeding dogs! The corners they cut financially may be at your expense. --Are the premises clean and orderly? Are the breeder’s dogs healthy in appearance? It can be a messy proposition to raise a litter of puppies, but puppies should not be wallowing in waste, covered with fleas, or otherwise appear neglected. Keep in mind that many longhaired bitches will shed their coats heavily during this time, so if the puppies’ mother appears a little ratty it is not necessarily inappropriate or unusual. --Do you like the temperaments of the puppies' parents? Remember, temperament is genetic! Avoid puppies from bitches that demonstrate any aggression or shyness. Specifically inquire about possessiveness (food and object guarding), inter-dog aggression, defensiveness about being handled, etc. Accept no excuses for undesirable behavior. Don't be afraid to ask the breeder to demonstrate the *****'s good temperament to you. --Has the breeder or will the breeder allow you to temperament test the litter? While puppy-testing is not especially predictive of adult temperament, it’s an attempt to gauge a puppy’s personality so that it can be best matched with a new owner. Ask the breeder's permission before doing anything to a puppy. No potential buyer has the right to do anything to a puppy which a breeder perceives as potentially harmful. --Does your breeder respect veterinarians, trainers, groomers, breeders, and other peer professionals in the dog world? Beware of breeders who are paranoid or hostile towards other professionals. One cannot operate competently in a vacuum, and in general, good breeders are socially well-networked. They are liked, like others, and respect competent professionals in their field. A good breeder should make the effort the know other good breeders (especially of their own breed). It is important for a breeder to strive to improve their knowledge and understanding of their breed and submit to peer critique, even if it is not necessarily formalized (as in the show ring). ----------- The information (with some more important points that I did not include due to character limitation) can be found on the following site: http://www.kateconnick.com/library/breeder.html

10-15-2005, 11:18 PM	#4
_jenn Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 45	Well I go to UCLA so I live right in Westwood Village so you are right by me. Please give me some advice!!! I just found a site with some rescued Yorkies from Hurricane Katrina, so I am also emailing the rescuers (I think the dogs are in Los Angeles somewhere). The pet store was at the Block at Orange. I know, I don't want to buy from a pet store, but you can imagine how tough it was for me to walk away from the pup when I had been playing with him for so long!

10-15-2005, 11:20 PM	#5
xtine Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: CA Posts: 1,406	I'll PM you!

10-16-2005, 06:22 AM	#9
sylvan YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 2,484	EXCELLENT post by xtine! The site www.buyingapuppy.com has a good list of questions to ask a breeder when choosing a pup. good for you walking away from the pet store...not an easy job.

10-16-2005, 09:56 AM	#13
shelbysmom YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,394	In my opinion the MOST important thing to consider when buying a puppy is the reputation of the breeder. All Yorkie puppies are cute and most seem healthy when you look at them. The only way you can get a better idea about what is going on under that skin is learning all that you can about the parents of the pup and the breeding practices of the breeder. I wouldn't ever buy from Internet Ad, wouldn't ever buy from the newspaper and I wouldn't ever buy from a petshop. If I wanted to buy from a small hobby breeder it would only be after someone refered them...someone who had a dog from them that was a couple of years old and healthy. Otherwise I would go to the YTCA website and contact the breeders on there and get on a waiting list. Don't be in a rush! These dogs are wonderful but owning one can be heartbreaking if you don't do your research. They are so popular right now that a lot of unethical people are cashing in on it. www.AKC.org www.ytca.org Good luck

10-16-2005, 10:14 AM	#14
mybirdys2003 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 980	In my opinion that is way too much to pay for a pet Yorkie. I paid $800 for mine, and that was quite a bit here in Montana. You really do need to see the parents and the breeder to see how she keeps care of the pups. All in cages in the garage, for example? Or, in a loving home with interaction with people. Makes a big difference in the long run. YOu have been given wonderful advice from people here, so I am sure you will make a good decision and have a wonderful pet for a long time. Pat

10-16-2005, 11:29 AM	#15
whispersmom2 Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,985	The very first thing I would advise you to do is to look at sites related to puppy mills. There are several and this forum has info and sites showing who, what and where those pets are gotten. I am not trying to start a flame bait, but this has been discussed many times on this forum. Pet shops count on impulse buying and luckily, you were smart enough to walk away. The info already posted in your thread is superb. AKC is the registry that sanctions shows in the US. I am not sure which CKC you are referring to but in the US, those letters usually stand for Continental Kennel Club, which is not a registry that sanctions any event. Nor do they require proof of pureness of breed in most instances. However, if you mean the Canadian Kennel Club it is similar to AKC and those dogs reg in Canada with CKC can be reg with AKC if their paperwork is accurate. Meet with Xtine and I will bet you will get really good info. You can always find a good puppy if you look long enough and research enough. Getting a PM puppy or a sickly one can rarely be undone... Good Luck in your search for just the right companion..