I just read it, Nancy. Thanks. I tried to reply but I didn't see the reply button. It's very helpful information. I suppose I should have read about buying and taking care of a puppy before. But it's done. I already got her. I was naive but I am learning a lot. I don't know if I will ever get another dog. I would like to. I don't mind a shelter dog. I don't mind spending money on Mya either. And I will spend whatever it takes to keep her healthy. But it's good to know what to expect when buying a puppy. I understand now the importance of having knowledge about the breeder and the pup's parents.

I think some people think price is a way that they can judge a breeder's competence, but it’s just part of the picture. I remember one new member coming to YT and saying that she could only get $350 for her Yorkies in her home state. She started selling them on YT for $1200 plus shipping. People would buy from her and assume she was a better breeder than their local breeders, she wasn’t, she just charged more.

Hi KeiGirl.If you click on the link below it talks a little about teacups not being a breed.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...html#post63423

Ever since the rich and the famous have been pictured with puppies hanging out of their bags tiny dogs have been more and more in demand. It seems to me that women that need lots of attention and people who dwell in small apartments think that people should produce these tiny dogs just for them as they totally disregard the fact that is it not normal or healthy to breed dogs so unnaturally small.

Puppy mills seem to be popping up all over the country as these greedy people use what ever means possible to take advantage of the current demand for tiny dogs. When will this foolish desire for "mini dogs" stop??? How many animals must spend their lifetime in in little cages producing litters to satisfy the fashion sense of America? Some days I think I can't stand to see another one of these threads.

A lot of puppy mills will show you the puppies in a house, but the puppies actually came from a barn or other large facility where they are kept in rows and rows of cages except when being shown to potential buyers. But it can be difficult to tell because they hide it so well. So you need to learn to look for clues that the place is a puppy mill. A place that breeds more than two breeds is almost always a puppy mill, and the place you mentioned breeds at least 9 breeds or mixed-breeds. Also terms like teacup, micro-mini, etc. are signs that the place is either a puppy mill or just a backyard breeder. And then there are a lot of people online pretending to sell puppies they will ship you, except once they get your money you never hear from them again.

Since most people buy a dog on impulse, and don't buy a dog often enough to learn how it works, dishonest people have learned to take advantage of all these uninformed puppy buyers.

Buying one from a reputable breeder will cost at least $1,000 though. It depends on where you live. There are always rescues or rehomes if you want one for a couple hundred dollars or so.

Sorry if you can't stand this thread. I asked a question about pricing. I never mentioned I wanted a teacup anything. I wanted a small dog. Yorkies are generally a small dogs compared to a German Shepard, a Lab, g-retriever, or pitbull, etc... I said my brother's wife wanted a teacup. I did explain to his wife the dangers of having a very small dog. I also said she was having second thoughts about getting a dog altogether. Maybe some of my advise got to her...? I'm happy with my dog not being very small. In fact, I don't mind her being 10 or 15lbs versus a 35-40lb or more dog. You have a right to not "stand to see another one of these threads". But please, read the post entirely before you reply. The topic was really regarding prices and the prices I saw on a website for dogs that happen to be called "teacups". I wasn't looking for "teacups" when I found the site. And I don't know of any celebrity that has a very small dog. If you wasn't referring to me, please pardon my reply to you in regards. But oh well. My reason for mentioning "teacups" is neither here nor there. Served no valuable purpose... irrelevant. I merely thought 2-3,000 for a dog or even a mixed dog was priced too high. But what do I know. I'm learning here just like others. :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts anyway. :D

I most certainly wouldn't mind getting a pup from a shelter. If I choose to get another pup later in life, I would definitely try a shelter first. I don't know of any breeders myself. Well, actually my step-dad's daughter and her husband have Yorkies, I think (My mother said they looked like Yorkies) that had pups. I think 4. But when she told me, I had already gotten Mya. I don't think they have the pups anymore though. And I know they are not breeders.

Oh.... forgot to mention. I didn't even choose Mya. My daughter did. :D I was willing to get whatever she wanted... and a big dog wasn't one of 'em. I looove my baby though. No matter where she came from. It's sad though that dog's are mistreated just for profit. smh...

I think you should try the YT breeder referral. I had to travel 2 hours to get Khloe. In my area, there are not many yorkie breeders. Most pet quality yorkies in our state are around $950 and up for puppies. I thought that was a lot too but the breeder I found is wonderful and I am happy that we have Khloe.

I am not referring to your thread in particular. It has been one right after another lately. The Yorkies seem to be being exploited more and more. Yorkies are not even that popular in the area where I live and yet there is a puppy mill about 40 miles from me tucked way out in a rural area. It just never seems to end. I'm glad your interested in what is going on. Some don't seem to care at all.

Trying to determine if the price of a yorkie is not enough, or too much....ALL other factors aside, you have to be realistic about what you are purchasing. You can not walk into a auto dealership that sells BMW's or Mercedes, and think the cars are too expensive, afterall the Kia place down the street has cars sooooooo much cheaper. You also have to EXPECT to pay more for upkeep, insurance, and maintainance on a BMW than you will on a Kia. So, you look in your pocket, and if you only have enough to buy the Kia, and you can afford the upkeep and insurance and gas, dont even look at the other dealership. It isnt that the others are over priced, or not worth the price, it is just something that does not fit YOUR lifestyle....nothing wrong with that. Dont even go there. You have to know the reputation of the dealership though. Then you will have an idea if your looking at a valuable product, with a fair asking price. I have had people tell me the bought their last Yorkie for $600.00, 16 years ago....why do they cost so much now...DUH???????

You might want to check out some of our threads about how much should puppies cost.
Prices vary by the area, state (country). Also by the age of the dog, if it is a pet, for show and so on. I have paid much more for dogs and less. Depending on the circumstances.
My sister (and I) bought a 2 year old female that had been bred 3 times ! She was advertised as a good breeder ! We bought the Yorkie to save her, not to breed her again. We paid $950 for this sweet little girl. She was spayed and rehomed within our family. Best Wishes and hugs

You want to stay away from anyone that advertises teacups because there are no such things maybe you should explain that to your sister in law.

I was waiting to see someone post this. That's the first thing I saw in the thread. Teacup Yorkie..... Then the 4lbs or under. You have to be so very careful of the little ones. And some that are 2-3 pounds can be sickly.
My little Gracie is 4 lbs. I have her mother, and she is 6 1/2 lbs. Daddy is 3 1/2 lbs. And I was happy when she hit 4 lbs. :thumbup: I kept her because I sure do not want anyone to try and breed her. She is way too little. :aimeeyork You don't know how big or little they will be. I would hate for this lady to get a dog, and then not want it because it got too big for her. :(

I saw a teacup online that was sold for 8K!!!!!