Need help from a Vet or Pet Expert Please!!!

[IWannaYorkie13]

Im looking to buy a puppy as a family dog/companion. I love the look of yorkies and morkies. The only puppies I can afford are from breeders that are BYB. They cost around 600. They truly love and care for their dogs and I have made sure the puppies are raised correctly and are up to date on shots. My question/dilemna is,

If I buy a morkie or yorkie from someone that isnt AKC registered like from a BYB what are the chances my puppy will be unhealthy. All the breeders I have talked to make it sound like my puppy will have all kinds of problems, but if you look at the many people with mutt dogs, they are perfectly healthy. Are morkies going to be more healthy than yorkies?

Please help any advice is appreciated

[ARCHIE]

The main reason BYB are not good breeder's is because they breed for MONEY
not health and don't let them tell you otherwise. The femals are breed over
and over at every heat cycle to produce more puppies. The adult dogs
are not tested for health problems and then pass whatever they have,
knee problems, kidney, liver problems etc on to their off spring, hence a sick puppy down the road, possibly. BYB are not much better than puppymills. They
might not produce as many puppies but the reason for breeding is the same.
$$$$ Any AKC dog can be registered hence so can puppies. This does not
mean the puppy is healthy. Most, but not all ,puppies can have health problems. If this is the only puppy you can afford make sure it is healthy.
Does it come with a health guarantee? Has it been checked out by a vet?
Can you see the parent's? When you purchase from a breeder the cost is
more because they have done the testing on their adult dogs and know they
are free of any desease or joint, kidney or liver problems. Their pups are home raised among family so they have social skills and are human friendly.
Do your homework before deciding. Protect yourself and your money so
you will get a healthy puppy to love.
Good luck,

[Missiemiss]

You have some options here if you are really wanting to get reassurance.

First - if you know the breeders, and even if you don't, get references. Get names of past purchasers and contact them.

Just because a dog is AKC does not equal healthy dog. Yes, they are in breed standard and it is HOPED that all of the testing and stuff occurs but there is no guarantee.

Go there on appointment and then go there and "drop by" sometime to see the conditions of how the babies are raised. I see this as twofold - I don't like BYB's but I also see that those babies need someone to rescue them if conditions are deplorable.

Last - if you are wanting a Morkie or Yorkie for a pet, you may with to consider a rescue if you have one in your area. If you aren't planning to breed I wouldn't think that the registration would be that important to you. I wouldn't necessarily care if the pup was for companionship and I would be getting it altered.

These are my opinions only - I'm sure others will be around for more opinions.

Also - there is no one breed (or mixed breed) that is considered more healthy - nature and nurture are the keys here.

Bottom line - if they can't provide you with references OR the references are negative - BUYER BEWARE!

[IWannaYorkie13]

Thanks so much for the advice. I have found one women who breeds her yorkie and maltese to make morkies. I know many people look down on that, but she keeps her puppies up to date on shots, they are raised in the house, are brought to a nursing home 3 times a week to socialize with the elderly etc... I feel like the definition of a BYB shouldnt apply to someone like her. Is she really just in it for the money? I am going to meet with her and see if I can get some references. Thanks to everyone.

Also does anyone know if morkies are healthier than yorkies? I have heard that mixing different breeds makes it less likely for the puppies to get 2 recessive traits for certain diseases. Any help is great. Thanks

[Mitzis Mom]

One more very important fact that could point you towards a rescue puppy or young dog: they cost between $250 to $600 but those babies are all already spayed/neutured, had a thorough health check, are current on all vaccinations and the foster parents can tell you (the truth) about their likes and dislikes and their problems.

Please keep in mind that when you get a puppy from a BYB you have to come up with additional money (~ $250 to $500) for the above vet bills and with a rescue that's already payed for.

Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder

Good luck with your search and be sure the right fur butt is going to find you!

[IWannaYorkie13]

I have thought about rescue, but I really want a young puppy to train and raise from the beginning. Ive never had the chance to raise and train a puppy and I know it will be a lot of work, but I think it will be very rewarding.

Please everyone keep the advice coming, I appreciate it all!!!

[Patti]

My best advice is get a health gurantee, visit the breeder and if possible get references. I got Cali from a BYB who was really nice, house was beautiful, saw the parents and was AKC. Cali had no health guarantee and ended up a very sick puppy, Thousands of dollars later she is ok but has some chronic illnesses. I have found that it really is worth the extra money if you can possibly swing it to go through a reputable breeder and get a healthy puppy and a health gurantee.

[IWannaYorkie13]

I would love to go through a reputable breeder but their puppies are all around 1500-2000 dollars! Im not looking for a show dog, just a healthy loving puppy. Why is it so hard to find someone between the extremes . I either have to chance it with a BYB or spend my life savings with a good breeder. Its frsutrating. Does anyone know any good affordable breeders? I live in New England, ME, MA, NH, NY (Albany) area is good.

[Ladymom]

Save your money until you can afford a puppy from a reputable breeder who does health testing and genetic screening. The few extra dollars you save upfront will be nothing compared to the vet bills a puppy from a BYB can rack up over its lifetime.

Yorkies, like any other breed, are prone to certain genetic conditions. Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined. Yorkies are also ranked #4 in number of cases of luxating patellas by the Orthopedic Foundation of America. Both these conditions requires surgery which runs thousands of dollars.

To answer your question, no, getting a Morkie will not improve your chances of getting a healthy dog. Both Maltese and Yorkies are prone to the same genetic conditions like liver shunts and luxating patellas so you are not improving the gene pool. Reputable breeders do not breed "designer" mixes so the dogs they are breeding are from BYB's and puppy mills originally so their background is unknown.

[deb22]

Just make sure the xtra money is there for vet bills.... My new baby (Angel) has to have dental surgery to remove some baby teeth, so we are getting her chipped also......probably close to 200..we get a years supply of monthly flea meds...160.....Penny (my 1 yr. old) was spayed, chipped, and her mo. flea meds.....300....... Plus...new puppy shots.....an ear infection can creep up....vet visit and meds....any emergency ......

A rescue would eliminate some of the vet costs.....but I also understand you want a new puppy to raise...Just remember....their health is just as important as yours....
JMO.....Good Luck .....and enjoy your new puppy......

PS...keep Nutrical on hand....

[IWannaYorkie13]

Does this sound like a good contract? Especially the health part of it? Is a 1 year guarantee against defects good?


1) The Buyer agrees to provide a life-long commitment, comfortable environment, prompt medical attention, proper grooming, and responsible care. This includes keeping this puppy/dog parasite free and up to date with inoculations, proper nutrition, which consists of a good quality professional feed given at regular intervals, and fresh water available at all times. The Buyer promises to provide a safe environment for the dog, and never allow the dog to roam freely without proper fencing or supervision.
2) The puppy you are purchasing is of PET QUALITY. Seller does not represent this puppy to be a potential show dog. Registration
does not assure health or quality of an animal. For purpose of this agreement, once the puppy leaves the seller’s premises, it is under
Buyer’s control.
Puppy is guaranteed for 1 year from date of purchase against serious genetic defects. Minor defects such as off bite, small hernias,
and undecended testicles can develop several months after the purchase and are not reason for return or refund. Such conditions,
if known, will be pointed out before sale.
Should a major defect develop, (heart, liver, kidney), a vet report clearly stating the condition as genetic or congenital must be
provided to seller before a partial or full refund will be considered. At no time will a refund exceed ½ the purchase price of the
puppy. For full refunds, the puppy must be returned.

3) The Seller guarantees this puppy/dog to be of sound health and temperament at the time of this sale. A health record of all
shots and wormings will be provided by the Seller. The Buyer agrees to take this dog to a licensed veterinarian of his choice within
72 hours for a physical examination. Record of vaccinations and deworming is supplied.
Some common conditions that can be missed are coccidia, giardia, intestinal worms , fleas and ear mites. We do everything
we can to provide you with a puppy free of any of these conditions but they can still show up without us detecting it. We do not
pay for tests, x rays, shots, medicines or office calls.
Buyer should be aware that abrupt changes in diet, water, and environment can cause loose stool, stress cough, hypoglycemia
or eating problems. Once the puppy leaves our care…we can not be responsible for any consequences of hypoglycemia. It is the responsibility of the buyer to be knowledgeable on recognizing and preventing or treating low blood sugar. Seek veterinarian advice immediately if such problems occur and/or call us for advice. We also provide paperwork for those pups that are more susceptible
to hypoglycemia

[tinyterriers]

What does that stand for, BYB breeder, never heard of it, just curious.

[jfalz73]

Originally Posted by tinyterriers

what does that stand for, byb breeder, never heard of it, just curious.

back yard breeder...