SO YOU WANT TO BUY A YORKIE!
Written by: Claudia Robinson
Yorkies come in all sizes, shapes, and temperament.
And so do breeders!!! A reputable breeder is dedicated to improving the breed and breeding to the standard. It may take years to accomplish.
Let’s break it down to a couple of categories:
Breeding Quality/Quality Yorkies
Please note that not all quality Yorkies are good for breeding. When looking at breeding, one must factor in other characteristics, such as size. No honest breeder would breed a dam that is small.
Yorkies meeting this criteria will have the following attributes:
HEAD
Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart
BODY
Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the backline level, with height at shoulder the same as at the rump.
TAIL
Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back.
LEGS & FEET
Forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.
COAT
Quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.
What to expect from a breeder of Quality Yorkies?
Expect the breeder to interview you. What is your household composition? Do you have a fenced yard? Who is your vet? What do you know about Yorkies? Are you familiar with hypoglycemia?
The breeder will also know the personality of the puppy, the genetic history of his/her line, and will be willing to answer all your questions honestly.
Contrary to some opinions, most breeders of quality Yorkies will not invite you to their home. Too many breeders have allowed strangers into their home only to be attacked and have their puppies stolen. Additionally, the primary responsibility of the breeder is to protect the puppies and the dam. Strangers handling puppies is stressful for the mother and can cause her milk to dry up. The puppies have not been immunized and must also be protected from parasites and bacteria that can be brought into the home. The breeder will gladly provide frequent photos and keep you in the loop as the puppy grows and reaches an age to go to their new home.
Breeding quality, healthy Yorkshire Terriers is an enormous financial commitment, matched only by the breeders dedication to research and 24/7 analysis of each puppies development, stimulation and socialization.
Why is a quality Yorkie expensive?
A quality breeder will have thousands of dollars invested in each litter. They will have paid up to $5,000 for each parent pup, completed genetic testing to assure healthy breeding. Add to that, prenatal care that may include ultrasound, x-ray, and dietary changes. Yorkies have a high frequency of c sections. That may add another $2,000. The equipment a quality breeder purchases may include, incubators, oxygen, whelping boxes, scales, and the tools necessary to assist in the birth. When the puppies are born, there are vet checks, tail docking, dew claw removal, and vaccines. All this invested and perhaps one or two puppies.
Most reputable breeders will sell their puppies on a spay/neuter contract. They have spent years developing the right look and health, and do not want to risk their babies be bred diluting the line. Protective? You bet! When your investment can be between $50,000 and $100,000, you protect it.