Breeder concern

[tinalove]

I just started researching yorkie breeders in my area. Well I went to a site and I was really impressed. This breeder even put her vet info on the site. I contacted the vet and he said the puppies have been healthy. He saids that she is a very open person . He said that she has had problems with flea infestations and that she claims that the dogs next door bring fleas. He also said in the past an adult dog has treated from some parasite that starts with a "c" I can't recall. I know all dogs can have fleas but we treat the fleas. This kind of made me feel uncomfortable. The site shows these champion bloodlines. Her male puppies are about $1000 and up . Not cheap in the least. I am concerned with a breeder who lets her animals have a "flea infestation" problem so bad that a vet is aware of it. I have a pet and I make sure she is protected from fleas. I know other dogs bring fleas in your yard but thats what flea protection is for. Am I wrong to feel uncomfortable about this breeder? I really would prefer a breeder that has their animals in the house.

[concretegurl]

There is so much to ask about a breeder and their practices and simply trusting a vet they pay isn't sufficient...in fact many pup mills list their vets as references the same vets who debark dogs etc.

One would hope the dogs are both indoor and outdoor you can't leave your dogs indoors at all times and expect them to be well adjusted animals IMHO>

However I had a flea issue from bringing in a stray, as well the neighbor dogs recently weren't treated during the winter for fleas and they got to my dogs via the yard-one of mine is allergic to fleas despite using Frontline Plus fleas still get on them they just die after biting ad are killed before hatching etc...but having a vet notate it can be a red flag.

Edit: So I know as soon as my dog has been in contact with fleas as she gets a reaction and has to be immediately treated for her skin allergy
Are you looking at a standard Yorkie? Is the breeder YTCA?

Use their name and ask about them specifically on here, only people who have an alternative agenda don't use names here IMO...

[chachi]

If she has problems with fleas they probably have tapeworms also

[tinalove]

I realize all dogs get fleas, my concern was that the problem is out of control. My pet has had fleas but I treated the problem immediately. Pets will pick up fleas and where I live is warm and dogs roam into your yard. I just think the problem must be severe if a vet has to mention that there has been a problem with flea infestation . He did mention an illness that he treated her adults for but I can't recall the parasite. I don't want to buy an animal full of fleas. Fleas make animals sick. You have to treat the problem. Adoptable pets at the shelters aren't full of fleas. I personally know that. The breeder that bought my bichon from raised her pets in the home with other animals. Not one flea or problem. Her dogs played in the backyard all the time. When I took my pet to mh vet for the first time no fleas, no illnesses and no worms. Thats what I want to pay for. I don't expect a pet to be perfect but I want a healthy and socialized yorkie.

[107barney]

I personally would be looking elsewhere. She sounds dirty.

[jeane]

i agree, i would search elsewhere

[tjdmom]

Hmmm, well in the Carolina's I have heard that fleas can be an issue. If she got fleas and then brought them in for treatment, I'm not sure I would think that is a problem. I think I would want to go and visit and get a much better idea. Lots of dogs get fleas but I don't consider them to have bad owners because of it, it's just one of those things. I have not had a problem with fleas at all... knocking on wood right now... but would not necessarily judge someone else just based on that. On the other hand, if her dogs are loaded with fleas and she just lets them itch or does nothing to get help for them, that would be a problem in my opinion...

[deonk1]

I would go visit the breeder before you judge on the flea thing. If you go there and come home itching, well then just don't go back and look elsewhere.

There are plenty of articles and posts on here for what to look for in a good reputable breeder, the questions to ask, etc. Also if you post a link to their site, we can have a look at it and see if there are any red flags on their website. At least if we can show you if there is anything wrong you'll save your time and money. If she checks out you can buy your pup worry free.

Good luck.

[Wrenee4]

I think it's good that she went to the vet for flea medication. At least she is not buying something over the counter at the grocery store that can kill them. Fleas IMO are no problem and can be fixed asap. I am shocked that the vet would even give you info over the phone though? Vet records are like people records and they shouldn't give out info to just anyone. I know with ours we have to call in and give a specific name and they will note in the chart that they can speak with them. As for a parasit with a c? I would guess coccidia...could come from other dogs, birds etc.

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by Wrenee4

I think it's good that she went to the vet for flea medication. At least she is not buying something over the counter at the grocery store that can kill them. Fleas IMO are no problem and can be fixed asap. I am shocked that the vet would even give you info over the phone though? Vet records are like people records and they shouldn't give out info to just anyone. I know with ours we have to call in and give a specific name and they will note in the chart that they can speak with them. As for a parasit with a c? I would guess coccidia...could come from other dogs, birds etc.

