Are Morkies Really Better?

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by DBlain

but I am not talking about a pure bred breed, how would you being doing a disservice to the breed if you are not selling or breeding a purebred. So should the only people that be allowed to breed be show breeders?? I know in a perfect world that's what you would like, but is that realistic, plus how many people could afford to breed and loose money, probably only those that are extremely into showing as an expensive hobby and have money to loose.

oh and those genetic issues that pop up after a year or so, I am well aware of them since one of my show breeder dogs developed Lymphtansisa at about age three and died early at 8 years of age because of it. The OP should be made aware that even show breeders have pups with health issues, oh and bad teeth, inspite of yearly dentals and brushings most of my show breed offspring lost at least 9 teeth by the age of about 5. Buying from a show breeder helps your chances but by no means guarantees them.

I do not feel that show breeders should be the only reputable breeders. I think a reputable breeder does not have to be a show breeder they just have to breed to standard, know the lines of there dogs, do any health testing and genetic testing that is available for there breed, not let the pups go before 12 weeks ect. You can breed to better the breed with out being a show breeder in my opinion. The way teeth go is partly in genetics not just how you take care of them and there are also bad show breeders. I have yet to come across a breeder of mixes who does every thing a reputable breeder does one of the reasons is because there not breeding to better the breed but another reason is because there just not knowing there lines and looking at the health of the dogs because most just really don't care so you end up with a dog that could have issues and if your gonna risk it why not just go ahead and check out your shelters or breed specific rescue and get one from there the health in either could go either way. With a reputable breeder who is doing everything right and kept up with there pups know any illnesses that might have cropped up in the lines and will do what is necessary to fix that.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by lynzy420

There are most definitely reputable breeders all over the country who breed good looking and healthy Yorkies that aren't show breeders. There are also many members here with beautiful standard Yorkies, and not so standard i.e. weight, height, etc. but hell even my Miss Mini in all her pitiful genes is a beautiful Yorkie and visually is spot on with what a standard should look like. I've seen many, many, many Yorkies on YT and only a very small handful of them look "odd"....and their owners found us because of it. I disagree 100% with your school of thought on this topic and further want to reiterate loudly...IT IS NEVER, EVER OK TO BUY ANY PUP FROM A BYB....and there sure as heck is not a halfway decent byb anywhere.

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by NamelessAria

So my fiance and I have finally gotten moved and settled and all and he is ready to start looking for a puppy with me. He asked me what breed I wanted and I told him I want a Yorkie and he says "don't you mean a teacup morkie? You know mixed breeds are healthier and more well-behaved."

I tried telling him that from what I've seen in my research there are no "teacup" Yorkies/Maltese/Morkies and such as those are already toy breeds when bred to standard. He got really agitated with me over me referring to the "breed standard" and snapped about how we're not looking for a dog to show we just want a pet so breed standard doesn't matter and "it isn't like some small dogs grow to be more than about 7 pounds anyhow." I've seen people on here with purebred Yorkies that are over 10 pounds with some of them being closer to 15 which in my book that counts as a dog growing larger than you expected so... rude unwarranted comment on his part. And I'm worried if he goes looking for a "teacup" puppy he is going to end up buying from a puppy mill or less than reputable breeder.

So to win the "argument" about how clearly mixed breeds are better all around, he goes on google and reads off the first page he finds on why mixed breeds are better to me as if that random website was definitive. Sigh, men. I need some help convincing him that mixed breeds aren't magically healthier. (Unless they are??) Especially with morkies (or so I think?) since Maltese and Yorkies both have genetic predisposition for liver shunts, luxating patella and collapsing trachea so I would think 2 parents (regardless of breed) with those genes would produce a baby with those genes.

