I think most of the "real scams" are on the Internet or other forms of advertising where you don't get to see the pups or meet the breeders before you purchase a puppy.

I have mentioned before that I don't think there is any breed that can vary so much in so many different ways as the Yorkie. I have seen Yorkies from 2 pounds to 18 pounds, and we know the variety of different colors they may end up being. Their coats are another feature that varies a lot. They can be cottony, wooly, or silky. They can be thin, thick, slow growing, fast growing, long growing, or stay shorter.

Heredity and genetics are the factors that most affect the way a puppy will turn out (and there are even exceptions to this).

If you can be certain of a breeder's reputation, correspond with them, and know that you are dealing with a professional and honest person, you can purchase a good puppy after learning more about it and its parents from the breeder -----and seeing pictures of the puppy (and parents, if possible).

Other than this, we should definitely meet our puppy, its breeders, and hopefully see its parents.

After doing everything we can to get the "perfect pup" -- we may still end up with a larger or smaller dog than we hoped to get - or a different colored dog than we wanted - etc. etc. But the odds in getting what we want are far greater (and probably possible) if we are diligent, have patience, and do our homework.

A Yorkie is an expensive, long-time investment. Take care!

Have to add - that it seems that everyone who ends up with a big Yorkie, odd-colored Yorkie, or poor-coated Yorkie --- loves them to death anyway and wouldn't trade them for a million dollars.

Good luck!

Carol Jean

I know that we all wish yorkies were always available when we wan them and in our own backyards, but quite frequently it is not possible to find your dream puppy locally. In those cases the next best thing is to develop a relationship with an honest and reputable breeder. Ask lots of questions, talk to their vet and use a Puppy Escrow if you cannot personaly fly to pick up your new family member. The puppy escrow will prevent most scams as those who are scammers won't want to do it but it is a win win for everyone.