Help! Should I get this little puppy?
 

Brielle is 9 weeks old today. At 7 weeks she was 14.7 ounces. Today at 9 weeks she is 15.2 ounces. I told the breeder I'm concerned she hasn't gained much weight. She states this is normal for "tinys" and she keeps in constant communication with vet and is lengthening her stay with her until 13 weeks. She also supplements her diet with soft food and Nutripaste. But she was the runt of the litter and estimates 2/12 to 3 pounds as an adult. I did see a video of her running around with a sibling. What do you all think?
THANKS!!!

Was the any testing done on the parents?

I read a lot of books on yorkies and feel stupid saying no, but I'm going to email her right now and get back to you!

I don't have an answer for you but I do give the breeder kudos for keeping her longer to make sure it is safe to separate her from her mom.

How big were the parents? The mom should not be smaller than 5 pounds. If you feel she is a good breeder than I would go ahead and get her, but I don't think anyone should breed their dogs to be "tiny".

The breeder got back to me and said the parents and grandparents do not have genetic defects. Her weight went from 15.2 yesterday to 15.9 today. That was good news. Brielle's mom weighs 6 pounds and dad weighs 3 1/2. I feel better going through with getting her!

A good breeder takes the lines even farther then that back to make sure they know what is running in the lines. They also do certain genetic health tests. Sense that stuff wasn't done I personally would not get the puppy. If you do I would see if she would keep the puppy until she is old enough to be tested for liver shunt.

I would wait until she is 13 weeks to make the decision, if you can. Also, I would have it put in writing that if she develops a major health issue within the first year, the breeder will take her back or give you your money back. Further, I would try to take out health insurance on her, immediately, if she passes her vet examination when you first get her.
Our new puppy was diagnosed with severe heart murmur at the vet's examination when we brought her home. She will be having open heart surgery at the end of this month, at considerable cost. Our breeder offered to take her back, but we were already so attached to her, so the breeder gave us our money back, toward the operation. Health insurance was out of the question though.
If the operation is successful (it's risky because of her weight), she will live a long and healthy normal life.
Good luck with your decision!

Unless you are very experienced with tinies, I would wait to receive her until she weighs close to 2lbs.

You should know what health guarantee the breeder is offering, and if they did the basic pre breeding screening tests.

Blood work at this age can also help in determining what issues she may have if any. Ask your breeder if she has done any blood work on the puppy, just for peace of mind? So it goes beyond health/genetic testing of the parents.

At 12 weeks, my breeder provided me with a blood panel and vet records for Emma. I also got updates when she went for her boosters at 8,10,12 weeks to know the healthy progress the puppy was making. I went to my vet within 72 hours of picking her up to confirm the breeders vet results were comparable.

I was updated weekly after picking out Lily. My breeder offers a health guarantee. And I too was provided with her vet visit information and shots records. I also took Lily to see my vet soon after I got her. I think good breeders provide any and all information regarding the pup.

I commend you for not returning your puppy and giving this baby a chance for a happy & healthy life. I would have done the same thing, once they are home with you, it matters not if it's a day, a week, a month. they worm their way into your heart, you just can't give them back, you have to heal them. You had a good breeder to return your $. I will keep your lil girl in my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery.

I hope she does ok please keep us updated. I always fear with breeders unless there really amazing that will just put the pup to sleep if you give them back because of a health issue.

If you read her post above the breeder did no testing just said the parents and grandparents had no genetic issues.

I noticed that as well.

Rasta was 1.2(rounded) lbs when I picked him up from my breeder at 12 weeks. He's my first(but not last) yorkie so I can't say him being so small was harder than having a "normal" sized yorkie. He didn't have any episodes of hypoglycemia or anything. I did have to keep a really close eye on him but that was mostly due to him interacting with our English bulldog. I'm also a sahm so I was able to keep a close eye on him. If you don't feel comfortable with the puppy being small or the breeder makes you suspicious walk away. Good luck with your decision!!!

Tilly was kept by the breeder until 16 weeks. She is now ,just under 6 mos, and weighs a whopping 4lbs. This is tiny. Taking care of a pup this size is different than caring for a larger pup. There are stairs at my couch,NO jumping on or off of furniture. She sleeps with us and is not allowed to jump off of our bed. If given a treat it must be a tiny bite,her kibble is tiny. She has to go out more often because she is little,there is also a peepee pad in her crate that she can get to. She wears a tiny collar with a bell so I know where she is at all times. Her playmate is an 8 1/2 lb ,1yr old pup and their time together is supervised. Kenzie would not hurt Tilly on purpose but she too is a puppy.
If a tiny pup is injured or becomes ill ,you can not wait to go to the vet. You just go and need to have funds in place to pay the bills.
When I get a new pup,I have funds for the purchase,funds for the rest of the puppy shots,funds for the spay and extra for just incase.
Who you get your pup from is very important,but so is being prepared for the first year and then a bit beyond.
All of this just to say. Get to know the breeder,use someone that you are comfortable with,do your research so that you are prepared to care for a tiny pup and be prepared financially.

Our Mia came home from UT today, and her heart surgery went well. She is pretty miserable, whining a lot and shaking a bit even with the pain med. Her incision is huge, they went in through the left side, between two ribs. I'm sure she'll be doing better soon, but right now she's pretty pitiful. We have to keep her calm and not too active for three weeks. Sutures come out in two weeks.
Thanks for asking about her. Pam

Glad to hear that Mia is done with her surgery and back home with you. Kepp us posted.

Did u get ur pup? If so, can we see pics???? :)

Glad she came through it ok.

Happy to hear the surgery went well & Mia is home. I will keep lil Mia in my prayer that her pain eases quickly. They are so sweet, to see them in pain is heart breaking.

I'm glad Mia is doing well. Please keep us posted on her progress.

That's awesome to hear her surgery went well. Do you know if you're out of the woods yet, or is it going to take some time to see how she recovers?

The vets don't expect any complications at this point although we are to watch for coughing or labored breathing, or possible suture infection. Back to UT if any of those develop.

Sounds good! Once Mia starts feeling better I hope we get a few photos!

Glad Mia came out of it ok, Megan was diagnosed with PDA, otherwise know as blue baby syndrome in humans. We opted not to have the operation as I didn't have $2500 16 years ago, she wasn't supposed to live out her first year, she was 15 last may when I had to put her down, she was a fighter and a sweet girl.

As to the question of the puppy, is there any chance your vet can check it out before you decide to adopt. I don't know about you, but I like and trust my vet very much, and would feel better about having my own vet check the puppy out, also get a health guarantee from the breeder, and I'd make sure it was for two years just to be sure. Good luck in what ever you decide to do.
Cheers Quad & Gina:aimeeyork

Glad to hear your little Mia came through her surgery so well and is back home with you. Hugs and prayers to her for a speedy recovery.

Thank you!
Pam

Thank you!