My Advice
 

I purchased Sophie from a highly, reputable breeder who specialized in show. After months of talking on the phone, she finally relented and let me come over to see the new pups. I met the mother and father, plus other siblings. Spent one hour with her because she was also watching me. Finally, I decided on Sophie, there was no question of the price or "haggling". All paperwork was completed, and a few days later, I telephone concerned if there was something wrong with Sophie, etc. (nothing was wrong with Sophie). She promptly let me know she has never had a defect in her dogs but, if there was, she would promptly take Sophie back.

Also, she did not let me bring Sophie home until she was 14 weeks old, all puppy shots, docking, vet checks were already completed. To this day, she is highly regarded, doesn't breed anymore and have never regretted buying Sophie from her.

With that said, your pup should be clear eyed, checked by a reliable vet before bringing permanently into your life. This pup sounds sweet but you are suspect there is something wrong.

Good luck and every puppy deserves a loving home but only if you are able to sustain the possibility of mounting vet bills. Warmly, Deborah

Update - this is long!
 

I called her back on Sunday and asked more questions. This little guy was born on 04/21/07. The parents of this little guy belong to her partner and she said she was more than willing to let me meet that owner and her dogs. She just had the pup because the other lady works full time. She stayed at home and could show the pup at any time. I also said I was concerned because she dropped the price and felt like she was sort of pushing the dog on me. She said she wanted to find him a home and based on my co-workers referral she felt like I would take good care of the little guy and he wouldn't end up stuck in a cage or mistreated. She gave me the name of her vet and said I could call him as well. (I HAD told my coworker I was looking for a pet only and I was not concerned about breeding or showing.) I have no doubt that this is the runt of a litter. She also said the vet said the pup was chocolate. She had never had chocolates in her pups so she didn't know. For someone who has been doing this for a while you'd think she'd know. I think she got involved with her partner and is really the seller. I think she's only been doing this for a few years and doesn't have the knowledge her partner has.

I then said I was concerned about her dropping the price and she said again it was because she wanted to find him a home. I said I wanted a vet check with my vet and she said that was fine. She said he was up-to-date on all shots except rabies. I took him to my vet this afternoon and expressed my concerns. The vet did a thorough examination and said his eyes are clear, his heart sounded good, his lungs were clear and he even did some basic motor skills test. I asked if this was indeed a puppy and he chuckled and said yes, he had puppy teeth and thier alignment was good. I also said I didn't see any "hangy downy things" and the vet laugh and said he had him in his hands. This little guy was just very small. I asked if he thought this was a pure bred Yorkie and he said to the best of his knowledge it appeared to be. It had the right face, posture, height and weight. (He is barely 3 lbs.) He added at this point in the pup's life he was perfectly healthy. He asked if he was eating and I said that was a challenge. He wanted my mom's dog's food so I had to feed them separately. He asked what brand and I said the breeder claimed Eukanuba (sp?) puppy which the breeder gave me a small bag to take home. He said I might want to try another brand but transition it slowly and see if the pup was more interested in that. I asked if his weight was good and he said yes. I then decided I was keeping him. The vet administered the rabies vaccination as well as the vaccination for kennel cough (as I will be putting him in a puppy class ASAP) and I think there was one other one but I can't recall what it was. I'll have to look at the bill. He then told me to keep an eye on him for at least a 1/2 hour but he's sitting in my lap right now snoozing. I also got his heartworm and flea meds and then we went and bought some Science Diet Small Breed puppy and went home. He ate like he was starving.

As for his fur, it is very soft and when combed it is straight but I guess you could say it is a bit cottony in texture. I don't really know. The picture of the mom was a blonde yorkie. He looks exactly like his dad except the color which was black and tan.

I called the breeder back and asked her if she'd go $400 on the pup as he was a bit older and he wasn't the prettiest little Yorkie. She said that was more than agreeable. She was just really concerned about finding him a good home. She also said she would like for me to keep her posted on how he's doing because she does like to see her pups every once in a while.

Yes, this is a risk but I guess we all take that every time we adopt a puppy. We never know what will happen.

I go back over to her house this evening to get vet records, papers and to pay for him. Now I have to find a really good name! Thanks everyone for your help and I am definitely staying with YT. Renee

Name his CHANCE!

Good luck to you and your new baby! He is cute and I hope he is always healthy and happy!

