WTA: Yorkie

[DavePSU]

I thought I'd introduced myself and tell you a little bit about myself before discussing a puppy I'd be interested in.

I'm currently 22 years old (23 in May) and attend Richland College in hopes of obtaining my degree in English with a minor in Journalism. I also work full-time as a Journalist for PlayStation Universe. This job allows me to work from home where I spend 80% of my time during the week. I believe that this time spent at home allows me adequate time to give a puppy both love and affection as well as the chance to properly care for it consistently. I've had 2 dogs in my life and 1 kitten. I had Misty when I was 13 years old. Misty was a golden retriever but unfortunately came down with a bad temperamental disorder that caused her to turn angry and violent. Having to put her down was very hard on myself and my family. Our second puppy was a Golden Doodle, which we named Dexter. Dexter is current 16 months old and beyond healthy. He's got a lot of energy and is a very good dog. He lives with my mom and stepdad about 10 minutes away.

My kitten was named Roo. He was a great kitten and actually went through my 6 months of chemotherapy with me. He slept by my side every night and was like my shining light through one of the hardest parts of my life. Sadly, right before I was deemed a full cancer survivor, Roo came down with a disease that created stones in his bladder which didn't allow him to relieve himself. The procedure to fix him was very expensive and the vet explained to me that there was a high risk it could happen again even if we had the surgery. In order to prevent him from going through future pain, I had him put to sleep despite the sadness and depression it caused for me on a mass level. It's been 3 years since I've had to do this and it still bothers me greatly. I honestly feel like I would have never survived cancer if I didn't have him to help me through it.

However, after the three year hiatus of owning a pet myself (Dexter is my stepdads), I'm finally ready emotionally and mentally to once again adopt a pet. I've looked into places like PetLand, but I refuse to support Puppy Mills because of how poorly the mother is treated and as is her litter. I've spent the last 2-3 months looking at different breeders and reading what they're about and what they promise. However, most resort in being Puppy Mills like YourPup.com.

Being a college kid, as you can imagine, means that I'm not exactly rolling in the dough. I pay my own bills, my own tuition, and I'm trying to turn myself into a responsible adult. I have a budget of $350-$500 that I can rightfully afford to pay for a Yorkie. However, as this is a big purchase for me, much larger than I'm used to... I'm only willing to make this purchase so long as it feels right to me and that I know I'll be happy with the end result. After all, this is a decision that will effect the next 14-16 years of
my life, not just the next year.

I live in an Apartment that is roughly 650-750 sq. feet. However, it's very spacious to the point where a smaller breed such as a Yorkie would have a lot of room to maneuver in.

I'm mainly looking for a Yorkie that would potentially stay within the 5-10 lbs range. I know these are often referred to as a "Toy" Yorkie, but that breed doesn't exist and I understand that. However, that's roughly the size I'd prefer to own.

I don't want to be "forced" to have to buy from a Puppy Mill because it's cruel how dogs are raised and treated within those walls, but from what I've been looking at... it's almost impossible to find a Yorkie from $350-$500. The prices I've come across have all ran from $800+ which is something I just can't afford. I've always been a fan of this breed and a Lahso Apso or Cocker Spaniel, but I feel the Yorkie is a better fit for me.

If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm located in Dallas, TX and would be willing to drive 1-2 hours for pick-up as well. Thanks.

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by DavePSU

I don't want to be "forced" to have to buy from a Puppy Mill because it's cruel how dogs are raised and treated within those walls, but from what I've been looking at... it's almost impossible to find a Yorkie from $350-$500. The prices I've come across have all ran from $800+ which is something I just can't afford. .

Yes, it is very difficult to find one in that price range. (Actually, the rules here state not to post looking for one under $500. ) Breeders have lots of costs to cover regarding their programs--their expenses add up and they have to try to cover them where they can.

If your funds are limited, you may want to try looking in shelters and checking around with some rescue agencies. Many times their rehoming prices are less than what a breeder would charge. Regardless, opting to acquire a dog from a puppy mill because no one will offer a discount on a dog is not a wise choice. Chances are good you will end up spending far more than you'd bargained for to care for a sickly pup that was the result of a money hungry breeder.

Check out the rescue section here and be patient. (Easier said than done, I know.) Good luck with your search.

[jencar98]

Misty has given you good advice. And, here is a Petfinder link for yorkies in the Dallas area, there are many of them available.....Good Luck!!!

Yorkshire Terrier, Dallas, TX: Adoptable Pets: Petfinder

[Ladymom]

As Bama said, less than $500 for a Yorkie is so below what you would expect to pay it is against YT rules to even ask.

You probably don't want to hear this, but if money is that tight, now is not the time to get a puppy. The initial cost and the cost of the spay/neuter that first year is minimal compared to what a financial responsibility owning a Yorkie is. Toy breed dogs seem to need more vet care as a simple tummy upset can turn into a hospital stay because of dehyrdration, jumping off a couch can result in injury, etc.

In addition, Yorkies are prone to certain genetic conditions that are very expensive to treat. Both luxating patellas and liver shunts are common in the breed. In fact, Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined. Surgery to repair shunts and bad knees runs into the thousands. Just read our Sick and Health sections to get an idea how common these conditions are in Yorkies.

