I need some help
 

I am looking to buy a yorkie for my girlfriend and i dont know anything about this breed of dog. She knows a lot about them but i want to buy it as a surprise, and i dont know what to look for. My first question is about the price of these dogs. i want to spend around $400, and i was wondering if that is even possible. a lot of ads i see are selling them for over $1000. a mixed breed would not be out of the question, it just needs to stay under 10-12 pounds when fully grown. my second question, is about choosing a dog. how do i know that the owner is reliable, and that the dog is in good health? are there any signs to look for on the dog that could lead to problems in the future? i live in northern illinois, and i have looked at pet stores, but cant find too many yorkies. so if anyone knows of a place to find them near by, that would be great. any help i can get would be much appreciated. thanks.

stock2784

First of all, I don't recommend buying a dog as a surprise for someone. I know buying someone a puppy as a gift can seem like a great idea, but it's really not. Bringing a puppy into your home should take a lot of thought, planning, and research. If your girlfriend doesn't know she's getting a puppy, how can she plan for one? Most reputable breeders won't sell to someone buying a puppy as a gift because too many of these gifted puppies end up being unwanted after the newness wears off. Please tell your girlfriend that you would love to buy her a puppy and search for one together. This way you can be 100% sure that she wants a puppy and gets a say on which puppy she receives. I'm sure she has a preference on what breed she gets, whether its male or female, will be a smaller yorkie or a larger yorkie, etc. Also, is she prepared to pay for several rounds of shots, spaying/neutering, regular grooming, food, toys, and for possible emergencies? For the sake of the puppy, I think it would be so much better to let your girlfriend in on the surprise.

So far as the price for a yorkie, it is highly unlikely that you will find one for $400. You may be able to adopt a yorkie through a rescue for less than that but I doubt it will be a puppy. I do have to say that you get what you pay for most of the time. It's going to really be hard to find a well bred Yorkie from a reputable breeder for that amount. It is more likely that you will need to look in the $1000 range. This breed is just not an inexpensive breed - and may also require quite a bit of expense after you purchase it.

Finally, please please please do NOT buy from any petstore. Pet store puppies all come from puppy mills and backyard breeders. No reputable breeder would ever sell their puppies to a petstore. By buying from a petstore, you will likely end up with a poor quality yorkie with health and behavioral issues. Plus you don't want to support puppy mills. They are horrible.

Good Luck in your search for a Yorkie. Please take my advice and do not buy one as a surprise. There may be some breeders on YT that are located near you that may be able to help you.

Instead of surprising her with the puppy, why not surprise her with the idea of getting a yorkie? MyFairLacy's post is a great help. That way you and your girlfriend can take your time researching, planning, and finding a good breeder. Please don't buy a puppy from a pet store! Pet store puppies come from puppy mills.

I agree with all of the above...I don't want to repeat whats been said - but - Please don't go to a Pet store - there's alot of information here and the Net about Puppy mills and that's where most all pet stores get their puppies....

this is a good link about what to beware of when looking for a new puppy
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoptio...uying_a_puppy/

and PLEASE READ THIS THREAD right here ...this is full of information on all the scams out there http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45984

Hi I live in Gurnee and please stay away from Petland and any petstore. You can try breeders that are looking toplace an older dog to a good home for a reasonable price. You can look at the YTCA website for Breeders in Illinois/ WIsconsin. Please trust me you have to be very careful when purchasing these small dogs as a single er vet bill can run 300 to 1000 dollars. If you need any help pm me and I would be glad to help you evaluate a prospective breeder/puppy. I think that it is sweet you want to surprise your GF but she may want to be in on the process of looking for one as it is so much fun. Good luck.

thank you all for your advice. she is prepared for a dog, i was just looking to make the purchase for her. she is more than ready to take care of one. thank you all for your advice on pet stores i never knew any of that information. i am glad this forum is around, i will definetely use the websites and information as well as probably contact some of you for advice. thanks again.
stock2784

HI Welcome to YT It Looks Like they are already giving great advise to you. I just want to add I think you are a great guy for coming here to learn more before you make a purchase. I wish you all the luck and Just being suportive and you both picking a pup to love together would be a great gift and a surprise to :)