How are you going to afford all this puppy's vet care if all your money is going into buying her? Yorkies can have a lot of health problems but because they are so small when any sickness comes up they need to be taken care of asap they are to small to sit and wait and watch them lose weight and deteriorate. Also any reputable breeder knows not to let there puppies go until 12 weeks so I wonder what other corners this breeder cut which could end up causing you even more health problems. Did she health test the parents? Do you have a health guarantee? Have you seen the parents and where the puppies are living? Are they AKC? Why cant you ask for your parents help in buy things for your yorkie? Do you have a job to keep up with the monthly costs of a yorkie?

I love this community, everyone is so willing to help! Congrats to you!

Yes, my parents will be helping with things of that sort. That's what I meant when I said I don't have to worry about certain things such as food and hygiene. I was asking for help on the EXTRA things. Like I said in my post... I know I'm going to have to prepare for emergencies and I have. My parents agreed to help on those things.

Can you let us know who your breeder is?

Health Concerns of the Yorkshire Terrier Breed
 

RoxyMomma: Did you know that one of the top reasons Yorkies end up in shelters or rescues is the either unwilligness or inability to pay for necessary health care?
For another poster I pulled together some of the health concerns that Yorkies have. Some conditions are very expensive to treat, never mind painfull for the dog.
So three things I recommend you do: 1) Make sure you have a health guarantee that is worth something; covers genetic defects for a minimum of one year, preferably longer. And none of this return the puppy as the only option if your pup gets sick
2) Secure pet insurance immediately on receiving your pup
3) Let your parents know the potential health risks of Yorkies, they should know what type and kind of financial burden a Yorkie can be.

Please be advised that Yorkshire Terrier Breed has some known Health concerns:
As follows:

LS = Liver Shunt Please do a BAT test on your puppy at 16wks old to check for this. Extrahepatic Liver Shunt surgery can run anywhere from $1500 - $2000

LP = Luxating Patella Higher grades of LP usually require surgery See costs as above

CT - Collaping Trachea -

HD or Leggs Perthes Disease: -

Eye Disease: PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Cataracts

I'm a student and on a tight budget as well, and I just wanted to put an extra plug in for insurance.... My insurance policy has saved my butt this year. Harley has been diagnosed with IBD, and skin allergies, and I have to take him bi-weekly to the vet for check-ups until we get his skin cleared. He also has a luxating patella, which requires rehab/therapy sessions so he can continue to compete in agility. All of this is covered at 80% by the insurance company, so my wallet isn't taking as hard of a hit, but I'd be out probably $3500 since July.

Also too, if you plan on having her indoor trained, instead of using puppy pads, which cost a fortune, consider a grid like system. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...while-ago.html I save a lot of money by using this instead of puppy pads, now I only use pads when I'm visiting people.

You didn't answer any of my questions about the breeder which leads me to believe its more then likely no to most of the questions and I'm not trying to be mean but that's not good and you could end up with a sick puppy or a dog that ends up with an illness she might not have gotten had there been health testing and such. Sense it will be hard having the money in emergency situations you really need to make sure you are doing everything you can to get the healthiest puppy possible and that is definitely not the case when getting an 8 week old puppy and not only are there health issues to worry about but she will be harder to potty train and sense you are still in school couldn't you use all the help you could get in that department?

I'm concerned that she is purchasing from a puppy mill. In looking at the map, it is definitely in southern Missouri where a lot of puppy mills are/used to be located.

I totally forgot about Missouri being a bad puppy mill state. I think its a possibility sense she wont answer any questions about the breeder and that shes getting the puppy at 8 weeks.

Hi Kaelyn!!

I too don't want to burst your bubble... I just want to again warn you about what you are getting into... I have a daughter who is a junior in high school. We recently got her a pup that she has been wanting for a very long time. We have a business and she has to work to earn money for all of her things. She has bought her all of her clothes, harnesses, car seat, stroller, etc. We on the other hand are responsible for her health care because little ones can be VERY expensive. Make sure your patents ate aware of this and that you have their full support! Another stipulation of the puppy was that when she's goes to college, the baby will stay behind with "grandma" until she graduates... A college freshman will absolutely not have time for the attention a small yorkie requires!!