Because of the hereditary conditions in Yorkies, please do not be tempted to buy a "bargain" puppy from a backyard breeder. The chances of getting a puppy with "genetic timebombs" is high since these breeders know nothing about genetics and don't health test the parents. An inexpensive puppy now can cost you a fortune in vet bills over its lifetime, not to mention heartbreak.

[phfgkl]

If you lived closer to my area, you could find a lot of them in the $500 price range. I know there are a lot of them in rescues, and maybe that's what you should try and find. Good luck on your search

[DavePSU]

Yeah, I read in the rules asking below $500 wasn't exactly desired, which is why I kind of put my limit to $500 in order to balance it out if you know what I mean (lol). I expected to pay $500 more-so than $350, in all honest, but it never hurts to try, right?

As of right now, I'm about to head out to Burleson, TX to check out four Cocker Spaniel puppies for $200 (which isn't too bad, plus they're one of my favorite breeds). Then I'm going out to Gumwood (as I saw you guys had nothing negative to say about Vicki Welch or that she was a puppy mill). Vicki seems like a cool person. When I called her up she said that she likes to make exceptions and deals for college kids, which is great for me. She's going to show me a couple of Yorkies that she doesn't mind adopting out for $500 even (which is great).

After that, we have a visit planned to see 3 little Lhasopoo-s**tzu mixes which look absolutely adorable for $200.

Ladymom, thanks a ton for the advice and the looking out for me financially. It's not that my budget is extremely tight. It's the fact that once I get a puppy, I'm also going to have to put down the $350 deposit at my apartment as well. Once the initial first month is over, my budget should be back to normal and A-OK in order to afford its spay/neuter and vet visits. So, regardless of if I can find a Yorkie for $500 or not, it's still going to be an $850 adoption for myself, if you can get where I'm coming from on that one.

Also -- Thanks to everyone else for the aid as well.

I'm going to see how today plays out and then I'll know from there. If the Yorkie feels right with Vicki, I should have a new friend tonight. If it doesn't, I may end up with a cute optional breed that I'm also fond of.

I'll keep you peeps updated though

[DavePSU]

So -- We decided to get one of the Cocker Spaniel puppies and he's been a delight thus far. I've decided to name him Owen because he just feels like an Owen! I've included pictures below.

I know you guys are Yorkie lovers, but hopefully you find him cute too!

[jencar98]

Congratulations........Owen is adorable, a real sweetie!

[Bellas_mommy]

Owen is super cute! Cocker Spaniels are BEAUTIFUL dogs. I just love their ears.

[Robin Lodal]

Originally Posted by DavePSU

So -- We decided to get one of the Cocker Spaniel puppies and he's been a delight thus far. I've decided to name him Owen because he just feels like an Owen! I've included pictures below.

I know you guys are Yorkie lovers, but hopefully you find him cute too!

Owen is so handsome!

[DavePSU]

Glad you all find him cute too! He's been really great thus far. He's not whined whatsoever and has only had one accident.

The only thing I was truly worried about was that he is only 8 weeks old (way too young to be adopted). However, the guy adopting him out obviously has no clue how to take care of puppies, so I felt really bad for him. There are 3 more waiting for adoption, but I couldn't take them all. He's not from a puppy mill, just a dumb dog owner.

He was keeping the puppies separate from the mom (in the backyard), and they were being kept in the garage with poop and pee everywhere. I know it's dangerous to remove him early from his siblings, but I felt I could do a better job taking care of him than what was being done.

[FlDebra]

Do you and your new Cocker a HUGE favor, not a favor really, more of responsibility. Look into getting pet health insurance. Seriously, for someone without a lot of expendable income, it is the best investment you can make. That way, if this little guy does require some expensive veterinary care, you will be able to provide it. I don't have a company to recommend but if you do a search on here, I think you will find some that other members are happy with. Congratulations on your new family member -- best of luck to you both!

[DavePSU]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

Do you and your new Cocker a HUGE favor, not a favor really, more of responsibility. Look into getting pet health insurance. Seriously, for someone without a lot of expendable income, it is the best investment you can make. That way, if this little guy does require some expensive veterinary care, you will be able to provide it. I don't have a company to recommend but if you do a search on here, I think you will find some that other members are happy with. Congratulations on your new family member -- best of luck to you both!

I'm thinking about going through PetSmart for their health insurance. It's $25 a month, plus it covers the rest of his puppy shots and his neutering.

Thanks for reaffirming my decision to do so tomorrow!

[msjagg]

Congratulations Dave... Owen is a real cutie! He has the cutest little face. I'm so glad that you got him away from those so called breeders. You seeem like a very responsible young man and researched your breeds and finances before you purchased your pup. I think the two of you will be a great team. Good-Luck and have a Happy Easter with your new son...LOL And Welcome to Yorkie Talk, you and your Cocker Spaniel!

[AbbysMom08]

Dave, I want to welcome you to Yorkie Talk.
Your little guy is sooooo cute!!! Cockers are such nice dogs.
Good luck to you and your new little "son".