Never even thought of that... it is actually a REAL NO NO for the vet to give out info that readily. For instance I had a student buy a horse from a local horse person, and she refused to release the vet records, vet's hands were tied, so when they went for an exam, (same vet) he looked at her took her temp, and diagnosed a major brain problem (which he knew was there, but couldn't say unless he examined the horse himself with the new owner present). If you do go with this breeder, I definitely wouldn't use her vet.

[Teresa Ford]

Here in Fl. fleas are a year round problem. My dogs are flea free but, OMG it was a struggel to get that way. I could write pages about all the money, time, and changes we made to get rid of fleas. If the breeder is working hard with the Vet to solve the problem then she may be fine. On the other hand, if she is a shoulder srugger that says oh well dogs just get fleas, run away double time !

[My lil friend]

Originally Posted by tinalove

I realize all dogs get fleas, my concern was that the problem is out of control. My pet has had fleas but I treated the problem immediately. Pets will pick up fleas and where I live is warm and dogs roam into your yard. I just think the problem must be severe if a vet has to mention that there has been a problem with flea infestation . He did mention an illness that he treated her adults for but I can't recall the parasite. I don't want to buy an animal full of fleas. Fleas make animals sick. You have to treat the problem. Adoptable pets at the shelters aren't full of fleas. I personally know that. The breeder that bought my bichon from raised her pets in the home with other animals. Not one flea or problem. Her dogs played in the backyard all the time. When I took my pet to mh vet for the first time no fleas, no illnesses and no worms. Thats what I want to pay for. I don't expect a pet to be perfect but I want a healthy and socialized yorkie.

The parasite that you mentioned may be one that is transfered by dirty water. Cannt remember the name or spelling right now. Dirty water is acquired from bowls that are not cleaned and water refreshed or sometimes just puddles or pond water.
If it were me and the vet had told me that her adult animals had been treated for this type of parasite which the puppies have more than likely been exposed to,there had been a flea problem which probably means tapeworms in the puppies as well as the adults and the asking price was a grand for the males which means more for the females. I think that I would look elsewhere.
You should feel comfortable about the purchase,it is a long life commitment and you may need to talk to this person again about the care of your baby or if there is a problem.

Find a good breeder can be a tuff task. I know that using the yorkie listing can help alot. Good luck.

[Rhetts_mama]

Originally Posted by deonk1

Never even thought of that... it is actually a REAL NO NO for the vet to give out info that readily. For instance I had a student buy a horse from a local horse person, and she refused to release the vet records, vet's hands were tied, so when they went for an exam, (same vet) he looked at her took her temp, and diagnosed a major brain problem (which he knew was there, but couldn't say unless he examined the horse himself with the new owner present). If you do go with this breeder, I definitely wouldn't use her vet.

It's possible that because this breeder is actively using the vet as a reference she may have signed a release so that he/she could give out info to anyone inquiring.

[tinalove]

The contact info for her vet is actually on her site and you are encouraged to contact him. He saids she is very open and does not seem to hide factors about her dogs. Yes here in Carolina we have fleas, must be the humid heat. I have to get stuff from the vet for my bichon. Flea bites are bad for their pink skin. I have all kind of dogs coming through my yard and theres some woods behind me. I dont have trouble with a lot of fleas thank goodness. My vet has never warned me about too many fleas.My human family would have a fit. That is the parasite ,coccida . What causes that? I never visited a breeder that had a bad flea problem. I have visited a few breeders here in the past. She maybe a great breeder but I will still look at some others before paying her a visit. She is not listed on AKC breeder referral or the Yorkie breeder referral list. Not saying that's a bad thing but I will check out those first. I have some others not on the referral lists that I will visit before her.

[HeathenFaerie]

Originally Posted by concretegurl

There is so much to ask about a breeder and their practices and simply trusting a vet they pay isn't sufficient...in fact many pup mills list their vets as references the same vets who debark dogs etc.

One would hope the dogs are both indoor and outdoor you can't leave your dogs indoors at all times and expect them to be well adjusted animals IMHO>

However I had a flea issue from bringing in a stray, as well the neighbor dogs recently weren't treated during the winter for fleas and they got to my dogs via the yard-one of mine is allergic to fleas despite using Frontline Plus fleas still get on them they just die after biting ad are killed before hatching etc...but having a vet notate it can be a red flag.

Edit: So I know as soon as my dog has been in contact with fleas as she gets a reaction and has to be immediately treated for her skin allergy
Are you looking at a standard Yorkie? Is the breeder YTCA?

Use their name and ask about them specifically on here, only people who have an alternative agenda don't use names here IMO...

A little off topic but please tell me that debark is not what it sounds like