Help in choosing a Yorkie *if we do*.

[NODAK]

I've done a good amount of research on this on the internet, but there's no substituting for real-world advice from people who know.

I posted the other thread about our situation, and I really appreciate the feedback....I think she's going to end up working less in a little while, so perhaps then we'll have more time for the dog...also, it's POSSIBLE I could turn out to like having a dog and that'd work out even better.

My opinion on this, just like everything else, is that when you want to get something...you need to do it right. No cutting corners or getting cheated.

I absolutely cannot fathom spending over 1000 dollars on a dog....and we wouldn't care about "championship bloodlines" since we're not out to enter any dog shows. So we've seen quite a few classifieds that offer them for 500 dollars or so...AKC papers and all. Here's what I care about:

1) It's actually a Yorkie...no cross breeding. AKC certified.
2) It was treated right as it was raised...so no further problems arise due to mistreating.

So that raises these 2 questions....

If a classified ad says it's "AKC certified", and I receive the papers, is that all I need to know to tell me it's a real, 100 percent Yorkie?

And, what signs can I look for when going out and visiting these places to search for a dog??

That's it for my 2nd, and last, topic of the day...thanks so much.

[vainchick5]

Having an AKC dog doesn't really mean anything these days unfortunately. The only way to really get a good quality pet is getting to know the breeder. Find a breeder in your area that you can talk to, ask questions, visit her home. This is the only way you will know whether your yorkie lives in a good environment and whether you're getting a good deal. When you go over there to check out the pup, you have to observe the living conditions, ask to see the parents, so you can somewhat determine size and features as an adult, and I would also write down as many questions as you can think of on a piece of paper. Then ask the breeder when you see her in person. If she's dilly dallying around the answers, or going around them, run as fast as you can. You want a confident breeder who won't just sell you a puppy for the sake of it, you want one that wants to know about you, your home, your living situation, your work hours, etc. We have some AMAZING breeders here on YT that are very trustworthy, and there are a lot of reputable breeders outside of this community as well. It's just a matter of finding them. Please stay away from pet stores and puppy mills. If you go to a breeders house and she has a ton of dogs, many of different breeds, I would run the other way. There are lots of breeders here, and you can do a search in the archives where breeders have posted good questions to ask a breeder when purchasing a puppy. Good luck!

[natalienicole]

1. and i cant stress this enough get the papers when you pick up the dog i made this mistake! Number 2. go to the breeders house or place of business and see where this puppy was raised she the parents make sure they dont look dirty, sick etc. made this mistake also. and get a health gurantee if ofered and in my area they were offereed often get one and get it in writing! dont just take the breeders word. then once you get the puppy take it to the vet asap and get it a full check up to make sure it is healthy etc.

[chachi]

You have been given good advice I just wanted to say you can find a yorkie from a good breeder for less than a $1000. My Chachi was $600

[psugorilladdr]

Good to hear that you are trying to find some ways to spend ALOT more time at home, it is very important in the training process... At least in the beginning!

When we searched for our male, I looked for almost a year before I found the perfect breeder! I'm so glad I did! It has made a world of difference Bentley has the best personality and fits in so well with our family. His breeder doesn't have a HUGE kennel and all of their dogs/puppies are socialized everyday with their kids and his brothers kids (they are both co-owners). They are around kids and people and are the sweetest dogs. Bentley is so calm, never barks, sleeps in the car, rides in a bag, has actually went on vacation with us across the country in a camper, and he is amazing! Easy to train, very good around all other dogs.... But he was $1000...

Then on the other hand our female Zoey... I was in a rush with her, I found her and we just rushed into going and looking at her. When I got there I seen the living conditions and I felt so bad for the dogs. The lady had too many kennels, it was just her and her husband, TOOOOO many different breeds, and I am an animal sucker (especially mistreated ones) and I bought her. I didn't want her to have to stay there! The kennels were non-stop barking, and I know she was NEVER out of her cage not once. It was just her in her cage, and I just bought her. She is the total opposite of Bentley, training has been an issue (although we're potty trained and all now), she will bark (alot sometimes), she is wild sometimes, she wasn't as friendly as Benny, she is a million times better than she was at first, WE love her so much and wouldn't trade her for the world! She was supposed to be $1200 but I got her for $350... (LONG STORY!!)

It is alot of work, thank gosh my bf has been there holding my hand from day 1... He was so excited to get them both, which helped big time. Believe me you'll be a sucker in no time.