Also, as others have mentioned.... All of mine are covered by pet insurance...but!!! We still had to pay nearly 3000 dollars up front a couple of months ago when one if my boys got really sick and then wait for the ins to reimburse us... Are your parents prepared for
this?? Her shots, dentals, spay, and all the other little things can add up quickly!!

I commend you on saving up for your dream puppy! I just want you to be prepared for what lies ahead!!

need to ask, do you have a job?
I got my first dog at 16 and had a job to pay for all the bills and never put a burden my parents.
When you are still in school all you want to do is party with your pals and you need to be home for your dog as it's not your parents responsibility to watch it while you galavant around.
A Yorkie is a big commitment. You have to groom them regularly, clean their teeth, as puppies they need your undivided attention, you must also ensure that you are getting your dog from a thoroughly respectable breeder, with a contract and a written health guarantee (read the contract and fully understand before signing) and are you old enough to legally sign a contract or will your parents have to do it on your behalf as your legal guardians.
If you don't do your homework you will end up with a sick dog that will die on you, you won't get your money back from a byb or a pm.
My mother made me take my dog to parties and I missed out on a lot of things because she would come after me and say oh you can't go out without your dog.
And one more thing, the free clothes thing, your dog will need a couple of sweaters for winter a rain/winter coat and that should be it. If you want something cute to dress up, I suggest buying a wee dolly.
Be sure about this before spending your savings, I would suggest a bit more research it's easy to fall in love with a Yorkie pup, but at the end of the day you have to use your common sense and your gut. The fact that you are asking so many questions makes me think you may need to wait another year.
save up for another year and yes yet insurance, and you should be sure to have the complete medical history for the parents and the pup for this purpose and for your vet.
You don't want to end up with a pup with a genetic heart condition, liver shunt or a luxating patella.

Please think about this. I tell ya from the experience of buying my first dog when I was sixteen and I really really wanted a dog, I just hadn't thought long and hard about how it impacted my life as a whole

I AM NOT BUYING FROM A PUPPY MILL. And I'm sorry I didn't answer all of your questions, I understand that you are trying to help and give advice. But you're kind of attacking me, she weighs over 2 pounds right now. I've been to her home twice now, everything is clean and healthy there. There are many other dogs, as she breeds dachshunds, chi-weenies, and maltese as well. I have seen her parents, they are beautiful and happy, as is she. They have all been health tested and do have a one year health guarantee. I've read a lot about yorkies before I decided to get one. I'm not stupid, I know about puppy mills. I AM prepared, and I'm not just going to take her back or something if she gets sick. I posted this asking if anyone had hand-me-downs in their yorkie closet that they were wanting to get rid of or anything, not for this to happen. I'm sorry you all are thinking these things, but I'm tired of being attacked by you. I can't believe you are accusing me of buying from a puppy mill!

Whoa calm down I read the posts and no one is attacking you they are just concerned because Missori is a big puppymill state. Anyway puppymill pups often times have health problems and no one wants to see you get an unhealthy pup

No one is attacking you, you have come to a place where people have gone through your experience.
Is she a registered AKC breeder what's the name of the kennel.
Hate to tell you but in general, someone who breeds that many varieties of dogs as well as mixes is a back yard breeder who's in it for the cash.
These people have made mistakes buying from the likes of the person you are dealing with and ended up with $$$$$10000's in vet bills no joke.
They are trying to educate you and be sure you are doing everything right for your sake the dogs sake and the sake of your parents bank book.

Thank you for all that information!
Yes, I do have a job, I waitress! And I love it. (:
I am already accepted into a community college in my area to go to nursing school. So I will not have to leave home, and will be able to keep her with me without it being a problem.
We are already getting the insurance.

Yes, I understand that you all feel that way. And I'm really glad you all are informing me, so thank you for that.
I will be taking her to the vet the day after I get her. We already have the appointment.

will you be getting a written health guarantee from this breeder and will she be providing you with the pups vet records too?
Good lass I didn't want you getting upset over people who are actually just being genuinely concerned for you. Yes sometimes they get a wee bit emotional and can come off as attacking but it's not it's just heat of the moment concern.
The best thing in my life I've ever done was get my Yorkie and I love him so much he's getting a brother this year.