I also need help convincing him that it is REALLY important not to pick a puppy from some shady website. The one he is the most interested in right now has like 10+ different breeds on the sites (Ashland Virginia Pet Store & Small Breed Dogs | Pauleys Pups) and that good breeding does really make a big difference. I don't want to end up with some poor puppy from a puppy mill that grows up sickly with behavior issues and doesn't even look like the adorable Yorkies I've fallen in love with Edit: The reason for posting the website link is so people can see what I'm talking about with my concerns. He told me the reviews were all excellent but something about the site feels very "puppy mill" to me somehow.

Any help here is appreciated. It isn't about winning the argument for me (although it does peeve me a little that he assumes I'm an absolute idiot on all things dog related after the tons of time I've put into research). I've seen some people on here with morkies and other mixes so who knows maybe I'm the one who is wrong. If that is the case I can accept that.

Geesh, you have your hands full with this one! Honestly at this point I would direct him here and have him read A LOT. If he continues on this route your going to end up with a Yorkie from a byb or a puppymill and its not good for you, the pup or the 100's of others that are out there languishing in these forsaken hell holes...perhaps you can ask him to go with you to a good reputable place and see some pups? I bet he will fall in love!!! I hope you get the pup of your dreams, good luck hon and stand your ground on this one!

[DBlain]

Taylor I agree with you that there are other good breeders than show breeders, but I am confused because I know you have said in the past that a good breeder should not be in it for the money. So I can not help but wonder why would someone would go to the trouble of breeding if they are not showing or they could make no money from it. From what I know breeding is a pain in the butt so why do it to break even or loose money.

I know the difference between a show breeder and other types of breeders, but how can you tell the difference between a BYB and the type that does not show but breeds to your standards, from what I can tell except for puppy mills most of people breed in their homes. Also what should someone do if their budget is $500.00

[DBlain]

I also need help convincing him that it is REALLY important not to pick a puppy from some shady website. The one he is the most interested in right now has like 10+ different breeds on the sites (Ashland Virginia Pet Store & Small Breed Dogs | Pauleys Pups) and that good breeding does really make a big difference. I don't want to end up with some poor puppy from a puppy mill that grows up sickly with behavior issues and doesn't even look like the adorable Yorkies I've fallen in love with Edit: The reason for posting the website link is so people can see what I'm talking about with my concerns. He told me the reviews were all excellent but something about the site feels very "puppy mill" to me somehow.

just thought I should address this directly, since I don't want you to get the wrong idea because I am not opposed to mixes. Tell your other half, TO RUN NOT WALK, away from this place. While I might be happy with my mix, I would NEVER EVER buy from a pet store. Pet Stores buy almost 100% from puppy mills and some even import them in from places like Korea. They also charge an arm and a leg and more often than not you will wind up with a sickly overpriced dog regardless if it is a mix or a purebred.

[luvlee]

In my opinion only, I feel that if you want a pure bred Yorkshire Terrier, you should consider a breeder whose interest is not in making money for it. I realize that there are nice people who breed nice dogs and don't show them. I also appreciate that these breeders can have lovely pups.

My view is, however, that many breeders who shows dogs spend a great deal of resources and time carefully developing and fine-tuning lines to the best of his/her ability that not only conform to breed standards BUT are also considered excellent examples of "breed stock."

I'm not talking about the show dog breeder who throws a pup in the ring on weekends and gets a whole bunch of APRI or even AKC awards.

I'm referring to the breeder who has years of demonstrable experience. There are many of these affecionados. You need only attend a well-reputed show and start talking to them. They have an inate passion, they participate, they teach, they're willing to share their knowledge & understanding.

It really isn't difficult to differentiate a show breeder who has dedicated a good part of his/her existence to the Yorkshire Terrier and one who spends weekends in the ring and socializing.

As far as cost, IMHO, if you find the right breeder, you get what you pay for. I determined that I would purchase a Yorkshire Terrier long before I actually got one. I SAVED MONEY every week just by putting a little bit aside. I utilized the added time I had RESEARCHING, LOCATING & SPEAKING WITH many breeders. I read everything I could about the breed and its standard. In that time, I actually found THREE breeders who met my standards and had available puppies when I was ready to purchase. It did take me a month or two longer to get my puppy but I wouldn't change my decision.

Actually, for what I've seen Yorkies advertised for, my Lucy was a BARGAIN! I used to go to a groomer who paid $9000 for a yorkie. RIDICULOUS!! The pup was smaller than my girl but she wasn't a "tiny" (although that's what the groomer was promised!)

Breeders who truly spend years and years cultivating their lines, who travel around the country & world for matings, who can tell you that your pup is the spitting image of her great-grandmother (and show you the pictures!), who does attend shows regularly and who only considers other yorkie breeders competitors in the ring but not when selling dogs, are the people I'd look for if I were in search of another yorkshire terrier.

My breeder was able to distinguish his dogs from each of the other breeders' dogs that I spoke to. He was also able to explain their breeding lines in detail. Yet, he didn't knock any of them. He respected their hard work as well. That, IMHO, is what a good breeder will do.

I don't think these people are difficult to find. But as everyone else has said, it's up to you. I'm not saying any choice you make is a necessarily bad one (except for puppy mills/bybs, of course).

But consider doing more research into the breed. Call members of your local YTCA. Research on line. Go to a show! Talk to everyone and anyone who can help you on your quest. It's really not hard, it's actually fun.

Good luck in your decision! Tracey

[msyorktown]

Originally Posted by luvlee

In my opinion only, I feel that if you want a pure bred Yorkshire Terrier, you should consider a breeder whose interest is not in making money for it. I realize that there are nice people who breed nice dogs and don't show them. I also appreciate that these breeders can have lovely pups.

My view is, however, that many breeders who shows dogs spend a great deal of resources and time carefully developing and fine-tuning lines to the best of his/her ability that not only conform to breed standards BUT are also considered excellent examples of "breed stock."

I'm not talking about the show dog breeder who throws a pup in the ring on weekends and gets a whole bunch of APRI or even AKC awards.

I'm referring to the breeder who has years of demonstrable experience. There are many of these affecionados. You need only attend a well-reputed show and start talking to them. They have an inate passion, they participate, they teach, they're willing to share their knowledge & understanding.

It really isn't difficult to differentiate a show breeder who has dedicated a good part of his/her existence to the Yorkshire Terrier and one who spends weekends in the ring and socializing.

As far as cost, IMHO, if you find the right breeder, you get what you pay for. I determined that I would purchase a Yorkshire Terrier long before I actually got one. I SAVED MONEY every week just by putting a little bit aside. I utilized the added time I had RESEARCHING, LOCATING & SPEAKING WITH many breeders. I read everything I could about the breed and its standard. In that time, I actually found THREE breeders who met my standards and had available puppies when I was ready to purchase. It did take me a month or two longer to get my puppy but I wouldn't change my decision.

Actually, for what I've seen Yorkies advertised for, my Lucy was a BARGAIN! I used to go to a groomer who paid $9000 for a yorkie. RIDICULOUS!! The pup was smaller than my girl but she wasn't a "tiny" (although that's what the groomer was promised!)

Breeders who truly spend years and years cultivating their lines, who travel around the country & world for matings, who can tell you that your pup is the spitting image of her great-grandmother (and show you the pictures!), who does attend shows regularly and who only considers other yorkie breeders competitors in the ring but not when selling dogs, are the people I'd look for if I were in search of another yorkshire terrier.

My breeder was able to distinguish his dogs from each of the other breeders' dogs that I spoke to. He was also able to explain their breeding lines in detail. Yet, he didn't knock any of them. He respected their hard work as well. That, IMHO, is what a good breeder will do.

I don't think these people are difficult to find. But as everyone else has said, it's up to you. I'm not saying any choice you make is a necessarily bad one (except for puppy mills/bybs, of course).

