A Newbie Hello/wanting to adopt Hello all! I am Karen in Michigan, I am looking to adopt my first Yorkie. I have to thank all of you already, as I have been reading thru posts and learning so much. I want to be a good Yorkie Mom and I guess that starts with learning the issues within the breed and finding a good reputable breeder. Starting from zero creates quite the learning curve, but I have been reading about Yorkies for quite awhile now. There is such a wealth of info on the internet and this website is wonderful. I don't think there is a Yorkie topic not covered here. So I am at the stage of interviewing breeders and trying to find the one I feel like I can trust and who has that little bundle of joy I am looking for. We are empty nesters and I am no longer working (former teacher). Our family is raised, I have nursed and walked my Mom to heaven's gate and now abit lonesome, I am hoping to find that little Yorkie that will be my buddy. I have talked to a couple breeders so far. One was not so interested in me and trying to impress with her wealth of champions, kind of turned me off. I want someone who cares who adopts their pups. When I realized she was further away than I thought, she was, no problem, I can send a puppy to you a number of ways. I thought, no, no, I want to see where my puppy was born and started life. I want to meet the parents. Just a little too anxious to make the sale, for my taste. The second breeder sounded lovely, but just had one tiny pup that, while he sounded like a dream, I don't know if I am the best mom for him. He was sooo tiny, the runt of the litter and probably wouldn't get to 4# full grown. Perhaps he should be with someone experienced who knows more than I. I have more on my list whom I have emailed and so I have more to follow up on. HOWEVER, if there is anyone who can recommend a breeder in Michigan (L.P) or northern Ohio please let me know. My little buddy is out there somewhere I just need to find him/her. I am looking forward to sharing my Yorkie parenting experience with all of you! :) |
Good luck in your search for your new partner :) Have you thought of adopting from a rescue? There are so many yorkie and adorable yorkie mixes out there who are in need of just the kind of love you described you have to offer! It sounded like you really weren't all that interested in a show dog, so perhaps you could give a little guy or princess in need of a forever home a spot!! I can tell you from experience that when you provide these little ones with a home they are sooooooo loyal and loving. <3 Just a thought in case you're on the fence :) Oh, and by the way, my name is Karen from Michigan too!! |
Welcome to YT, you're at a good advantage, armed with knowledge and red flags. Good luck in your quest to find that perfect little amazing buddy, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. |
Best of luck in your search for your new baby! This is the place for questions and advise. Sounds like you are doing a good job of researching. Read the health contract carefully so you understand the breeders position clearly should there be a health problem in the future. Those can get heart breaking and costly. Hesitate to take any puppy younger than 12 weeks. Reputable breeders will not sell at a younger age. Champions are a good thing - indicates good breeding to the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America standards if they are recent. Might want to look up the breeders in your area on their website (YTCA). Keep us posted. We love new babies and pictures. |
I agree with checking the health guarantees closely. Also agree that champions are good, especially if they are the parents and not just several generations back, but ask to see the pedigree. Keep doing your homework and trusting your instincts. Patience is key and will pay off in a healthy pup with a good disposition who will be part of your life for many years. Best wishes in your search! |
I don't want to sound like a jerk here and I'm not trying to buy buying a puppy from a breeder is considered buying a pup. Adopting is like when you would get a dog from a shelter or rescue. Some people can get tense about that lol. You might want to read this http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...e-breeder.html. Also I would check out ytca.org |
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Also, thank you all for your good comments and advice. So glad I found this website.:) |
