Age to adopt...
 

Hi everybody! I am about to adopt a new little baby. She will be 8 weeks on October 11th. I am a little bit confused because I always thought you should always wait 10-12 weeks. Is that right?

Also, I do not want this puppy to have any defects, she has 20 champions in her bloodline, but to me that does not mean much, she is AKC registered and everything, but I do not want her coat, teeth, ears, anything wrong. Are there things I can ask the breeder to make sure that none of that will be a problem?

Thank you

I'd ask her why she isn't keeping them until they are about 12 wks of age.

Hi and welcome to YT. Congratulations on getting a new baby, but you will see from looking over this site a little, that the recommended age to pick up a puppy would be 12 weeks - and not 8. There still is a lot of learning the puppy does from remaining with its mother and littermates till age 12 weeks. Although the legal age (I believe) is 8 weeks, it certainly is too soon. You will be better off, with a much happier puppy if you wait to pick him up at 12 weeks.

Good luck to you and to your new puppy.

Exactly. I told her I would wait, and offered a deposit. Just seemed off that she was offered up at 8 weeks. She was also the only puppy in the litter, does that make a difference size wise?

I would be leery of a breeder wanting to let them go to new homes at 8 weeks. So many think this is fine, but especially with a toy breed those few extra weeks are very important to have with mom and siblings. It will make a difference to their personalities. I took a pup early years ago and she was always on the timid side. Ones who spend longer with their birth family seem to be more confident and well adjusted. I did not let any of mine go until at least 12 weeks and most had to stay longer as I also wanted them to weigh 2 pounds if possible.

Yes, 12 weeks is the preferred age to release pups to their new homes. If you have seen the dog's parents and studied the blood lines well, then that is as much as you can do to ensure that your pup will ultimately be what you want. Either that or get an older dog that is closer to being an adult.

The breeder offered me her vets number because I asked around 20 questions regarding what the parents where checked for, the pedigree line, the health guarantee and so on a so forth. She was very willing to answer my questions and all came up good. I just know certain problems can exist. This is the 4th litter she has had, she had 6, 5, 6 and 1 in the final litter, which is my Selphie. She did not intentionally breed this litter either, thought cycle was done too soon.

Does is mean anything to go from such large litters to a single litter? I already have a Yorkiepoo, he is 2 so I am not worried about her socializing, but I am a bit worried from the jump in litter size. Does that mean anything at all? Am I being finicky?

Because I already have the Yorkiepoo, while I love him, I want proper representation of the breed this time around.

The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America requires breeders to keep Yorkie puppies until they are at least 12 weeks old. A breeder who will sell a puppy before that is either ignorant of the 12 week rule or doesn't care. Either way, it's a huge red flag.

Breeders who don't follow the YTCA's 12 week rule probably don't follow other rules like carefully screening the parents for genetic conditions that they could pass onto their puppies.

Did you know that Yorkies are 36 times more likely to be born with a liver shunt than all other breeds combined?

Portosystemic Shunts FAQ

That the Orthopedic Foundation of America ranks Yorkies #3 in cases of luxating patellas?

OFA: Patellar Luxation Statistics

That 39% of Yorkies are born with Legg-Calf-Perthes?

Health Survey 2007

Unless you want to risk spending a fortune in vet bills and possibly have your heartbroken, it is very important to get a puppy from a reputable breeder.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ead-first.html

This is a copy of the e-mail I sent regarding the puppy.

Just a few questions I am sure you have gotten before. I am probably going to seem like a big pain in the behind, but I am very interested in the baby and want to be sure she is the one for me and I will not have any complications.


1st litter and only 1 baby?

I will be receiving a written contract of bill/sale stating all terms of sale? approximate weight full grown, and put into writing in the bill of sale.

Weight of both parents?

Guarantee for the health of the puppy? (at least 1st year)

Have you had the parents checked for such things as Luxating Patella's, Cardiomyopathy, or Hypothyroidism?