Roxymomma; I am sorry you feel that you were "attacked". We are just concerned, and want to give the best information we can, not only for you, but for others who will come across this thread, others like you who are researching buying a Yorkie.

Breeding mulitple breeds and breeding cross breeds is something a very responsible breeder simply doesn't do. There is quite simply too much to learn, to know, to be throughly informed on each breed of dog. In fact CKC (that is the Canadian Kennel Club) breeders sign a code of ethics that prohibits breeding cross breeds.

It is a good thing that this woman keeps a visually "clean" environment, and judging by the parents appearance they appear healthy. But there is a whole lot more to breeding healthy dogs than a clean environment . There are a whole lot of tests that the breeding pair should undergo, and dog should have a CHIC number. The breeder should be very knowledgeable about the health history of her lines. And a purchaser should ask for this information; and check out what tests have been done on the breeding pair; and then confirm through looking on the various health sites, that yes indeed this dog has had this and that test done; and what the results are.

There is a thread entitled "How to find a Reputable Breeder" in the library; it makes for a good read.

Hey i feel soooo bad that your feeling attacked, i didn't write my message to make you feel like that at all!i think people just are probably feeling the need to pitch in thier 2 cents beacuase you were saying you couldnt afford the dog clothes, which can be pretty cheap, i found meesha some warm sweaters at walmart for 4.98.so i think that may have concerned people so i hope you see that side to it before you take everyones comments so personally. My yorkie meesha has been bigger commitment then i had thought, and i know that when i first started university i wouldnt have had time for her completly on my own, studying at university is alot harder then studying for highschool, plus your going to want to go out with friends, so hopefully your yorkie will have good grandparents who will watch her for you:)... i find yorkies seem to want alot more attention then other types of dogs. over christmas break i had to say no to going out to alot of get togethers and parties with my friends because meesha was only 12 weeks, they will cry if you leave them for a second at that age, i had never showered so fast.LOL. i just thought i was going to have this little cute puppy and itd be alot easyer then it is.. she woke me up all hours of the night, 3am i had her in the bathtub giving her a bum bath.chasing her around trying to brush her, washing her face down twice a day with warm facecloth for watery eyes,trying to trim her nails, brushing her teeth.If i took my eyes off her for a second she'd have something in her mouth she could choke on,this was after i scrubbed down all my floors and babyproofed everything, any little thing i missed ...she'd find..and i'd be opening her mouth trying to pull it out LOL..they are SO MUCH WORK!!! i'm lucky because if i have to go anywhere meeshas grandparents watch her:)And as for clothes, meesha wiggles out of anything that dosent fit her like a glove and i found it sooo difficult to find clothes for meesha at 12 weeks so at 8 weeks it will be hard, she really only needs a few warm sweaters and something for the rain,i'd worry about spoiling her with clothes when shes a bit older and use to wearing clothes. and if i had anything to fit your roxy at all i would give it to you:), but my meesha at 13 weeks, her sweaters are still too big LOL...anyways i hope you enjoy your roxy, don't take the word of the breeder, i worked in a localy owned pet store in my teens that didnt sell animals, and people use to come in to me all the time telling me thier horror stories of not doing thier research into a breeder before buying thier dog ,and horror stories of buying from puppy mill pet stores, some of thier vet bills were unbelievable. I've had people tell me thier stories in tears when they came in to buy thier pet food, so i deff don't want to see you hurt, anyways, i hope you have a healthy happy roxy and someone to watch her when your unable, congrats on your new sweet baby:)i know feeling attacked is a horrible feeling so i felt i should write this:)

