| Yorkshire Terriers, Yorkies for short, are a joy to have | | | | sufficient or able to be separated from their dam until |
| around and make great and well-loved family pets for | | | | they are 3 months of age or older. Before this time |
| many homes. For these reasons, the popularity of the | | | | they are very susceptible to health conditions such as |
| breed has seen phenomenal growth over the past | | | | hypoglycemia and allergies to vaccinations. For these |
| few years. Currently, the Yorkshire Terrier is the breed | | | | reasons, it is important to never buy a Yorkshire |
| to have and buy for many families looking for the | | | | Terrier puppy younger than this age or before it has |
| perfect canine companion. But before you get caught | | | | had at least two of the three required rounds of |
| up in the rush to buy one of these adorable puppies, | | | | vaccinations. Any breeder who wants to bypass the |
| there are a few things to consider to ensure that you | | | | waiting period and sell their puppies earlier than 3 |
| buy the best puppy that you can possibly find. | | | | months does not have the health of the puppy in mind |
| Generally, the Yorkshire Terrier is a lively and hardy | | | | and would likely not be the best breeder to deal with. |
| breed, but just as with all purebreds, they can be prone | | | | Another must have when dealing with a breeder is a |
| to developing certain health and behavioral conditions | | | | sales contract and a guarantee. If a breeder is not |
| which can make them hard to deal with and | | | | prepared to guarantee their puppies' health in writing, |
| expensive to care for. By doing a little research and | | | | then you may end up with an expensive puppy that |
| taking a few precautionary assessments before | | | | only lives a few short months. A good guarantee will |
| deciding which puppy to buy, you can greatly reduce | | | | replace your puppy or refund your money for any |
| your chances of purchasing a puppy that will cause | | | | congenital defects found within the first year. |
| you a lot of heartache down the road. | | | | Also have a thorough knowledge of the AKC |
| The most important thing to consider when buying a | | | | standard for the Yorkshire Terrier breed before going |
| puppy is the breeder. Before even looking at puppies | | | | to look at puppies. By following the AKC standard, you |
| you should have a good knowledge of the breeder | | | | will have a good idea what to look for in certain |
| and several referrals indicating that he or she is a top | | | | puppies. Considering that most reputable breeders only |
| of the line breeder with the best interests of the | | | | have a limited number of puppies available, and then |
| Yorkie breed at heart. If you have any qualms about a | | | | they are available only occasionally, it may take a lot |
| breeder, do not buy a puppy from him or her, | | | | of puppy shopping before you actually find a puppy |
| regardless of how cute or healthy a puppy appears to | | | | that meets all of the standards. If you are planning to |
| be. | | | | show or breed your dog, your wait may be even |
| Here's why: A good breeder is conscious of the | | | | longer. So, be prepared to not find your Yorkie on the |
| inherent characteristics that are common in the | | | | first go round, actually expect it. Then you won't be |
| Yorkshire Terrier breed. A competent breeder will not | | | | disappointed. |
| breed all of their dogs just because they are | | | | Do not be fooled by breeders trying to push "miniature" |
| registered and pedigreed; they will select only the best | | | | Yorkies. There is no such thing as a "miniature" Yorkie, |
| Yorkies for breeding to minimize undesirable traits, both | | | | just Yorkies that are smaller than others. In most |
| health related and behavioral related, and to maximize | | | | cases, very small Yorkie puppies passed off as |
| desirable traits. Certain congenital birth defects are also | | | | "miniature" are actually the runt of the litter and prone |
| a result of careless breeding. So, choosing a | | | | to health problems such as thyroid disease. |
| competent breeder increases your chances of having | | | | Remember to keep all of these pointers in mind when |
| a healthy and happy Yorkie. | | | | looking for your new Yorkie. By doing so, you will |
| A good breeder also invests in the proper care for all | | | | ensure that your new puppy is a happy and healthy |
| of their new puppies. Yorkie puppies are extremely | | | | addition to your family. |
| fragile when born and do not really become self | | | | |