Name him LUCKY because he sure is lucky to find someone as great as you to love him.

I'm glad you're keeping him, he is a cutie.

Regarding the head wobble, definitely a HUGE red flag that something is going on. This is not at all normal. Did you mention this to your vet? Maybe I missed it because it sounds like he didn't do any of the diagnostic tests that he should have.

This "head wobble" is commonly indicative of hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, liver shunt, MVD, cerebellar hypoplasia or numerous other neurological disorders. Many of these would also account for his small size and lack of appetite. Did he check for an open font? He also should have looked at blood work and done a bile acid test. The open font is something he could check for by feel and the blood work and bile acid test are fairly inexpensive so I would definitely have those done as well. You should also have a complete neurological exam done.

Congratulations and please let us know how he does!

I'm surprised that the breeder didn't offer a Vet. check & policy for refunding you if the dog really is sick as part of the purchase agreement. I also think it is odd that she let you take the pup home w/out purchasing it, because the pup could contract anything while with you (not saying that you would do something to the pooch, but the elements and other dogs are out there). Why would that breeder risk exposing the rest of their litter to that? It seems to me that they are trying to make a quick sale.

Thats so great! Im so glad he checked out healthy! And Im equally glad you are going to keep him and give him a good home! how wonderful! How about Des? short for destiny... I think you were sent himn and he was sent to you to help you heal! :) You both were destined for each other! He needs a loving mommy after all the 'bouncing' around he has done in his short sweet little life! He is such a cutie too! :) :)

Sooooo glad to see an update:D ! Sounds like all is well....except the "wobble" wasn't mentioned. I told you I had a feeling this wasn't her pup. 3 pounds isn't to small for a pup born in April. $400 sounds like a fantastic deal....I think this pup is totally adorable and can't wait to see him grow here at YT. I'll be looking forward to new pictures of your little man!

WOW! I think he is TOTALLY adorable - I DO think he is VERY VERY pretty! I love his color and his coat is very pretty, IMHO!

Good luck with him - he looks like a SWEETIE!!!

Hes cute. I have that ball just to the left of the pic..lol. How much does he weigh, to me he looks big, but I have a big computer screen.

Thats awsome!! Glad everything worked out!!! Petsmart has good puppy training classes.

congrats on your new baby:) he is very cute:)

:confused: Did the vet ever tell you what was causing the "wobble"? I'm glad to hear that the puppy is healthy. Congratulations!:)

clarification
 

Hi,
Just to clarify a few things. He weighs 3lbs. He is actually petite but I guess he looks big because the tennis ball behind him in the picture is one of those mini ones. The multi colored one in front of him is about the size of a small fist and the nyla bone is the medium size one. He stole it from my mother's dog. He's hair is also long right now and I noticed when he lies down it balloons out from his sides.

The vet said he did not notice any wobble to his head other than just typical, awkward puppy movements. He did this test where he laid him on his side, against his will, and had the vet assistant hold his head down gently and then when he counted to 3 she released. He bounced right back up without any problems. He did this several different ways and watched his reaction. He then let him just sit in my lap to see if his head wobbled. He put him on the floor and watched him run around and prance. He said he did not see anything that would indicate any balance or coordination problem. He did some other tests with his legs and checked out his entire body from head to toe.

It's possible I've just forgotten how much puppies move around or I'm just not used to a Yorkie that is constantly moving. I just don't recall Mouse moving around this much but after what happened to her I watch this little guy a lot closer. I probably just need to calm down and enjoy him. R

This "head wobble" is commonly indicative of hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, liver shunt, MVD, cerebellar hypoplasia or numerous other neurological disorders. Many of these would also account for his small size and lack of appetite. Did he check for an open font? He also should have looked at blood work and done a bile acid test. The open font is something he could check for by feel and the blood work and bile acid test are fairly inexpensive so I would definitely have those done as well. You should also have a complete neurological exam done.

I just saw this post. No, he did not do any of the blood work but I'm pretty sure he checked the head. Where would this open font be? He wasn't eating the first day I brought him home or yesterday but I thought that was due to stress so I gave him some Nutri-Cal and he ate like a champ today. My little Mouse would eat sporadically like that as well but she was healthy. I'll call the vet again tomorrow and ask to have the bile and blood work done.

What would a complete neurological exam entail?

Thanks.