what really makes a good breeder?
 

Ive been reading a few different threads about cost/breeding etc of yorkies and i'm getting very confused by some of the different information i'm reading so i thought i'd ask and see if it all becomes a bit clearer to me :)
How many litters a year is normal for a good breeder who is showing to produce?
i know it obviously depends on how many dogs they have but i'm getting confused as to what is considered a backyard breeder/ mill/ someone breeding their pets etc
I read on here someone mention a breeder who 'shows' having 18 dogs and 7 litters a year, is that amount normal?
On other threads there's warnings about that amount of dogs being a 'mill' especially if theres more than 1 breed being produced. and to therefore avoid at all costs!
Can you see where i'm getting confused? I'm struggling to put into words what i'm trying to say so i hope you get what i mean :p
I can't see how you can show enough love/care/affection to 18 + dogs, so wouldn't it be better to buy from a person just breeding in their home. so you know they are doing it more for love?? or do you think it makes no difference??
HELP !! :confused: :confused: :confused:

There is a really good explanation here:

http://www.jlhweb.net/Boxermap/reputablebreeder.html

Usually when a breeder walks around with a lie detector machine surgically attached to him, I would say thats a good sign.

But on a serious note, a family atmosphere type of a setting would indicate a warm home. Reasonable prices play a role too.

I know it may sound odd, but the person i was buying a puppy from would play a big role aswell, there are maybe a couple of breeders i have seen post that, although their pups are lovely and perfect 'standard', i would never want to buy from, and then there are others who seem to be so warm and friendly and knowledgeable that i would jump at having 1 of their pups. i just think that if a person comes across as likeable and warm then the pups would have picked up on that! :)
Thankfully majority on here fit the 2nd category so maybe its best i'm in England and can't fill my home with all these YT puppies. :)
btw.. a lie detectors a brilliant idea lol

There are some things to consider when you are talking to a breeder to buy a pup.
How well do they know their lines the pup came from?
Are they breeding to just sell puppies?
Are they knowledgable about the breed? Can they tell you all about the two genetic problems most worrisome in the breed-livershunt and Legge Perthes. Do they know the age of onset approximately. What sort of guarantees are there in the contract.
What sort of things do you see around the home ie pictures of Yorkies, Yorkie little statues, and other Yorkie/dog related stuff.
Are they just in one or two breeds at most?
Regardless of number of dogs, are they well cared for and cared about? Dentals kept up on adults etc. You have to realize a family of two, three or four people involved with the dogs can have a few more dogs around than one that doesn't. Do they have their own pet Yorkie? Do they have one maybe that they would not sell as it has health issues and it would not be fair to a new owner to sell it?
Is the breeder anxious to get a puppy out the door?
Is the breeder willing and more than happy to answer all your questions and will tell you the downside as well as the upside of a Yorkie?
Is the breeder interviewing you to determine that your lifestyle and home would be suitable for one of his or her pups? The breeder that considers your home is not suitable regardless of the money you are willing to pay right now is a caring breeder that knows the breed. If the breeder considers you are suitable and will give you 24/7 help if there are any questions, problems etc after you buy the pup, I would consider that a good breeder.
From the other point of view, I have had enquirers that do not qualify as a potential owner for a pup from me at the current time. Some I will say I don't have anything available because no matter how hard I try, they will not tell me anything about themselves. I also want to know their dog experience and how much they want to put into dog ownership.
If the main concern of a breeder selling a pup is whether you are paying via paypal, cash, cheque or credit card, my opinion would be this is not a good breeder.
In my opinion, there are far too many posts on this board from people looking for help for medical issues and other issues with their pup that their breeder should be answering and be willing to answer for them and help them with whatever they can. I have helped all my puppy buyers and they do not hesitate to contact me for any reason at all. If a trip to the vet is warranted, I tell them the questions to ask the vet so they are going in informed.

lying
 

Remus...a lie detector will not work, many can beat it LOL...IMO ..I am free to talk about my own kind and find the most ethical breeders are ones who are "governed" by a group of some sort...AKC, YTCA, Regional clubs, etc..

It is a bit like the IRS...if the government told us to send in our taxes based on pure honesty and we would never have any worries about answering any questions from the IRS, would we all be 100% honest...?

It is all getting a bit clearer now. Thanks :)

omg .. great post! this is going in my collection of saved posts. :thumbup:

Great Post!!:thumbup: :thumbup: