I think it's hard to compare America to Europe in terms of just a $ value. A pet yorkie from a good breeder may be just over a $1,000. But that's just ONE month of the average cost of house rent in the States.

The cost of actually buying a dog from breeder is negligible compared to the cost of dog ownership. I spent more money in the first six months on ZoE's required shots, required licensing, required spay, car seat, stroller & purse carrier than I did to get her....and that doesn't include any treats, food, chewsticks or toys whatsoever for that time period. I've spent over twice that in this 2nd year with regular vetting & an emergency room visit & follow up vetting...again, not including any food, treats, toys, etc. Which is why people say if you can't afford the dog...you probably can't afford to care for the dog, because the actual cost of the dog is a drop in the bucket compared to the life long care of that same dog.

:thumbup::thumbup: And that price can go massively up if you get a puppy from a breeder who does no genetic or health testing and doesn't know there lines.

Breeders in Europe can't sell with limited registration. Every dog sold can be bred, and this will definitely bring prices down, but I really don't believe that ever dog bred should breed. Most good breeders only sell on limited registration and if selling a breeding dog demand it's owner show it first. Showing is extremely expensive and this drives costs up, but then backyard breeders and those who don't show charge the same as show breeders.

Most of my fosters are from puppy mills. I agree they need to be shut down. The genetic diseases and emotional issues these poor puppies and dogs have are unbelievable. That being said I am looking into getting a puppy from a reputable breeder. There is a definite need for good breeders. The reason we want a certain breed is because of the temperment and look of the dog. The best place to get one is from someone who is breeding for the standard, not a byb or a puppymill.

Great posts...you guys are the best! There are moments I am just so proud to be a YTer...this is one of them!

Not sure where you are getting your information, or to what countries you are referring to. I know for certain that puppies in the UK are often sold on restrictions.

Although, just like here, even though many don't have the "right" to breed, they go ahead & do it anyway, and then sell a "purebred" dog without supporting papers.

You are an animal ''rights'' activist, which is miles away from an ''animal welfare activist''......there is a huge difference in animal rights and animal welfare. Hopefully, since you are so active and concerned, you are DAILY submitting your vote to help our ''resident'' rescue, Yorkie Haven.

My advice to anyone who wants to help is to start fostering, transporting or just get involved with your local shelter. I have been fostering for 5 years now and It is my passion. To see these babies when they first come to me from the mill, dirty, matted and terrified of every little thing and then little by little they start to come around to being the dog that God meant for them to be. The first time they touch the grass or allow a human to pet them without cringing in fear, these are the rewards for being a foster Mom. No money just unconditional love. Little by little maybe we can end the puppy mills

I am very aware of the puppy mills and backyard breeders. I do everything I can to educate people about this and try to help people understand that breeding their pet is not the way to get a cute puppy.

I refuse to shop at stores that sell puppies, I foster dogs and have taken in many animals lost on the streets... You can only do so much. I do my part, but I'm not going to stop puppy mills on my own. We have to educate as many people as possible, and hopefully eventually... puppy mills we be of the past.

Geoffrey'smom- Welcome to Yorkie Talk. I admire your passion, and understand where you are coming from. I have fought for legislation, helped with hoarder rescues, fostered the abused and neglected for years, donated, fundraised, educated, and personally adopted poor, unadoptable souls that would have never gotten a home otherwise. I have spent tens upon tens of thousands of dollars keeping puppy mill rescue and poorly back yard bred dogs alive, and have witnessed gut wrenching abuse and neglect that turned my stomach and burned anger and hatred into my heart, to see the depth of cruelty human monsters force these poor, sweet little gifts from God to endure. I just lost my sweet, abused and neglected little Lucy last January. We fought a hard fight, and I still cry for her and miss her every single day. She was my heart and soul. But I'm also angry for all the years she lived in pain and torment at the hand of her captors who only saw her with dollar signs in their eyes, and not for the sweet, gentle, loving little soul that she truly was. Geoffrey'smom, I GET WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM. And yet, I did purchase my sweet angel Mia from a stellar, reputable breeder here on Yorkie Talk. There is nothing wrong with me wanting or needing a well bred, genetically tested, healthy, mentally stable little Yorkie, who I bought already spayed. A reputably bred Yorkie will always come with a spay/neuter contract, to prevent further unwanted pregnancies using pet quality dogs that do not meet the breed standard for whatever reason. I do not see that as irresponsible breeding in the least. Responsible breeders breed out diseases, illnesses, and mental instabilities. They are trying to fix the very things we see in our pet stores, puppy mills, and shelter dogs from broken lines every day. I applaud that. And those that they deem to be imperfect for whatever reason, are found high quality homes, educated in the care and custom needs of the breed, and sold with the inability to procreate and add to the problems of overpopulation. Though you may not see it my way, or agree with me, a responsible breeder is also a part of the solution to the issues we face with our beloved breed. We all have a part to play in helping to protect these dear little creatures who have so much heart and spirit, and choose to love us with every ounce of their tiny beings. Responsible breeders probably agree with you more than you even realize, and want the same outcome for the breed that you do. It took me coming here to Yorkie Talk to learn and understand that the issue is not always so black and white. I learned that there is gray too. Well, on Yorkie Talk, it's not grey, perhaps more like steel blue. ;) I'm glad you're here. I think you will be a wonderful asset to help educate our members who may not be as familiar with the issues. We need your passion, voice, and advocacy too. We all have a part to play. Again, welcome.

I was talking about Europe, France, Germany etc. At one time UK wasn't considered European, don't know if that's changed. I've heard from some show breeders, that they have no registries that offer limited registration.