[Mz_s3ski_Kitt3n]

Originally Posted by vainchick5

Having an AKC dog doesn't really mean anything these days unfortunately. The only way to really get a good quality pet is getting to know the breeder. Find a breeder in your area that you can talk to, ask questions, visit her home. This is the only way you will know whether your yorkie lives in a good environment and whether you're getting a good deal. When you go over there to check out the pup, you have to observe the living conditions, ask to see the parents, so you can somewhat determine size and features as an adult, and I would also write down as many questions as you can think of on a piece of paper. Then ask the breeder when you see her in person. If she's dilly dallying around the answers, or going around them, run as fast as you can. You want a confident breeder who won't just sell you a puppy for the sake of it, you want one that wants to know about you, your home, your living situation, your work hours, etc. We have some AMAZING breeders here on YT that are very trustworthy, and there are a lot of reputable breeders outside of this community as well. It's just a matter of finding them. Please stay away from pet stores and puppy mills. If you go to a breeders house and she has a ton of dogs, many of different breeds, I would run the other way. There are lots of breeders here, and you can do a search in the archives where breeders have posted good questions to ask a breeder when purchasing a puppy. Good luck!

i totally agree with this person !! me being a breeder myself i always welcome questions & visitation of my puppies & both parents are house pets not kennel @ all.

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

i agree with everyone on here....

1) Having paper does not mean they are good in quality.
2) If paper was offered in ad or where ever, be sure you walk out the dog with the papers for the puppy.
3) Always make sure you are able to see where and who the puppies come from. Check out the environment, see how they are raised, ask lots and lots of question.

If you feel that something isn't right, go with your instincts.

Hope that helps.

[Percys_mamma]

I just want to say, I know it is tempting to pick up one of the puppies in the paper, and so forth. It does seem like since they have AKC papers and are healthy, then all is good. But, this is not the case. Large puppy mills and breeders have ways of getting extra AKC slips, what they do is fudge how many pups were in a litter and get extra ones to pass along. Also, you don't want to be supporting puppy mills, do a google search and you will see why. Granted the puppies *might* be in good shape, or appear to be in good shape, but the way the parents are kept can be down right horrifying. If you purchase a pup from one of these people, you are simple allowing it to continue.

There has already been a lot of good advice about how to find and look for a great breeder, so I won't do into that. And it is very possible to find a healthy pup from a great breeder for a reasonable price. Especially if you are just looking for pet quality.

[TLC]

You've got some really great advice, but your best mark so far has been joining YT and learning what you can before so you can make the right purchase.

All I can say is: Forget the Classifieds!!!!

There are so many wonderful breeders here on YT who will give you the healthy, happy and well socialized new addition to your family.

...also, be prepared to possibly spending $1000
"IF" you find that perfect baby!

I thought I had 'researched' before I got Roxy and TJ (I hadn't stumbled upon YT yet). Anyway, Roxy was $800 and TJ was $700. They do not have AKC papers. I could have reg. them CKC (but for what reason???) Anyway, besides some 'minor' defects (TJ I believe has 'roach back' - his hair is curly and kinky - about 8 of his adult teeth never formed - Roxy is very short and the breeder neglected her teeth for 6 months, so they were very bad) and then the 'major' defects (Both have Luxating Patella's in Both rear legs - Roxy has treacha collapse - TJ had IBD) - They are 100% Happy, Spoiled and Well Loved Yorkies - Who when all is said and done and all LP surgeries are complete - They will be Our $10,000 Yorkies - And that's in ALL SERIOUSNESS

...so please do your research - find a reputable breeder - and be prepared to 'maybe' spending $1000 - But you'll have the peace of mind that your baby is health

[Saleswman]

Hello from a fellow Tenn resident......

There are several very good breeders around you. But, I am not real confident that you will find what you want in the newspaper. You do want a yorkie to look like a Yorkie.....so, with not knowing the history of the breeder...you may be taking a big risk. And also, you may be at a greater risk for getting a larger or maybe a yorkie mix. If you are adament that you want to use the paper....then go visit the breeders, see the parents and the kennel.

I would also get a book of Yorkies...they will show you what a puppy SHOULD look like as a puppy, then as an older dog.....so you make sure what you buy is indeed a Yorkie and not a Silky.

If I can help feel free to send me a PM.. We live about 20 miles from Nashville.

[NODAK]

Originally Posted by Saleswman

Hello from a fellow Tenn resident......

