First meeting with the breeder...
 

I'm going to go visit a breeder a friend recommended to me next weekend. Is there anything I should pay particular attention too while I'm there? Any questions I might not readily think of?

The breeder says the price range for her babies is $800-$1700. Does this seem like a normal range for Yorkies? I thought it was kind of broad and $1700 could seem a little high. A high quality, pure bred Yorkie would definitely be worth it (or even more, really), but it depends on a lot of things. How do I know when the price is right?

Thanks,

I paid 1500.00 for Cali. Some Breeders charge more for Females and more if their tiny.
I would just do as much research on the Breeder as you can. I would make sure she has a good health gurantee.

I'd suggest going to a few breeders and seeing the environment and how they interact with the Yorkies and vice versa. Ask how long they have been breeding, ask what kind of health the dam and sire (Yorkie's mom and dad) are in, and ask to see them in person.

You can tell a lot by a home visit. The price range seems quite large, however, usually females do cost more, but only more by $200 to $400. The average Yorkie price seems to be $800 to $1200 in major metropolitan cities around the US. Determine what is right for your budget and also remember to budget for your Yorkie's healthcare, as they may need shots/neutering/spaying and other associated health costs the first year.

Good look in your search!

Check out the FAQ's on forums and AKC.....Make a list of questions you should ask AND a list of those that a good breeder should ask of you...

My mentor ask from $1,500.00 to $2,500.00 for a pup depending on the quality so $700.00 to $1,700.00 is not very high .

1,700 is very high for a lot of people!!!! If you're not loaded out of your ears, that that is quite a bit of money.

Behindblueeyes,
HOw did the visit go? I would like to hear what you thought.

good advice...there is a sticky that has all the questions you need to ask...interview the breeder and hope she intervews you as well!!

good luck

I think it's all depends.
For a pet 1700$ is to much, and you don't need it.
But if you want a show dog it's a normal price.

I think $1700 is too much for most people to pay for a dog. And - I know for a fact that you can find a nice little pet Yorkie for much less than that. I paid $850. I had the money and he's worth it to me - but, I think this is even a lot to pay for a dog.

Sometimes I think we Yorkie people have become so used to such high prices that we don't even bat an eye anymore at what a lot of people pay for a Yorkie.

You decide what you can afford to pay (remembering that Yorkies do cost more than most dogs) - and with a lot of looking and patience, you should be able to find the perfect pet.

I would think that any breeder with a range of $800 to $1700 - might be selling her least desirable puppies for $800. This "wide range" would cause me not to want one of her $800 dogs.

Many people (in my area) sell their pups for $850 for males and $950 for females. I would feel more comfortable choosing a pup that is being sold in this more narrow range. And, I have seen some for $600 or $700. This is still a lot of money - right?

Meet your breeder, ask her questions - see the puppy's parents, if possible, and be sure and spend some time with any pup you are considering taking home. A lot of people here will give you more specific questions to ask any breeder you meet.

Good luck! Carol Jean

For $1,700 I would expect at least one and preferably both parents be champions. Breeders can ask whatever they want for a puppy and they will always tell you much they've put into the litter but I don't think it's anymore than what the breeder of an $800.00 puppy put into theirs.
Find out what health testing was done and what health guarantee they are providing. Bottom line is $1,700 seems high for a puppy from untitled parents.