Incorrect Bites, Toplines or Coats, in either bloodline?

possible hereditary faults in the family lineage either side?

Vacination record?

Pedigree record along with completed AKC paper work and care sheet-what she is eating, and how many times per day?


She answered and offered up the vets number and a reference who happened to be the DA of San Fransisco. It all seems okay but the 8 week thing throws me way off as well as her being the only puppy in the litter.

She only offered up the vet's phone number and a reference?? What about the items your asked her to put in writing?

As Judge Judy would say "if it is not in the written contract it doesn't exist".
Insist on those items in writing. If she is reputable she would have no problem complying with the request.
Or is she putting it in writing and the vet's number and reference are just additional?

Are you buying this puppy online from an unknown breeder?

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ead-first.html

She said that a written bill of sale, including information on shots, vet check papers and a the pedigree, along with AKC papers. I contacted a breeder through the AKC website, who lives in the same town as me, she had no puppies but referred me to this breeder. But seeming how I do not know anything about her...and that people can be very very misleading.

I am just trying to be positive that I am receiving exactly what I want before my husband forks out the money for it (She is supposed to be my birthday gift). She has sent me several pictures...attached is one of her with her mother. The mom may be trimmed, but the coat concerns me a little bit, and the one I have received of the dad his snout looks a bit long...

Thanks by the way to all of you, you are very helpful. I would never purchase a pup online, I have trouble purchasing clothes online...just in case they do not fit the way I wish. Guess I am just that way with everything lol

I agree with what the others have said. You haven't been to the breeder's house or seen the puppies parents for yourself yet? You REALLY need to do that before paying out a dime. Look over the conditions carefully. How many dogs does she have? How many does she breed? Where does she keep them - inside the house or out in some type of kennel? Please give this a lot of thought....too many things are raising red flags for me about this 'breeder.'

Good luck! Oh, and welcome to YT!!:)

Bonny

But the written bill of sale doesn't mean she is going to do a written contract.
Maybe if you post in the breeder section and ask about the particular breeder someone would know about her and if she is reputable.

I have to purchase my clothes online, but never had a problem. On occasion I have had to do a return and get a different size, but that is rare. I also buy my shoes online:)

Well, I know how many puppies she has had. (18 all together) This baby has been kept inside, as far as I have been told. I am not inclined to pay until receiving the puppy. She offered to deliver to me bringing along both parents. Umm, I guess I should not worry so much about being a pain in the rear, I should just be a bit pushy

Online clothes note- I am 4'11 and about 90 pounds so if I cant try it on I NEVER know if fits. Then I have kid feet, I bought a pair of Vans last week and they were actually size 2...too hard for me. Plus I am VERY impatient lol, so if I spent the money, I want it noowwww. lol bad trait.

I would be concerned about any breeder that lets puppies go at 8 weeks, red flag as pointed out.
Have you researched the breeder, googled her, etc..?
I wasn't clear if you have been to her home. Seen the parents, living condition, etc?

What was her response to all of your questions?

I googled her, her name is Sheri Rice. Janice Redden referred her to me. I can not find any information on her. I have yet to go to her home, she lives some 2 hours away from me. She complied with all that I asked and offered me the vets number and assured me that her puppies have been checked out. I am just leary. The age of the pup, and being the only one in the litter. Not to mention if you look at the picture I posted with the mother, her ears are down and coat does not seem the preferred coat. I provided information about myself as to assure her that I was responsible and a good home. She never asked, I just gave. She is older so... I am not positive that has anything to do with it.

Being an only pup is not an issue if the breeder works with the puppy. Some singletons do not socialize enough if weaned from mom and not allowed near her or other dogs. But health wise it makes no difference if the pup was a singleton or not, it depends on the parents health.
I hope the breeder has done the basic screening of the parents and has vet checked this puppy.
Parents should have at the minimum:
Bile acid tests
Hips and knees xray'd
Regular vet visits
Puppy at minimum should have:
Stool test
Vaccination and record
1 year Health guarantee
1 week supply of puppy food that the puppy is eating on its own.

