What should i look for in buying a yorkie?

i want to get a yorkie in may or june. i want a smaller one, but i heard they need lots of special attention being so small. like only 2 lbs? i dont want one that small but more like 5 or 6. is that okay? and what about male or female, which is better to have?i dont breed and i dont know if i would want to, isnt it a big deal? like shots, certification, that sort of thing, but i guess it would be worth the money, i heard they need c-sections to have the puppies too.


what else should i look for?

What should i look for in buying a yorkie?
Visit the AKC website and click on the breeders link for Yorkshire terriers. You can contact some reputable breeders who can tell you all about what to expect from the breed and if it will match your lifestyle. You may also find a responsible breeder with pups who can match a pup to your personality and needs. Good luck...please don't get involved in breeding dogs-leave it to the responsible pros. If you do decide to breed,have a responsible breeder mentor you.
Reply:The number one piece of advice I have for you is to buy from a REPUTABLE breeder. If you want a healthy Yorkie, your going to have to pay the price. Responsible and reputable Yorkie breeders are few and far between. I. personally, have had 4 family members, including myself, loose their Yorkies due to bad breeding in the last 10 years. It's an epidemic.





As for breeding them. DON'T! They are extremely hard to breed. You really need to be experienced in breeding to do this. Also, if your breeding to make money, than your breeding for the WRONG and SELFISH REASONS. Backyard breeders, breed for money. You really have to cut corners to make any money. No repuatble breeder is making much money. They are doing it to better the breed and because they love this breed. It's not a source of income. Don't treat it as one.





Wonderpuppy.net is a good source of information for purchasing/finding a good breeder and what questions to ask. It has information on Registeries - NOT ALL REGISTERIES ARE LEGIT! Just because a dog is registered doesn't mean it's registered through a legit ands reputable one. It also has a great article about "Backyard Breeder Vs. Reputable Breeder".





Article: Is this Breeder Reputable?





1. A reputable breeder requires that pet-quality animals be spayed or neutered. Be wary of breeders who do not mention altering.





2. A reputable breeder requires a contract, which varies from breeder to breeder, but usually spells out the rights of seller and buyer, health information, altering and buy-back/return policy.





3. A reputable breeder shows a general interest in, love for and knowledge about the breed. He or she cares about placing puppies in good homes and will often interview potential buyers thoroughly, ask for references and refuse to sell a dog if necessary.





4. A reputable breeder will guarantee a puppy's general health for a certain period of time (which varies from state to state under puppy lemon laws). While no one can guarantee against inheritable diseases, a reputable breeder is well-informed about genetic problems in her particular breed or bloodlines, routinely has dogs/pups tested for problems and passes this information along to buyers. Beware of breeders who scoff at genetic testing and say their particular breed/line is problem-free.





5. The environment (kennel or home) in which the breeder keeps the dogs should be clean and well-maintained. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS ON THIS!





6. A reputable breeder is actively involved in the dog fancy, including showing or breed clubs. While there are exceptions--a retired individual who has shown dogs for 20 years--a person who is not involved with others in the breed can be suspect.





7. A reputable breeer is willing to provide answers to questions you may have and is willing to privide names of others who have purchased pups.





8. A reputable breeder will allow you to meet the puppy's parents if available and, if the father isn't available, be willing to show pictures.





9. A reputable breeder follows up on puppies. He or she is interested in how the pups develop physically and mentally, difficulties in the owner/dog relationship and health problems.





10. A reputable breeder rarely has more than 4 litters a year.





A REPUTABLE BREEDER NEVER SELLS TO A PET SHOP NOR DO THEY OFFER PUPPIES FOR AUCTION OR AT FLEA MARKETS!








Article: Some things to consider before breeding your dog:





Breeding dogs can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. Of course it's not as simple as deciding to breed and starting. There are some important things you need to ask, and honestly answer before you can breed with a clear conscience.


With so many unwanted puppies you need to be sure you can find good homes for all the puppies. There are far too many unwanted pets in the world. If you are wanting to breed because you feel you have a lot of time, resources and love to give - rather consider adopting one of the many millions of homeless pets and giving your love in this way.





You will need to have your ***** thoroughly checked by the veterinarian before thinking about allowing your ***** to become pregnant. Lingering and chronic medical conditions must be identified and sorted out before pregnancy. If something is found that would indicate that pregnancy is dangerous for your ***** (for example Daschunds have severe back problems which can be exacerbated by pregnancy) the problem needs to be sorted out.





While at the vet you will also need to ask many questions. Doing your homework helps here too - if you are going to do this there are a great deal of things you will need to know about. And many unforeseen circumstances you might find yourself in. You must know a great deal about all aspects of your bitches reproduction before you go ahead.





