South East Texas Yorkies

Buyers are encouraged to do their homework, do lots of research, and be realistic.  There are a few basic rules to follow but common sense will help you the most.  Yorkies are a lifetime investment; so think of this process as you would any other really expensive item you want to keep forever.  Your family and this puppy will be lifetime companions and the kennel from which you purchase should be a safety net for your puppy throughout its lifetime. 

Choosing the right “kind” of kennel:

It is hard to categorize breeders since we all began somewhere.  Breeders with 15 dogs or 5 can have equally effective breeding programs. Almost every breeder began small and increased in size as they themselves matured as a breeder.  Some have 2000 sq foot facilities some have small areas in their homes.  One is not necessarily better than the other.  Don’t be afraid of small or large breeders.  Do use some caution with breeders with multiple breeds that are not closely related.  Specialization is often the key to a quality breeding program.  Focus on conditions, conditions, conditions.  Did I mention conditions? Kennels should be clean, but don’t expect a hospital like atmosphere, we are after all working with animals. Accidents happen, messes happen, dogs bark, and that is the way it works. On the other hand, don’t accept a puppy from a kennel with obvious unsanitary conditions.   Look for clean water and feed bowls, free of debis of any kind.  Individual feed and water bowls should be available.  Not all dogs are on the same feeding schedule; thus, feeding all of the dogs in a kennel out of the same bowl is not optimal.  Most kennels have a feeding schedule for each animal.  Crates or kennels should be clean and tidy with no more than two dogs per kennel and one dog per crate.  Crates or kennels should be free of dried urine or feces.  Kennels should be cleaned throughouly once a day at least and waste should be picked up upon recognition of it.  The breeder should immediately begin tidding up even if she has to stop “selling” inorder to take care of a mess, ect… Again, don’t expect to never see a mess what so ever, dogs soil the area around them from time to time.  Buyers can’t expect 100% mess free / rosy smelling kennels.  That is unrealistic.   Be aware that  bitches look bad for a while after whelping, and are probably clipped up well. We don’t look like a fashion model after giving birth. Don’t expect a breeder’s bitch to be in full coat all combed out waiting for her photo shoot. It is just not realistic. In fact, none of the dogs in a kennel should look like they never get out of the crate. All of the dogs should look like they get out of their crates, play outside, and are secure in their surroundings.  Never expect every dog in the kennel to have that fresh from the groomer look.  It also isn’t realistic.    

Knowledge of the breed:

In a perfect world, all breeders would breed specifically for improvement.  However, that world simply doesn’t exist.  As our perception of what a Yorkie or any pet should be changes, so does the breed standards.  Most reputable breeders will strive for AKC’s standard understanding that this standard changes from time to time based on public preferance.  The last revision to AKC’s standard was in 1966.  That said, public preferance has changed a great deal.  Today’s consumer is looking for small “purse” size dogs.  Although it should be rare for a kennel to produce this size dog, it does happen.  A kennel’s entire reuptation should not be built on the word “tea cup.”  By breeding to improve, rather than produce a certain size, breeders become knowledgable about the traits each female / male combination produces and can effectively evaluate each litter.  These breeders are better equipt to detect health problems and poor quality early and can give much better advise to the buyer as to the quality of the puppy they are considering.  If the sole purpose of every litter is to produce tiny dogs, beware.  Your breeder should be able to answer any questions you have, thus specialization being the key.    Breeders should know about other kennels and what types of puppies they produce.  Even if the kennel you are considering does not have a show program, the breeder should have some idea of what else is out there as compared to her dogs.  Buyers should ALWAYS be welcome to visit the kennel.  NEVER meet at another location.   

 Why are these dogs so expensive and who can I trust…:

To put it bluntly, expect to pay for a quality puppy. Truly dedicated breeders spend a great deal of time and expense on their bitches, sires, and puppies. This should be rewarded not haggled over. Breeders provide a service just like any other working person.  You, as an employee, expect to be paid for your service to your company (you probably don’t believe you make enough for your work).  Breeders are no different.  For some, raising dogs is a hobby and for others it is their income.  Good quality pets are a reflection of the kennel in which they are whelped. Your breeder’s primary concern should be the best placement and over all health of the puppy even if it cost them a sale. I disagree that reputable breeders only produce puppies over 4 lbs. Great yorkies come in all shapes and sizes. Ask to see breeding records at the kennel and an explanation of the breeder’s overall program.  Kennel records should have information on various litters, sizes of each puppy, health info, vaccination info, etc… SEE THE PAPERS ON BOTH DIRE & DAME and Request a Litter number at the time of your purchase.   You should feel almost overwhelmed by the amount information. If breeding is serious for them, regardless of how large or small the operation, this information will be available. If anything is secretive, it is probably not worth your time.

Ethical Breeding practices are important: 

Ethical breeding practices insure that bitches are rested from time to time. Every kennel is different; however, resting is essential to a good program.  Males should be DNA typed with AKC especially if he is used as a stud outside the kennel.  A quality breeder always works to balance the dog’s needs, the buyer’s expectations and her own financial needs.  Be cautious with breeders who “down” other breeders.  It can be a "dog eat dog world" (excuse the pun). Business should never be about downing someone else to make a sale.  No kennel is perfect.  Buyers should look to breeders that sell their own merits and the merits of their puppies and overall customer service. 

Healthy Guarantees and Contracts

Many breeders sell on a spay / neuter contract.  There are some different schools of thought on this.  The intention a breeder has for these type contracts can be different.  Just ask.  In its simplest terms, if the reasoning makes sense to you, then it is probably ok.  All breeders should offer some type of health guarantee.  Be aware of the different health issues that can be a problem for yorkies.  Address these concerns specifically with the breeder.  READ the contract before you sign it.  Make sure it contains litter numbers, dam and sire numbers, ect.  A good contract will have more information than you could ever need.   Some breeders also include a waiting list clause in their contract if needed.  Often, we sell on a waiting list basis and must have some way of managing that aspect of the business.  Generally, such clauses are specifically addressed by the buyer and the breeder prior to any deposits being placed.