And the pup should stay with the breeder for 12 weeks. Some yorkies teeth are not even all the way in by 8 weeks. During this time the puppy learns social skills and bite inhibition from its mother and other dogs. Puppies that leave at 8 weeks sometimes can have biting issues and can bark more/be more timid.
Has the breeder given you information about the puppies social skills and if she is dominant or a more submissive dog.. That is very important when adding a dog to a family that already has one. Is your yorkiepoo alpha? 2 alphas do not mix.
Has your breeder given you homework. Things to study and learn, things to purchase prior to coming to get your little one.
Just some things to think about.

:thumbup: Many backyard/hobby breeders as this one appears to be only have basic checkup done by their vet.

She or her vet should be able to provide proof that both parents have had bile acids tests and hips and knees xrayed. If neither can, move on. Correcting a liver shunt, luxating patellas or Legg-Perthes runs thousands of dollars.

A CERF (eyes) and a thyroid panel are a must also IMO.

I would go to her home and see the environment & parents, but if you don't get a good feeling about her, then I would move on. It's important to buy your breeder first!

Just wanted to point out that just because a breeder advertises on the AKC website does not mean they are reputable. It only means they're puppies are AKC registrable. In fact, I have seen many listings of breeders on the AKC website that are not even members of their local breed club. Serious breeders typically are members of local or regional breed clubs.

I would suggest contacting breeders through the Yorkshire Terrier Club of Northern California (not sure what part of CA you're from) YTCNC or someone from the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America at Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. This way, you know you are most likely getting a puppy representative of the breed. Just my own opinion...

Very true...I do the thyroid panel and liver panel with the CBC when I do the bile acids...all done at once.

And just because the parents pass does not guarantee that a pup will not have any of the issues.

You are the same height as me! (Only I am around 118 lbs now)
I only buy two brands of shoes and they are always true to size, so I don't worry about that. I am impatient, but as I rarely get out of the house and I don't want to put my husband through the "agony' of taking me to buy clothes and helping me try them on, it is easier for me to shop online.

But to keep on topic, I would definitely make the trip to the breeders to see the conditions etc. As tkking has pointed out just because they are advertising on the AKC website doesn't make them reputable.

I just called her and left a message asking for a reference she could provide me with a current owner. I also asked to stop by and see the baby, and I will be calling the vet upon her response. I asked her to keep the baby until 12 weeks and if everything checked out I would give her a deposit to hold her for me upon a visit. I think I may be annoying her a bit, but I do not want to purchase a horror story.

Thank you all, you are all so helpful!

Be annoying! You are looking for a companion that will be with you for hopefully 15 years!

The breeder should be just as annoying. A reputable breeder will ask you all sorts of questions about your lifestyle, ask for references, etc. Reputable breeders are very picky about where their puppies go. If she isn't asking you lots of questions, it's another red flag that she may just be in it for the money.

Better an annoyed breeder than ending up with a horror story.
She really shouldn't be annoyed that a prospective owner is doing their homework.
I am not sure on the reference from a current owner though, how would you know it was really someone who had bought a puppy from her and not a friend of hers helping her out?

Good thought, guess I couldn't know if it was just a friend, and a cover. She has not asked any questions about me, and I already got the feeling she was in it for money, except the is not charging me an arm and a leg and is actually giving full AKC registration, even though I plan to spay. I couldn't deal with people like me and I would never be able to give a pup up for any amount of worthless money.

Wow! if a breeder doesn't ask questions of a prospective owner then they obviously don't care where their pups go as long as they get the money.
I wouldn't be supporting someone who is just in it for the money!

I want a puppy so bad that my inner self was trying to hide the red flags. Now...if somebody could direct me to a GOOD northern California breeder or near the border or Nevada lol

I looked through the YTCNC with no luck. The only breeder that has pups, where male.

I wish people would just breed properly.