Hi and welcome to YT :)! It's always so wonderful to see people who are willing to do the work and research *before* buying a dog or any certain breed - that's just awesome bc it will make you the best pet owner in the long run. You've already received some great advice, but I just wanted to say - don't be too afraid of a 4-pounder. I have 2 that are in the 3.5-4lb range and they are very sturdy little beings, you might be surprised. The standard for yorkies is under 7 lbs, so they're all going to be on the small size...but 4 pounds is still very doable. If you really liked that breeder who had the 4 pounder, I'd give it some extra thought maybe? |
I agree with wylies's mom. I have an under 4 pounder who tears them up in agility:D I think it is all about genetic health. |
Karen welcome to YT. It sure sounds like you are doing everything the right way around. Read some more here on for example *evaluating a puppy* it is in our library. And whist others may say 4lbs is not small, quite frankly it is small. I have a 6.5# dog who is small but sturdy, and I would not advise a first time dog owner to have a smaller 4 pounder. I am not sure of your dog owning background but if you are used to medium to large sized dogs, 6-7 lbs will be very small in your minds eye. Toy dogs come with a particular set of owner requirements, just like large breed dogs do, well in fact any purebred or mixed dog does. I think I would advise you to write down, (yes write down), fully and in detail what it is you want from dog ownership - what your hopes n dreams are - the more detailed the better. Then see if first if the *Yorkie breed* fits that desire. It does sound like you have the time and place to own a toy dog. What do you imagine your life will be like with this dog in it? You don't need to answer me, only yourself of course. Truly understand if a Yorkie is what you want, know the Health Concerns of Yorkies - we do have articles in the library on this. You want to do your best to source from a breeder that breeds for health, and does not only the *testing* to prove that, but understands the health lineage of who she is breeding to and from. Finally understand that many of the health problems of Yorkies are very expensive to treat and seriously consider health insurance from the get - go. Whether you end up with a rescue or a re-home, or a young pup. As you said you are retired, try to understand the on-going costs of owning a dog, (and particularly a Yorkie). And see if your fixed income can support the financial burden. Regular food - not so many $$ a month - they as an adult might only need 1/2 cup per day. Regular Vet Visits - what do they cost in your area? My office cost is $65 then what-ever I have done. Vaccinations blood work etc. So annual cost for a regular health dog - maybe $200-$300 a year. First year or so - Spay and neuter surgery - plus a few vet visits to give them their shots - btw separate out the vaccinations for a Yorkie. See our library for immunization information Dentals: Yorkies are notorious for bad teeth. First factor in the cost of brushing of their teeth, adding water additives, etc. Find out what a dental costs in your area. Maybe $100+ each year you do one. Grooming - will you do it yourself or have it done? Like all dogs Yorkies need their nails clipped, their coat trimmed, their ears cleaned. Clothing : - dependent upon where you live, you might need a winter sweater, some dog booties, and maybe a rain-coat. Everything else is just optional. Pet Insurance - either buy it, or self finance it. Check out your options and the $$ involved. That's it for now. Good luck with your search |
I would get the best quality food you can afford. Since they eat so little, every bit of food is important that go in to these small ones, so this is an area to not skimp. Be aware many yorkies can have food issues, so try to steer for a good non grain food if at all possible. A great web sites that truly evaluates all dog foods is Dog Food Reviews and Ratings | Dog Food Advisor. Click on this link. Here are the YTCA Michigan breeders from YTCA.. Sharon Griffin Lake Orion MI (248) 693-9327 Majestikyorkies@att.net PR Jan Hamming Wyoming MI (616) 481-5053 Janhamming@aol.com Pauline Hutcheson Fenton MI (810) 629-3966 / (810) 569-0910 pollyannes@chartermi.net S Joan H. Lamborn Brighton MI (810) 588-6051 jhlppp@comcast.net Cathy Lange St Clair MI (810) 4888-1080 Catlange@comcast.net P Cynthia Mattoni Macomb MI (586) 466-3657 maitaiyorkies@comcast.net PAS Vera J. Sheldon Melvindale MI (313) 381-8822 Jenilane60@aim.com PA Cindy Warren Fort Gratiot MI (810) 385-3155 CYNWARREN@COMCAST.NET |
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I just want to say welcome to YT and also wish you luck in your search for your new little companion! Can't wait for you to share your new bundle with us! |
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