Buying a Yorkie that is not from a puppy mill

[YorkieMan10]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

Because nothing compares to actually seeing the quality of the breeding stock in person. How a dog looks in a photo and how it looks in person can often be quite different.

Agreed. And I'm finding that many people are posting both photos and videos of puppies online. While I know that doesn't make up for seeing them in person, I can certainly use those tools to weed out many puppies that aren't right for me.

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by YorkieMan10

The discussion in this thread revolves around the idea of being able to easily find reputable breeders online. It also discusses a few websites that sell puppies that are apparently from reputable breeders -- and the opinions of what people here at YT think about those websites.

I am not interested in creating websites -- I do that for a living. I'd much prefer that we try to uncover good resources for finding information about reputable breeders online.

An often over-looked resource for finding reputable breeders, are your local vets. While they probably won't slander their clients and tell you who NOT to buy from, most will readily recommend a client they know is producing puppies from quality stock.

And as I mentioned in my last post, once you find a quality breeder, they usually know other breeders, through showing and yorkie organizations, and can refer you to others who may have puppies or be expecting puppies in the near future.

[Bitsy]

Originally Posted by YorkieMan10

It seems there are short lists like this scattered in various corners of the Internet. What would be ideal is a resource that not only listed reputable breeders, but also showed the puppies they currently have and included a bio, "About Me" page or something to that effect.

Wouldn't it have been great to find your puppy after one month? There's nobody that would argue that taking an entire year was smarter. That's no fault of yours though. You had no choice because it's just that tought to find reputable breeders.

It didn't take me a year to find a good breeder. I came here and mentioned that I would be getting another puppy (my second one) and someone referred me to them. I called them, talked to them on the phone several times, went to their home and made a decision. I had to drive about 2 hours, but that is nothing.

My first dog I found on the AKC website. Did the same process. Yes, I talked to many that I passed on...and even passed on one after I visited the home.

It really isn't that hard. You just have to be willing to do a little work.

If I were going to get a beagle, I would find a forum for beagles and learn all I could. I would probably read a book too as I love to read. Then, I would look into the breed clubs for respectable breeders. I guarantee you I would be able to find a reputable breeder on my own.

I would not be willing to take someone else's word for it that it was all on the up and up and not a puppy miller. Isn't that what pet stores say? They actually tell people that they buy the dogs from reputable breeders....when we all know that a reputable breeder would NEVER sell to a pet store.

I would only trust myself...when I have seen it with my own eyes. Like I said before...if it keeps a dog from being abused and suffering as a puppy mill breeder, than it is worth it.

[SophieandZiggy]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

An often over-looked resource for finding reputable breeders, are your local vets. While they probably won't slander their clients and tell you who NOT to buy from, most will readily recommend a client they know is producing puppies from quality stock.

And as I mentioned in my last post, once you find a quality breeder, they usually know other breeders, through showing and yorkie organizations, and can refer you to others who may have puppies or be expecting puppies in the near future.

great points!

[YorkieMan10]

Originally Posted by lillymae

Would you purchase a used vehicle from a dealer that you knew wasn't reputable?

No way. And if you've ever purchased a car, you know that there are many great tools online to narrow down your search to a few cars. Imagine if you had to travel to every dealership just to see what kind of cars they have in stock, what the dealership looks like, and to see the service department and imagine the kind of work you think they do there by the cleanliness of the floor. The truth is that you wouldn't do that. You would be doing yourself a disservice by overlooking the great tools available on the Internet.

Originally Posted by lillymae

You would try your best to go to someone who you had at least heard was reputable.

Yes. When it comes to puppies though, nobody is telling you who is reputable. Most of the advice here is saying to go figure it out for yourself.

Originally Posted by lillymae

If you don't have the time or desire to find the soundest pup that you can then when your pup gets sick because you purchased from a mill or byb

Again, spending a lot of time on something does not always yield good results. Did you ever hear the saying "Work smarter, not harder"? That's what I want to do with my puppy research.

[givemecouture]

Originally Posted by YorkieMan10

It seems there are short lists like this scattered in various corners of the Internet. What would be ideal is a resource that not only listed reputable breeders, but also showed the puppies they currently have and included a bio, "About Me" page or something to that effect.

Wouldn't it have been great to find your puppy after one month? There's nobody that would argue that taking an entire year was smarter. That's no fault of yours though. You had no choice because it's just that tought to find reputable breeders.

Yes I agree, work smarter not longer. I wouldn't say that the current way is "smart" but for me, as you said, is necessary. The only thing one could argue is, if I would've found a dog in one month, it wouldn't have been the one I am getting who is the best dog in the world

So basically what we need is a linkedin for dog breeders, but a regulated one, I guess someone could go check things out periodically... Like an FDA for real breeders. You could start withn regional account execs to acquire and monitor breeders and as it grows you would need more reps. You could have website and hotline for folks that want to talk with someone.... I still say ur on to something there

[YorkieMan10]

Originally Posted by givemecouture

So basically what we need is a linkedin for dog breeders

You got it. And it's a hard problem to solve. I don't know why it's so hard for most here to imagine. I know there are many dedicated people here who would be able to contribute good feedback to such a project though.

[givemecouture]

Originally Posted by YorkieMan10

You got it. And it's a hard problem to solve. I don't know why it's so hard for most here to imagine though.

Lol it may be ur dry sense of humor

Now get on that idea yorkieman, the best ideas come from obstacles. And u know how to do websites so it is meant to be.

Any who, I hope u find your dream yorkie and breeder, and I hope u make billions off of DogBook lol

[lillymae]

I would NeVer purchase a car or a pet online without seeing it in person 1st, just not a smart way to buy either. Unless you have lot's of excellent refs. And I have purchased cars.

[YorkieMan10]

Originally Posted by lillymae

I would NeVer purchase a car or a pet online without seeing it in person 1st

But, I bet you would have no problem seeing pictures of a car/pet online before seeing either in person.

[Bitsy]

Originally Posted by lillymae

I would NeVer purchase a car or a pet online without seeing it in person 1st, just not a smart way to buy either. Unless you have lot's of excellent refs. And I have purchased cars.

I would never purchase a car from a dealer just because someone with a financial interest in it says that I should. Which is why it is important to do your own leg work.

There are lots of puppy brokers already out there who make lots of money. I don't respect it.

[Bitsy]

Originally Posted by YorkieMan10

But, I bet you would have no problem seeing pictures of a car/pet online before seeing either in person.

Here is a big difference. A CAR does not breathe. It's "parents" are not locked in cages suffering while greedy people make money off of its pain.

[BLowry]

This has gotten WAY out of control!!

[YorkieMan10]

Originally Posted by Bitsy

There are lots of puppy brokers already out there who make lots of money.

And why are they easy to find? Because there are many tools available on the Internet. The same tools do not exist for finding reputable breeders.

[Bitsy]

Originally Posted by BLowry

This has gotten WAY out of control!!

I agree. Yawn. I've said my two cents....hopefully it'll help someone in someway at some time!