There are several very good breeders around you. But, I am not real confident that you will find what you want in the newspaper. You do want a yorkie to look like a Yorkie.....so, with not knowing the history of the breeder...you may be taking a big risk. And also, you may be at a greater risk for getting a larger or maybe a yorkie mix. If you are adament that you want to use the paper....then go visit the breeders, see the parents and the kennel.

I would also get a book of Yorkies...they will show you what a puppy SHOULD look like as a puppy, then as an older dog.....so you make sure what you buy is indeed a Yorkie and not a Silky.

If I can help feel free to send me a PM.. We live about 20 miles from Nashville.

Thanks all for the info.

Do you have any recommendations about where to look in this area then?? It doesn't seem promising...I've looked on the internet and haven't come across much in the way of breeders in this area...

[mojo]

Originally Posted by TLC

You've got some really great advice, but your best mark so far has been joining YT and learning what you can before so you can make the right purchase.

All I can say is: Forget the Classifieds!!!!

There are so many wonderful breeders here on YT who will give you the healthy, happy and well socialized new addition to your family.

...also, be prepared to possibly spending $1000
"IF" you find that perfect baby!

I thought I had 'researched' before I got Roxy and TJ (I hadn't stumbled upon YT yet). Anyway, Roxy was $800 and TJ was $700. They do not have AKC papers. I could have reg. them CKC (but for what reason???) Anyway, besides some 'minor' defects (TJ I believe has 'roach back' - his hair is curly and kinky - about 8 of his adult teeth never formed - Roxy is very short and the breeder neglected her teeth for 6 months, so they were very bad) and then the 'major' defects (Both have Luxating Patella's in Both rear legs - Roxy has treacha collapse - TJ had IBD) - They are 100% Happy, Spoiled and Well Loved Yorkies - Who when all is said and done and all LP surgeries are complete - They will be Our $10,000 Yorkies - And that's in ALL SERIOUSNESS

...so please do your research - find a reputable breeder - and be prepared to 'maybe' spending $1000 - But you'll have the peace of mind that your baby is health

I really dont know what is wrong with the classifieds, so I have to disagree with that. But what I did want to add here is my 2nd yorkie, a male, cost much! more than my female. He was supposed to be 3 pounds (7 1/2 now) total roachback (curvature of the spine), poor baby looks all hunched over and has a very cottony coat - should be silky and smooth and shiny. Also has luxating patellas, an open fontanel and I think now having tracheal problems.
So, I agree with find somebody local, go to their house, checkout their setup, see how their other dogs are, see mom and dad and you can also ASK FOR A VET REFERENCE. If they wont give this to you, there is clearly a problem. Otherwise they should freely give you their vets name/number.
Also, you will find what you want at a decent price if you are willing to search and put in the time.
Good luck and please keep us updated. ((we have no lives ))

[soneal]

Make sure the breeder offers a health contract, for genetic diseases. The parents should be free of any of these. Ask for references from previous puppy buyers. Definately go to the breeders home and see the parents and where the puppies are raised, it should be clean and the puppies should be involved in the family so they are socialized at a young age. The breeder should be willing to answer any question you may have, if they don't be leary.

[xxmxaxrxyxx]

Originally Posted by soneal

Make sure the breeder offers a health contract, for genetic diseases. The parents should be free of any of these. Ask for references from previous puppy buyers. Definately go to the breeders home and see the parents and where the puppies are raised, it should be clean and the puppies should be involved in the family so they are socialized at a young age. The breeder should be willing to answer any question you may have, if they don't be leary.

definately...always go see where the puppy is coming from...check out the environment...see how the parents live...etc...

good luck!

[yorkieusa]

Terri is no longer living, but this is from her site. I suggest that you might want to look over her entire site and read it well. I'll post the link, too, but I will post the info about finding a puppy here:

