That is the point I was trying to make also. It is great that she had a smooth delivery and made so much profit but the next litter she might not be so lucky and the profit she made just offsets what she lost later

Agreed.

And in most cases, the initial cost is the least of your worries (and costs).

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I agree with what you are all saying.

Its just that for me living where I am there are so many abandoned dogs. My little Sadie is now 9yrs old, I have had her for just over a year. Her life got from bad to worse before it got better when we took her in. She is a full pedigree, registered and we have all the papers for her. However she had problems giving birth and so the breeder dumped her on someone when she was 2yrs old, who never vanccinated her. She had absolutely no housetraining when we got her, she didn't understand French or English commands (previous owner was French). She didn't understand food came in a bowl or on a plate. She didn't even know her name...... the woman then decided she didn't want her anymore, so drove her somwhere and dumped her. Fortunately she was found by someone and taken to the SPA (a rescure center, not a particularily good one though as they only keep the dogs for a certain time and if they are not rehomed they are put to sleep) where she stayed for 3 weeks shaking and terrified. Sittling in her own urine and faeces. She weighed only 1.5kg. She was found by a lovely couple that run a small adoption agency helped by the blue cross. They wanted to take her out and at first couldn't because the previous owner wouldn't allow it. She wanted her to be put to sleep. She was found because my darling little girl has a tattoo (now microchipped). But after many long talks she finally agreed and handed over ownership. All of this happened because some heartless breeder didn't look for a proper home for little Sadie. I know this is just one breeder and I can see there are many breeders on here and I know that you all care about you're dogs and don't only have them for breeding, but this woman didn't care and they were only machines for breeding. It has all been enough of a heartache for me knowing what this little girl went through for me not to risk trusting breeders where I live.

My little boy we know nothing about his past.

Sorry this had turned out to be so long, but I hope you can all understand why I quoted my friend and why I myself would prefer to adopt.

I get a bit miffed when someone makes a judgement about what is "reasonable" to pay for a puppy. Mine was a singleton, delivered through C-section, that I purchased from a top show breeder. I was willing to pay more because I trusted her and knew that she was very careful about breeding and socialization and that I would get a pup that was very close to standard. With showing costs, stud fee, vet fees, etc., I doubt she made anything on the sale. Even if she did, I think she deserves to make something for her hard work and dedication. Why are people so against someone making a profit? We are a capitalist society after all. I think we should have a little more respect for what reputable breeders do. Pay what you are willing and able to pay and don't judge someone else for paying more or less.

I agree with you. :thumbup: The initial purchase price should be the least of your worries. I'd be more focused on the long term emotional, mental and health aspects for my dog.

The breeder I got Kiki from has been raising these dogs for 11 years. She has no interest in showing...her dogs are pet quality, but that's all I wanted. They adhere reasonably to the standard, are consistently between 4-7 lbs, have excellent health records, and fabulous temperaments.

Several times I was able to visit in her home, talk to her family for hours, and see all of her dogs and how they were being raised.

I pd. $800 for Kiki. A male would have cost me $600.

After seeing 3 people loose their females after giving birth....in 2 weeks time here, I can understand the price of the yorkie, totally!

If you can't afford the price, get another type of dog is my way of looking at it!

If the price drops, I think quality of the dogs will also take a huge drop. No, I don't show or breed either of mine, but I want mine to be free of stuff like Liver Shunt, and collapsing trachea, and other diseases that are herediatary.

So many have to have emergency C sections too. I haven't asked my vet how much that would cost, cause I have no intentions on breeding mine. But I know it can be very pricy, especially if you have to go to the emergency center in the middle of the night.

I do know though, a good and "reputable" breeder puts a lot in their breeding programs. They do tests before breeding, to make sure the dogs are healthy, and don't have problems like liver shunt, that show up later sometimes. They can have to stay up day and night, feeding puppies if they loose the female. Their hearts get broken in 1/2 when they loose their female or a puppy.

No, I think the price is ok with me. I'm not rich, but I do want my dogs to be very healthy, and have a long life! I don't mind paying what they ask for a "good, healthy dog" that didn't come from a puppy mill!

Well...
 

If your friend feels guilty about the amount of money she made on her puppies, tell her to donate the extra cash to one of her local Yorkie Rescues.
Teri:animal-pa

Back in 1991, my first purebred Yorkie cost me $350.00 which at the time I felt was very high. My second Yorkie which if purchased in August of this year cost me $850.00. I honestly doubt the prices will ever go down. We have to remember that Yorkies are the third post popular dog in the USA, right behind labradores.

Something I noticed around here is that the price really determines your quality. For instance, I just talked to a lady this afternoon interested in one of my puppies. She had spoke with a breeder by her that is selling them for $300... no pedigree, no vet check, no health guarantee and he is letting them go at 6 weeks. Now I'm not saying that those of you that have paid a lower price don't have a good dog. I'm just saying that for our area, the prices have dropped because the quality has dropped. If you want quality, you're going to pay more for it.

My neighbor paid $400.00 for her Yorkie puppy . She was so excited about it and said to everyone she had a bargain . Now she is singing another tune because she already paid over $1,000.00 in vet bills because the little one is always sick .

That is a fantastic idea! Spread some of that good fortune around to the poor unfortunates. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I don't think that is always the case. Puppies from pet stores (and even from some breeders) are often MUCH more than the average puppy from other, better resources.

Well thats been true for me too. I paid $600 for one and he is over the standard and I have had some allergy problems so I have had vet bills. I paid $1200 for my next one and her weight is in the standard and i have had no extraordinary vet bills with her