[alaskayorkie]

That's the million dollar question.

You could spend $2,000 or more and buy a sickly Yorkie from a disreputable breeder, or you could spend $400 and luck out and get a great healthy pet from someone who breeds out of their home. In other words, it's not how much you spend but how seriously the breeder takes their job and how knowledgeable they are.

My only advice is to research the breed, research breeders and research the specific line of dogs in a breeder's litter.

What do I expect from a breeder? I expect them to be breeding healthy dogs with the intention of improving the breed. I want to see a track record of healthy dogs. I want to see the parents and see if they are the general size and coloring I'm interested in. And, for me most importantly, I want them to assure me that they place a premium on socializing the puppies before they leave the litter. I expect them to keep the puppies for 12 weeks before releasing them to ensure proper socialization. And I expect them to check out my qualifications as an owner and to offer assistance in the future.

For all that -- if I knew I had the very best -- I would expect to pay up to $2,000 for a pet-quality Yorkie, not a showdog.

If that's too much, consider a rescue. Check with your local shelter regularly and look for Yorkie pup or adult.

Good luck. It's not easy and there are no sure things.