Issues with the Yorkie I put a deposit on..

[Giselle]

Ps- Not taking up for her, but I dont think she purposely breeds them to be small, I believe she is just the runt. And with all the tcup crap going around, and the HIGH demand for smaller ones, she saw more $$$.

I'm sorry to be blunt, but your breeder is straight up breeding for money.

That's not the right reason to breed. In my book, she's a dreaded backyard breeder. I really don't mean to offend, but I do love Toy breeds myself (Pekes are my heart breed) and I have a *major* issue with BYBs. Toy breeds, especially, have a plethora of health problems ranging from PRA to luxating patellas - both of which are prevalent in the Yorkie breed. Does your breeder even test for these via OFA and CERF?

If your breeder never even mentioned the above, please pull out your deposit or take it as a lesson learned and run the other way. I say this as the unfortunate purchaser of a BYB-bred dog. I did it before I knew any better and I regret it deeply. But now you know!

[kt_luvs_kitties]

I am currently looking at other breeders online

Anyone want to help? I live in NC and will NOT ship a dog

[Giselle]

Have you checked the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America?

http://www.ytca.org/breeder1.html

There are a lot of Yorkies in rescue, too.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

Thank you. I am looking now

[Giselle]

I really encourage you to check out rescues first. Because Yorkies are so popular in pet stores and such, there is usually a large number of Yorkies in rescue.

Yorkshire Terrier Rescue Network, Inc.
Dr. Dale A Heisler, DVM
2311 Freeway Dr.
Reidsville, NC 27320
(336)349-4918 fax: (336)349-7639
[email protected]
http://www.yorkshireterrierrescue.net

United Yorkie Rescue Inc (serves all states)
http://www.yorkierescue.org

But if you do decide to go to a breeder, be absolutely sure you're going to a breeder who's breeding ethically. It's not enough to bring their dogs to the vet every year for check-ups. They MUST health test their dogs via OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation). In fact, those two tests are now required by the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. If you find a breeder you like, demand to see the dogs' test results of PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), luxating patellas, thyroid, and perhaps Legg-Calve-Perthes. If the breeder hasn't even heard of these tests or assures you they've never had these diseases appear in their stock, run the other way. They're simply trying to sell you a product, but you're looking for a responsibly bred puppy. It may take awhile, but it is worth it.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

I talked to a breeder today, and she has one female left. She said that she does genetic and/or congenital(sp?) test prior to breeding. She said that I MUST sign a spay contract PRIOR to picking up the puppy and do a house check. Of course she is pet quality(could never afford a show quality!) She also said that I have a health guarantee. I made an appointment to meet with her and the puppy and parents later this week.

What should I look for?