Breeder Registration--Does it matter?

[jmtui]

I'm currently looking around for a yorkie and this will be the first dog I've ever gotten on my own (without my parents), so I've got a lot of questions. When looking for a breeder, does it matter if they're registered with certain organizations? I've found that opinions differ on who you should register through, so it's kind of hard to decipher. For instance, I found a breeder close by my home and he is registered with ACA only. After looking at the ACA site, it seems like that's more of a place to register your dog for benefits instead of an assurance to buyers. Is this right? What questions should I be asking a breeder to ensure they are reputable? Any other suggestions on my first puppy-buying excursion?
THANKS!

[yorkieagility]

Make sure there is a health guarantee(written) on the yorkie you are buying.

[Gazou]

It depends on what you want to do with the pup , pet or show ? Always ask for a health guarantee but don't expect one for life .

I asked the questions that came on my mind as I was there , don't be offended is the breeder ask you some questions as It goes both ways . The person want a healthy pup , the breeder want a very responsible home for the
pup .

[chachi]

I think the registration is only important if you want to breed or show. Like the other posters have said health guarantees are good if you can get one.

[jmtui]

Thanks for the information. I'm not planning on showing my dog...just a companion. So, when it comes to checking out breeders, it doesn't matter what kind of qualifications they have, as long as they seem to take care of the dogs appropriately and give a health guarantee?

[chachi]

Well I think the breeder qualifications are important. But having a dog Akc registered says nothing about the breeders qualifications. How long has he/she been breeding/how many litters/ clean environment,offering a health guarantee,etc.

[lovefor3yorkies]

I would only be concerned about registration if I was going to breed or show. Pets don't need papers BUT if you are wanting papers--AKC is the best. ACA registers mixed breeds--that is a bir red flag of the integrity of the registry. You will NEVER really know what you pay 1200 for is pure bred.

[Olivier]

IMO only , if peoples were more concern about registration papers , It would let
less chances to puppymillers .

When I have a litter of pups available , several peoples will ask me " Do you have unregistered pups because they are lower prices ? ".

[Peanut's Mommy]

Originally Posted by yorkieagility

Make sure there is a health guarantee(written) on the yorkie you are buying.

I agree, I made that mistake! 2 weeks into her i spent $200 for tests to see why she was having seizures. Don't make the same that I did!

[LvMyYorki]

Like everyone has already said, the health guarantee is the most important thing. My advice is to look for a breeder that is affiliated with the YTCA (Yorkshire Terrier Club of America). If you go to www.ytca.org you will find a list if breeders all over the country. I personally prefer a dog that is AKC reg'd for the same reasons that the other members have already posted.

[Missy's Mommy]

The YTCA is a great place to start. You might want to check if they have any breeders in your area and ask the breeder if they have any "pet quality" they will usually sell the pups that are not breed or show quality for a lower price.

While I was searching for my yorkies, when talking to the breeder when the breeder would say "the pup comes vet checked" I asked if they mind giving me the name of the vet. I then called the vet and told the receptionist I was considering buying a pup from this certain breeder and asked if the breeder recently brought a litter in. I got A LOT of information this way, I was so close to buying from one breeder but once I called the vet I changed my mind. The receptionist told me that breeder has had lots of problems with her puppies, many with LP, liver shunts etc. She said she did bring in a litter recently and I couldn't believe she was still breeding"

On the other hand, when I called the vet's that Missy and Max's breeders went to I heard nothing but great things so I felt more comfortable.

Often times you can find out a breeders reputation from calling thier vet.

Good luck!!


I got Missy and Max from breeders in my area that I was refered to from friends.

[natalie]

I think, like most have said, it's more of a personal preference. I got my dog from a great breeder but he is APRI certified. Like chachi said, having a AKC dog doesn't guarantee that it's coming from a great breeder.
You can ask your breeder to see the parents and their living conditions when you look for puppies. If they're hesitant or making up excuses when you ask to see their living condition or parents, I would move on to the next. That's just my opinion and from what I gathered from other members on this board!
Good luck!!

[kelley]

I just bought a CKC dog. My other is AKC. Many people don't like CKC, because it isn't as "prestigous" as AKC. BUT, the breeder that I bought the CKC from was MUCH better! As a matter of fact, I took the dog to get an exam for our health guarantee and he said that this is one of the healthiest puppies he has seen. She is sooo smart, so energetic, so healthy and already knows where she is supposed to go to potty-she is 8 weeks old! She seems more like a 12-week old!

The CKC breeder sent me home with so much information, and is so much better than the breeder that I got Baxter from (the AKC breeder).

So, having 2 different dogs with 2 different registrations, it's the breeder that really counts. I almost didn't get her because she was CKC, but I am MORE THAN GLAD that I did!