http://www.shooterdog.com/alexfaq2.htm

Where can I get a Yorkie puppy and how do I find a good breeder?
Basically, breeders fit into six categories and like every business there are levels of desirability. The Well Known High Profile Professional, Well Known Professionals Who Exhibit and Advertise regularly, Dedicated fanciers, who do little advertising and are totally unconcerned about statistics, but regularly show up at Specialty Shows and who also regularly exhibit and finish dogs to their Championships generation after generation. Also there are the OK's, Not-So-Hots, and "I'll do or say anything to make a Dollar" breeders. It is important to stick with the first three groups and avoid the others.
First, it is important to distinguish between Professional Breeders and "back yard" breeders or so called "kitchen" breeders. The Professionals, be it hobby or commercial, make their living or part of their living by raising, showing and selling dogs. They usually have many years of study and experience in the art and science of creating the best qualities in the breed they are selling. The "kitchen" breeder or "back yard" breeder may breed their female once to show the kids how puppies are born, or may mate little "Fifi" with the dog down the street with no research or knowledge as to whether the animals or their pedigrees are compatible. They just "make puppies", and usually offer no replacement guarantee, etc.
Like the professional, the dedicated fancier also considers their reputation very important, has been in the same breed for ten years or more and is probably into their third generation of the breed. The fancier is not so much concerned about the price of the dog as they are about the "placement" of the dog, regardless of the price. However, make no mistake about it, dogs from the fancier will not be cheap either considering the high cost of veterinary care and consultation these days, as well as the high cost of quality food and other supplies. The fancier doesn't care about making a profit, but would like to meet the expenses of raising the dogs.
Although buying from a professional or fancier offers no guarantee of getting a quality puppy, as all living things mature differently, it typically is a lot safer than buying from an amateur whose experience is limited to breeding their own dog once or twice, like the "kitchen or back yard" breeders.
Finding a good breeder or fancier is probably as hard as finding a good anything. They are few and far between. However, since starting out with a well-bred dog will spare you more problems and save you more money than you know, it is always worth the time it takes to find one.
One rule of thumb is that the more a breeder seems to want to sell you a dog, the faster you should leave the premises. The best and most qualified breeders never "try" to sell any dog. They are too busy deciding if you are good owner material.
These people are in it for the long term and take their business, be it professional or hobby fancier, very seriously. They are not selling you a "product". They are letting you adopt someone they love. They will know each pup's name and the warm emotion in their voice as they describe each distinct personality will assure you that your future pal has been well taken care of, physically and emotionally.
Many breeders breed for show champions and have no interest in a dog unless they can add to the prestige and price of their breeding lines. They have been known to practically kick dogs out of their facilities, and have too many dogs for individual handling and attention; however, they may sell cheap just to "get rid" of their breeding excess. I strongly advise against buying a puppy or older dog from this kind of breeder because they are not really interested in YOU, either.
These people will try to wow you with a list of titles and awards a mile long. Their prices may tend to be higher than average if they want to prove to you that their dogs are something special, or really cheap if its something they hate and want to "get it out of there". If this latter breeder somehow feels like a "hype-job", believe it and move on.
Also, it is a good idea to remember that just because a dog is a show champion doesn't mean that he or she has the kind of temperament that fits in well with family life. Very often, these dogs have been neglected in household amenities, like paper training, or even abused by handlers who have no business being handlers and MIGHT BE temperamental nightmares.
The most important thing for a prospective owner to do is to learn everything they can about the breed they are interested in and then go out "shopping". The more Dog Shows you attend and Breeders you visit, the more you will appreciate the real thing when you find it. Also be honest with the Breeders about your intentions. Don't insist you only want a "pet" because you think that will be cheaper and then moan and complain later because you did not get a dog that you can "show and breed". AKC does offer the breeder an avenue of escape in the "limited" registration of the PURE BRED DOG. You can register this dog but no puppies from this dog can ever be registered with AKC unless the Breeder applies to AKC to reverse the "limited" registration when the dog reaches maturity.
Some basic things to look for as you visit Breeders are: that the pups and their surroundings are clean; how many puppies there are-- the more the merrier; at least one, but preferably both of the parents are on-site; there is a contract that spells out the breeder's liability and a guarantee on health and temperament; the price is competitive -- very expensive puppies are rarely worth it; don't rush it -- you are choosing a potential member of the family; trust your gut feelings. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it.
Don't take home a puppy under twelve weeks of age. Let the breeder get a couple of Immunization shots in that pup before you bring it home. Reputable breeders will be happy to take a deposit on a pup and keep it for you until twelve weeks. It will give your pup a better start. Don't meet your breeder at a local parking lot, restaurant, or other meeting place. Insist on seeing where your puppy lives. Remember that "one time" or so called "kitchen" pet breeders may not ever breed their dog again so your chances of getting your money back or a replacement puppy should something happen to your puppy are limited if you are dealing with this kind of breeder. Don't buy a puppy just to save it from a filthy life.. you're better off turning those people in and letting the authorities deal with them! The right dog and breeder for you is out there if you take the time to find them.