Finding a Good Yorkie Breeder

Not everybody who says they breed quality yorkies or parti yorkies actually breeds quality yorkies. Unfortunately there are breeders out there who just breed to make a quick buck instead of breeding to better the breed.

Since parti yorkies are fairly new and are just becoming popular, I have noticed a lot of new breeders popping up that aren't really breeding quality parti yorkie puppies. They will do anything or say anything just to sell a puppy. And since we all know parti yorkie puppies do not come cheap, here are a few tips on finding a good parti yorkie puppy, especially if you plan on breeding them now or in the future:

1. Be sure to ask for the parti yorkie's pedigree. It's always good to know where your puppy is coming from and their bloodline. It's always a plus if the puppy has championship bloodline.
2. You are going to want to make sure that the coat on the parti yorkie is nice, thick and silky. There are parti yorkies out there with the "cotton" feeling hair. You wanna steer clear of these. Nobody really wants them these days. You want a nice parti yorkie with thick, soft, silky hair.
3. Be sure to ask about the bite on the parti yorkie. If there is an underbite or overbite, this decreases the value of the parti yorkie because it is hereditary and will be passed on to any future puppies.
4. Make sure the parti yorkie you are buying is in good health and has no hereditary diseases that can be passed on to future puppies.
5. Make sure that your parti yorkie puppy is AKC registered. If not, they may not even be a parti yorkie. They could just be a Biewer Yorkshire Terrier a la Pom-Pon, which is very different than a parti yorkie. And believe me, I have seen people trying to pass them off as parti yorkies.
6. Make sure that the puppy is actually a full parti yorkie and not a parti yorkie carrier. I have seen people trying to sell parti carriers and trying to pass them as full parti yorkies. There is a big difference.
7. Lastly, if there is somebody selling a parti yorkie for cheap, this should be an immediate sign to you. Parti yorkies are not cheap. If somebody is selling one for cheap, then there is something wrong with that parti yorkie or that breeder is not a reputable breeder to buy from.

Below are tips from The Humane Society of the United States on finding a good breeder.

Look for a breeder who at a minimum:

1. Keeps her dogs in the home and as part of the family--not outside in kennel runs.
2. Has dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and don't shy away from visitors.
3. Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time--an area that is clean and well maintained.
4. Encourages you to spend time with the puppy's parents--at a minimum, the pup's mother--when you visit.
5. Breeds only one or two types of dogs, and is knowledgeable about what is called "breed standards" (the desired characteristics of the breed in areas such as size, proportion, coat, color and temperament).
6. Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian and shows you the records of veterinary visits for the puppies. Explains the puppies' medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.
7. Is well versed in the potential genetic problems inherent in the breed--there are specific genteic concerns for every breed--and explains to you what those concerns are. The breeder should have had the puppy's parents tested (and should have the results from the parents' parents) to ensure they are free of those defects, and she should be able to provide you with the documentation for all testing she has done through organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals(OFA).
8. Gives you guidance on caring and training for your puppy and is available for your assistance after you take your puppy home.
9. Provides references of other families who have purchased puppies from her.
10. Feeds high quality "premium" brand food.
11. Doesn't always have puppies available but rather will keep a list of interested people for the next available litter.
12. Actively competes with her dogs in conformation trials (which judge how closely dogs match their "breed standard"), obedience trials (which judge how well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility trials. Good breeders will also work with local, state, and national clubs that specialize in their specific breeds.
13. Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy before you take your puppy home.
14. Provides you with a written contract and health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly. The breeder should not require that you use a specific veterinarian.

In addition to the above criteria, you'll want a breeder who requires some things of you, too. A reputable breeder doesn't just sell her puppies to the first interested buyer!

The breeder should require you to:

1. Explain why you want a dog.
2. Tell her who in the family will be responsible for the pup's daily care, who will attend training classes, where the dog will spend most of her time, and what "rules" have been decided upon for the puppy--for example, will the dog be allowed on furniture?
3. Provide a veterinary reference if you already have pets or, if you don't have other pets, she should ask which practices you are considering for your new puppy.
4. Provide proof from your landlord or condominium board (if you rent or live in a condominium complex) that you are allowed to have companion animals.
5. Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be actively involved in showing him or her (which applies to show-quality dogs only).
6. Sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dog's life.