It is amazing how small our world has become through the internet. In the search for a puppy you don't even have to leave your home. Unfortunately, a lot of the breeder lists available on the internet contain names of puppy mills and not-so-reputable breeders. Please proceed very cautiously if you choose to use one of these services. What we would suggest instead is that you try find help through one of these sources:
2. A local All Breed Kennel Club in your area
3. The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America
4. If you hit a dead end and need more help, send us an e-mail and we'll try to help.
The following are things that we consider very important to know before you purchase a new puppy:
1. We believe a yorkie should be at least 12 weeks old before going to a new home. Some would say they can go younger, and some puppies probably can; but 12 weeks puts you past the fragile first few weeks, and past the fear/imprint period, and seems to us to be about as young as they should go. Be wary of anyone who will sell you a yorkie puppy under 8 weeks of age.
2. Be sure that you purchase your puppy from the actual breeder - not someone selling puppies for someone else. This is called a broker, and many times puppies from a broker come from puppy mills.
3. Pet stores that sell dogs or cats fall under the category of brokers. Pet stores are one of the main reasons puppy mills are able to remain in business. By purchasing anything at a pet store that sells dogs or cats, even if you just buy a toy, you are helping prolong the time that puppy mills will remain in business. Please do not shop at a pet store that sells dogs or cats.
4. Don't buy the first puppy you see. Try to visit several breeders and see their puppies. Ask lots of questions. Then you will be prepared to make an informed decision.
5. Any good breeder will be willing to stand behind their dogs 100%. They will guarantee their health and be willing to replace the puppy if something goes wrong. They want to be called when there are problems. In addition, most good breeders are very concerned about the long term happiness of the pets they sell. They will likely tell you that if your lifestyle changes, you have to move . . . or for whatever reason you are no longer able to care for the dog, the dog must be returned to the breeder. If you find a breeder like this, you have most likely found a good one that truly cares about the dogs they are breeding.
5. When you decide on a new puppy, plan to pick the puppy up on a day when you can take the new puppy straight to your vet for an exam before taking the puppy home. That way, if something is wrong you can return the puppy right away before you get attached.
6. Make arrangements with your vet to have your pet spayed or neutered as soon as possible. By spaying or neutering you are increasing the length of your pet's life by eliminating the risk of many types of cancer. A long time ago people thought that they should let female dogs come in season once before they are spayed; this is no longer the case. Most vets agree that this is unnecessary. The younger a male dog is neutered the more likely that he will not lift his leg and mark territory in you house. This can be very messy, but can also be prevented by neutering at a young age.