Prices of yorkies

[Lizzie07]

Originally Posted by megantheswimmer

Sorry that I don't spend all my money on a dog? I don't know how to reply to that. I'm a student, was looking for a Yorkie for a REASONABLE price, but already found a Yorkie puppy.

Assuming you have two great breeders, one asking $2000 for a puppy, and one asking $950. There's no way I would go out paying $2000 out of my pocket, when I could spend $950. Especially when they would both be the same quality, and both healthy. You would be surprised what some people would do for money. I know for a fact, SOME breeders would ask more for their puppies than what they're worth. You can't trust many people in this world.

Most students I know can't afford $950 for a dog, let alone $2,000. But how did you find your puppy and where did he come from? Is he AKC registered, what health tests did his parents have? Did the breeder send you proof of the tests? Especially, as you say, "You can't trust many people in the world?"

What does it say in your contract the breeder will do if he is diagnosed with a liver shunt three months from now?

You are right, not all breeders charge $2,000 for a puppy. But, some areas of the country are more expensive to own dogs in than others, at least from what I've seen with routine vet bills and the difference in cost between FL, OH, and GA.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by megantheswimmer

Sorry that I don't spend all my money on a dog? I don't know how to reply to that. I'm a student, was looking for a Yorkie for a REASONABLE price, but already found a Yorkie puppy.

Assuming you have two great breeders, one asking $2000 for a puppy, and one asking $950. There's no way I would go out paying $2000 out of my pocket, when I could spend $950. Especially when they would both be the same quality, and both healthy. You would be surprised what some people would do for money. I know for a fact, SOME breeders would ask more for their puppies than what they're worth. You can't trust many people in this world.

You can't tell by price alone, you have to understand the qualities you are looking for in a breeder. To me, the most important question you should ask is, Why do they breed?" If they are breeding to improve the breed, and not just to sell pets, they should be actively showing their dogs. Even though you only want a pet dog, you are supporting the future of the yorkie, by buying from a breeder who is breeding to improve the breed. A two thousand dollar puppy should have plenty of champions on both sides, and I don't mean one champ in the background somewhere. I always encourage people to buy from the best breeder who will sell to them. While there may be no difference between a $950 puppy and a $2000.00 puppy, there may be a great deal of difference why the breeders are breeding. See this chart on the differences between backyard breeders and good breeders. A COMPARISON OF: Responsible Hobby Breeders and Backyard Breeders/Irresponsible Breeders

Here's a thread about the difference in prices. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...kie-puppy.html

[Cooper2010]

If I had to do this over again, price would be the least of my concerns. If I only knew then what I know now (there is a TON of valuable knowledge here) I certainly would have gone a different route. When and if I ever get another, I now know what to look for, what to ask, and what SHOULD be asked of me as a buyer.

I made the conscious decision to buy a puppy and now it's my responsibility to give him what he needs and love him his entire life and I will do so, however, if I'd been a little more diligent in research and not been trigger happy with puppy fever I probably wouldn't have experienced some of the issues that I have.


There is some excellent advice being given here. One would be wise to listen to it.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by megantheswimmer

Sorry that I don't spend all my money on a dog? I don't know how to reply to that. I'm a student, was looking for a Yorkie for a REASONABLE price, but already found a Yorkie puppy.

Assuming you have two great breeders, one asking $2000 for a puppy, and one asking $950. There's no way I would go out paying $2000 out of my pocket, when I could spend $950. Especially when they would both be the same quality, and both healthy. You would be surprised what some people would do for money. I know for a fact, SOME breeders would ask more for their puppies than what they're worth. You can't trust many people in this world.

I don't think Nikki's response was directed at you. There was a poster that pretty much called most breeders snobs for charging even $950 for a dog.
I get it though, I was a recent grad when I got Kaji. I paid for him with my graduation present that my dad's boss gave me. I don't think that in my current state I could afford a puppy. That's why I adopted an older dog. He is still very much a hyper, crazy little nut and I love every bit of him. Just because he was older when I adopted him, doesn't mean he had any less love to give.

[Nikis2]

I am sorry I am in no way trying to personally attack you for asking a reasonable question. I am just venting at peoples logic thats all. You are right you need to do your homework and keep in mind that different areas of the country sell their puppies for different prices. I have a lot of customers coming from New York and New Jersey now. They tell me puppies in their areas are running around $2500. and most of them are ACA at that. So they are willing to drive 5 or 6 hours for a healthy AKC quality puppy for $1200 and are totally thrilled about the baby and the price.

[megantheswimmer]

I'm actually getting my baby from someone on here! I'm too excited! Friday is the big day!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by megantheswimmer

I'm actually getting my baby from someone on here! I'm too excited! Friday is the big day!

Congratulations, I hope you'll be very happy!

[Teegy]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

That being said, price isn't always the best indicator of a good breeder. There are a lot of ones out there selling puppies for 3000+ because of their extremely small size.

Take your time in researching what a good breeder is all about and what breeding for the betterment of the breed actually is. It's going to take more than a week to do it.

Interview multiple breeders. They should be interviewing you, too in order to make sure you will be responsible with their babies. You are building what should be a long term relationship here, this isn't the time for speed dating.

Totally agree, I've seen breeders charge up to $3000 for pups and it's the smaller ones that cost more. They'll cost you more too, because they have a higher risk of patella issues and illness because their little bodies can't develop properly due to overbreeding to get the perfect sized doggy to fit in the pocket of your coach handbag.
Be sure to meet the parents and get some information on their health. In the end only you can decide if it's worth it.
I don't see "wardrobe" being one of my issues, I liked that comment. But I have pet insurance for Teegy, recommended by some pet owners in my neighbourhood because of the extortionate amount of money they have been forking out on their ill dog.