| Can You Handle A Yorkie? Not everyone or every family is right for every breed. Yorkies are special. Answer some of the following questions to see if YOU are right for a Yorkie. Have you ever had a dog of your own before? Would you allow the dog on your furniture and bed? Would you have time to train a dog? Do you love your carpeting? Do you have small children? Would you take the dog to an obedience class? Would you have time to groom the dog and brush it�s teeth? You must do some research about the breed. Ask yourself WHY you think you want a Yorkie. Here is some general information to help: Yorkies range in size from 2 lbs to 20 lbs. Yes! 20 lbs! Generally 8 - 12 lbs Some Yorkies are larger and some are smaller but there is no such thing as a �teacup� Yorkie. Yorkies are terriers - stubborn and bull headed. They have a mind of their own. They can be domineering. Yorkies rule the home. They can be very demanding! They often do not like: Men (large and frightening) Small children (these are seen as prey animals) other dogs (seen as competition for owner�s affection) These dogs were bred to face down cornered vermin - rats! They would kill them - they have no fear - even of large dogs which can mean death or injury to the Yorkie if they are not closely supervised outdoors. Also, an electronic fence will not keep out a large dog intent on getting at your Yorkie. Now for the most important caution: YORKIES ARE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO HOUSEBREAK!!! Read that three times. Will this issue come between you and your Yorkie? Where can I get a Yorkie puppy and how do I find a good breeder? If you are going to buy a Yorkie you need to find the best breeder. Look for a professional at Yorkie Specialty Shows. These breeders also exhibit and finish their dogs to their Championships, generation after generation. It is important to distinguish between Professional Breeders and "back yard" breeders. The Professionals make their living or part of their living by raising, showing and selling dogs. They usually have many years of study and experience in the art and science of creating the best qualities in their breed. The "back yard" breeder may breed their female once to show the kids how puppies are born, or may mate little "Fifi" with the dog down the street. They do no research as to whether the animals and their pedigrees are compatible. They just "make puppies", and usually offer no replacement guarantee. The professional considers their breeding reputation to be very important. They have been in the same breed for ten years or more. Make no mistake about it, dogs from the professional breeder will not be cheap considering the high cost of veterinary care. Although buying from a professional offers no guarantee of getting a quality puppy, as all living things mature differently, it typically is a lot safer than buying from an amateur whose experience is limited to breeding their own dog once or twice, like the �back yard" breeders. Finding a good breeder is probably as hard as finding a good anything. They are few and far between. However, since starting out with a well-bred dog will spare you more problems and save you more money than you know, it is always worth the time it takes to find one. One rule of thumb is that the more a breeder seems to want to sell you a dog, or claims to have �teacups� for sale, the faster you should leave the premises. Professional breeders are in it for the long term and take their business very seriously. They are not selling you a "product". They are letting you adopt someone they love. They will know each pup's name and the warm emotion in their voice as they describe each distinct personality will assure you that your future pal has been well taken care of, physically and emotionally. The most important thing for a prospective Yorkie owner to do is to learn everything you can about Yorkshire Terriers and then go out "shopping." The more Dog Shows you attend and breeders you visit, the more you will appreciate the real thing when you find it. Basic things to look for when you visit a breeder: the pups and their surroundings are clean; how many puppies there are at least one, but preferably both of the parents are on-site; there is a contract that spells out the breeder's liability and a guarantee on health and temperament; the price is competitive -- very expensive puppies are rarely worth it; don't rush it -- you are choosing a potential member of the family; trust your gut feelings. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. Don't take home a puppy under twelve weeks of age. Let the breeder get a couple of immunization shots in that pup before you bring it home. Insist on seeing where your puppy lives. Remember that back yard pet breeders may not ever breed their dog again so your chances of getting your money back or a replacement puppy if something should happen to your puppy, are limited if you are dealing with this kind of breeder. Don't buy a puppy just to save it from a filthy situation; you're better off turning those people in and letting the authorities deal with them! The right dog and breeder for you is out there if you take the time to find them. To read more about Yorkies on-line, go to: www.Shooterdog.com To see Yorkies up for adoption, go to: www.petfinder.org/shelters/PA165.htm Contact Save A Yorkie Rescue (610) 678-0918 (610) 670-2183 Email: [email protected] NEVER BUY A PET STORE PUPPY! |
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