But consider doing more research into the breed. Call members of your local YTCA. Research on line. Go to a show! Talk to everyone and anyone who can help you on your quest. It's really not hard, it's actually fun.

Good luck in your decision! Tracey

[nanahas3]

I have 2 yorkies and neither are standard but to us they are beautiful and perfect. Our neighbor has a morkie that never stops barking when its outside, may just be lack of training on their part. If you have your heart set on a purebred yorkie I doubt you are going to be happy with anything else. Good luck in your search.

[cindersellie]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

To the op most of the time this does not work this way and even if blood work and xrays look good as a pup there are many genetic illnesses that don't pop up until a year old or more so I absolutely do not suggest. The only way to get rid of bybs who are doing a disservice to any breed is to not buy from them and give them money.

I have to add to the bold part- report them if you suspect you've visited a BYB. I'd like to see laws made that restrict the number of pets that can be housed on a property. BYB's/ puppymill's usually move to another place when reported, so a change in each state's laws would help close them. Please, look on youtube and threads here on YT about BYB's and puppymills before you and your fiancé go look at that place you mentioned in your original post. You really don't want to support those places. Sorry about hijacking the thread.

[DBlain]

Originally Posted by nanahas3

I have 2 yorkies and neither are standard but to us they are beautiful and perfect. Our neighbor has a morkie that never stops barking when its outside, may just be lack of training on their part. If you have your heart set on a purebred yorkie I doubt you are going to be happy with anything else. Good luck in your search.

I sympathize with you, I don't like living next to excessive barking dogs, I have a neighbor with a mid size shelter dog that barks when left out side alone alone, thankfully when it gets bad they bring her in. But to me excessive barking can happen in any breed or mixed breed, I had two purebred yorkies that barked their heads off at anything and everything and two that did not, and now Lola who is a mix of pom and yorkie which are both known barking breeds barks very little. My dogs were all trained the same and lived under pretty much the same circumstances. I will say the two that did not bark were half siblings bought from the same breeder and her dogs were known for a good temperament, not sure how true that was, because the lady that watches Lola has two from the same breeder and they are barkers, but sweet. But since she watches other dogs their living conditions are different so who really knows why some dogs bark their heads off while others do not.

You are right, if the OP wants a purebred yorkie that is what she should go for because when you have your heart set on something you should not be forced to compromise. Also when you have your heart set on a yorkie it normally is a result of seeing photos of dogs that are bred to the standard. So OP to me the best thing to do is to pick one out at about 3 months of age or older so you can get a good idea of what they will look like as an adult. Stay away from trendy stores and websites selling lots of puppies. Go out and meet breeders and see the puppies in person. And whack that boyfriend of yours on his head if he considers trying to get a puppy from a place like the website you posted

[Hrossen11]

I have two morkies and love them. Yes it is a toss up with which trait and color you get since some is maltese and some yorkie. I loved both breeds so this was great. I prefer the maltese temperament but didn't want a white dog or parti color. I have a yorkie temperament and body type solid black pup and a maltese temperment and body type with yorkie coat. IMO, I think mutts are healthier but mostly because unless you want to spend a good chunk of change on buying the pup, you will probably get an ill bred purebred. Which means more vet bills. I have always had mutts and they all have had few health issues compared to my friends purebreds. My vet also says most mutts have few health issues.

[Hrossen11]

Morkie teddy

[Hrossen11]

Also, I bought mine from breeder because our shelters have chi mixes and I didn't want any chihuahua mix. I met my breeder at her house. Met both parents plus her other breeding female. I have a pup from each female and my friends have littermates. I loved this mix.

[Hrossen11]

Both of my morkies are quiet. I think barking is more a training issue.

[Hrossen11]

If I did buy a purebred I would only buy from a reputable breeder after extensive research to make sure they were reputable. I would use this site and talk to those who show yorkies to find my breeder. I would also be willing to travel to get my baby. A good breeder would match you to her pup and not the other way around. They usually have a waiting list for their pups so be patient.