Thank you so much Mee-Sha! How sweet of you to take the time to write all of that for me. And she will be my boyfriend of 3 years and I's puppy. So she will have TWO wonderful sets of grandparents already. LOL. They will be more than happy to watch the grand-baby. This made me feel a lot better, and I very much understand what kind of responsibility I'm taking on. We have had many dogs, and the last three we have brought home at 8 weeks... I'm sure Roxy will be lovely, and if she has problems at some point, which I'm sure something will come up! I will be prepared. I can't wait to be a new mommy to her, and I really do thank you all for your concern and help. I'm sorry for getting upset, I was just feeling bombarded and like I was already being a bad mommy! LOL how embarrassing. Thanks again :)

Well, I can't really add much more. All of these Yorkie pro's have said everything I was thinking. LOL. BUT....I did want to Congratulate you on your new addition! You are going to love Yorkie Mommyhood! It is soooo much fun! We have had our girl 3 months and every day just keeps getting better! Also, I remember what it is like to be your age and just starting out. I had to work for everything I had too. And I did want to say that I have 2 pieces of clothing...a sweater and a shirt that I bought for our Katie Scarlett that she has grown out of. They are used, but in very good condition. The shirt is a Martha Stewart shirt that is tan with a pink houndstooth collar and bone on the back of the shirt. Very cozy and very warm. KS loves it, but it's a bit small. She is 4 pounds. So it may be big on your new addition, but you're welcome to it. I also have a pink/white sweater in XXS that I got at Petco. It has 2 rhinestone heart shaped buttons on the back and very warm. It has been worn maybe 5 times, but it shrunk a bit when I washed it. I would be more than willing to mail these to you to help you out. I know it takes a lot to keep these guys pampered. PM me your mailing addy and I will send them out as soon as I go into town to the PO. Hope it will help! And again, Congratulations!

np, i would have felt the same as you don't be embaressed, i just think your message concerned people. At your age i wouldnt have been ready for my meesha, i was immature though when i graduated highschool, i didn't know which direction to go, university ...partying. but everyone is different i had friends at that age who didnt go out, and were more responsible mature... more of an old soul at that age ,so everyones different.. your first message of getting a 8 week puppy(have you considered leaving her with her momma until at least 10 weeks?), not able to afford clothes, just graduating highschool on strict income set off an alarm to alot of people LOL, I think what you probably meant was you wanted all the extra extra stuff, the pretty more expensive dresses to take photos in and show off maybe?because if you can't afford to buy her cheap sweaters from walmart,maybe like the 4.98 ones i got, your in trouble LOL... Its good to know she'll have 2 sets of grandparents and your boyfriend there to watch her:)

Thank you! And I do want to clarify a few things for everyone. If there is ever a time that Roxy needs something, my parents are definitely going to be there for us. They just wanted me to come up with the extra extra stuff, like you said Mee-Sha. And I was sure that there would be some people on YT that had some stuff they just had sitting around not being used, that maybe they would be willing to part with. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm not going to be capable of taking care of her, or fulfilling her needs. This was just a thought for looking for the cute not-so-much necessity things that we all love to have for our babies. Oh! And I did contact my breeder again and she weighed Roxy this morning for me, at almost 8 weeks she weighs a whopping 2 pounds. A little over actually. Thanks again to all.

Congrats! I know your excited, but would it hurt to leave her with her momma for 2 more weeks at least? It would only be for her benefit.

I totally agree. :)

I was not attacking you. I am trying to inform you before you get a sick pup. The fact that she is giving you an 8 week old pup is a red flag good breeders don't do that, the fact that she breeds several breeds can be a red flag, and the fact that she breeds mixes is a big red flag because good breeders breed to better the breed not to create mixes that there are plenty of filling shelters. We are not trying to attack you we are trying to inform you. This breeder is a byb or maybe even could be a puppy mill because there are three red flags that poped up in your post. I would walk away from this breeder. Having a dog that came from a broker who got there puppies from a puppy mill i will tell you the health issues they can have can cost you a lot of money. I did not know about YorkieTalk when I was looking for a puppy so I would like to inform as many people as possible. I am sorry you felt I was attacking you but I wasn't.

I understand how you feel, I'm not upset and I'm sorry for saying I felt I was being attacked. Just bombarded LOL. Thank you for all of your input.

Were they yorkies/ small dogs that you brought home at 8 weeks? Small dogs are very different then big dogs.