Caring for puppies also takes significant resources. You will need to commit to a great deal of extra time on your part. Caring for a pregnant, whelping and lactating ***** is time consuming enough, not to mention caring for the puppies.





Financially you will need to prepare for the added veterinarian costs, both for your ***** and the necessary vaccines for the puppies. If you cannot afford the medical costs then under no circumstances should you breed with your *****.





A litter can be as large as 12 puppies which will place an enormous financial strain on you. Unless both dogs are of very good breeding you might not see any return on your investment.





Emotionally the process can also have its ups and downs for you and your family. Are you prepared for the possibility of sick, deformed or even dead puppies? How will your children react? How will you deal with these kinds of issues?





Examine your motives carefully. Don't breed because you think you will be able to make some profit for yourself. This is both false and selfish. Don’t' breed only because you think it will be a joyous experience for your children. If something goes wrong it won't be quite as joyful. Lastly if you are clinging to false fantasies about cute puppies and no other work then think again.





Remember - every puppy you create is your responsibility and that can be quite a monumental thing. This means if owners of the puppies cannot care for them anymore you will need to take them back.





It's hard, messy work and there is an endless list of things that can go wrong.





This said, allowing your ***** to mate can be a very rewarding experience. If you are sure you have considered all the aspects, are well read and sure you have enough love, time and money to go round - then enjoy the experience. It's amazing to watch the miracle of life unfold before you. If you have children it will be both educational and memorable experience.





At its best; breeding should be a careful blend between science and art. Are you really prepared for all the responsibility that comes with breeding?





Article: Should I breed my dog?





Many people go into breeding for reasons that are not well-educated or realistic. With the alarming number of both pure bred and mixed breed dogs being euthanized every year because they had no homes it is absolutely crucial that a person go into breeding for serious, rational reasons and for none of the following:





1. My dog is so cute and wonderful, my neighbors love him and alot of people have said they would like to have a dogs just like him(her)





2. A dog makes a better pet after it has had a litter (False. Dogs actually become more territorial, and their chances of cancer and other deadly diseases increase by over 90% when they are bred)





3. I want my children to see the miracle of birth





4. My dog is purebred and has papers





5. I want another dog just like mine





6. I can make a little extra money





7. I want to create a new breed





8. My neighbor really wants my dog to breed with theirs





9. It would be fun





10. I like puppies and want alot of them








If you really aren't sure, and think you really want to breed your dog, do as a very wise breeder once told a group of young would-be breeders "Walk through an animal shelter, if you can look into the eyes of every dog that is cowering alone and afraid in those cages and be absolutely certain so help you God that no dog you ever bring into this world will ever be among them for any reason, EVER, for as long as you live, then you can be a dog breeder"
Reply:Go to http://www.petfinder.com and look for one to adopt.





Please do NOT breed! It is dangerous for the dog, and there are so many purebred (and mixed) puppies that die every day. We are talking about thousands of homeless puppies and dogs that need to be killed to make room for the thousands more that will be born...very very sad.





If you rescue, you will be saving the life of 2 dogs, the one you rescue and the one you open a space for by adopting...





Good luck!
Reply:Definitely do NOT get a teacup, dollface, extra small yorkie. These poor pups usually don't live as long as standard yorkies (around 7lbs), plus, they oftentimes have health problems maybe not initially but later on they do. I would much rather get a healthy pup that will live a long time, rather than having a 'cute' pocket sized dog that you will grow attach to and love very much, but might not be as 'healthy' as a regular one would. Still standard yorkies are VERY small! I would def. buy from a reputable breeder and make sure you get a health guarantee. Also, take your pup to the vet right after you get them for a puppy checkup. You want to make sure you are getting a healthy, happy pup, especially since yorkies are very expensive anyways. I would also want to see where your pup is coming from, don't buy over the internet! I prefer buying pups from breeders that have mom and dad on hand and are not just overbreeding dogs to make money. Don't buy frmo a puppy mill (pet store, etc). Make sure your pup is coming from a loving home.
Reply:Go to the AKC site at akc.org %26amp;READ THE BREED STANDARD!!!





ONLY deal w/a REPUTABLE breeder who does NOT sell ON-LINE *OR* to petstores ! That WILL put you on contract to spay/neuter %26amp; will NOT allow "full" registration on pet-stuff!





ONLY deal w/somebody BREEDS TO THE STANDARD %26amp; SHOWS their stock %26amp; NEVER uses "teacup" except as a CURSE against the CROOKS who peddle CRAP!