Although it is a time consuming process, the effort you put into finding a good breeder is the most important step in owning a Yorkie.
Choosing a Yorkshire Terrier - or a "Yorkie" as they are affectionately called - is not a difficult decision. These adorable dogs are wonderful companions that adapt well to an apartment or a family. Choosing your breeder, however, is not as easy.
There are good breeders, and there are bad breeders. Although it is a time consuming process, the effort you put into finding a good breeder is the most important step in owning a Yorkie. Good places to start looking for a breeder are through friends, through kennel clubs or other dog organizations, or the Internet.
The wonderful thing about having a friend who knows a good Yorkie breeder is that not only do you get a personal reference, but you probably also know a dog from that breeder. Friends who have Yorkies are an excellent source of information about your future dog. Although it may seem like all dogs of one breed can act alike, different breeders look for certain personality traits just as much as they look for a shiny coat. As a result, some breeders have very friendly puppies while other breeders may not. To be fair, though, the way you raise your dog also has a large impact on his personality.
If you do not have a friend who can give you a reference, try going to your local kennel club or even dog groomer. Yorkies are known for their long coats, so local groomers probably see a lot of Yorkies. They may know of the best breeders around, or, at least, they can put you in contact with other Yorkie owners.
The last place you can begin to look for a breeder is on the Internet. A simple search will bring you to dozens of Yorkie breeders, but the best course of action is to search numerous times until you feel you have a group of potentially reputable breeders in your area. That they are relatively close to you (within a few hours drive) is important, as reputable breeders will not subject their puppies to being shipped to their new owners.
No matter how you find a breeder, how can you tell if he or she is a good breeder? First, ask about references from other customers - people who have bought their Yorkie from that breeder. If the breeder is not willing to give you names and numbers of prior customers, you should be very, very suspicious. When you do speak to the references, ask questions about how the Yorkie behaved after he was first adopted, how he seemed to adapt, and the owner's overall impression of the breeder.
Another important step in evaluating a breeder is to see how he raises his puppies. Ideally, the puppies should be kept in the house (not in pens outside), and no matter where they live, their living space should be kept clean and cozy for them. A good buzzword to bring up with breeders is "socialization." This word generally refers to how the breeder helps the dogs adapt to the outside world: other people, other animals, noise, sleeping, training, etc. In short, you want the breeder to treat the puppies the same way you will treat your pup - despite the fact that he has many more to take care of. Since he is a breeder, it is his job to raise numerous pups.
Also ask the breeder about health guarantees. Like all breeds, Yorkies are prone to certain health problems, like liver shunts, thyroid and kidney problems. This is not to say that your dog will develop these conditions, but be aware that health problems like these are always a possibility. Different breeders have different health guarantees for their pets. Some offer a lifetime guarantee against inherited health issues, and other breeders may offer no guarantee at all. No matter what your breeder offers, make sure to ask about the parents of the puppy and any health problems in the past lines. A good breeder will know the answers to these questions.
Additionally, the breeder should give instructions on how to properly care for your Yorkie. He should clearly instruct you on the shots your dog will need, plus other ways to take care of him. This concern is another sign of a good breeder: he should care about his puppy that is being adopted as much as you do. In fact, many breeders require pictures and other updates from you for the life of your Yorkie.
Other things to look for in a good breeder are the amount of time he has been breeding, the age of the dam (mother), and the paperwork you will receive. Like anything else, the more time the breeder has devoted himself to Yorkies, the more comfortable you can feel buying your dog from him. Conversely, the dam should not be too old or too young. Between two to about seven years old is the ideal age a female Yorkie should be breeding. Lastly, like all business transactions, a fair amount of paperwork is the norm. Generally, you should receive health records for the mother and father of your puppy and for the puppy itself. You will also sign a contract with your breeder, get proof of the health guarantee he offers, and whatever other identification papers he offers.
Deciding to have a Yorkie is decision that should not be taken lightly. You should do a lot of research on the breed itself in addition to the breeder. Use several different sources to educate yourself on breeders and on how to raise a dog since no one source is complete. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you will be with your Yorkie, and the happier he will be with you.
