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Posted by Pat B! on August 15, 2008, 1:36 pm, in reply to "Planning to buy a Yorkie pup"
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is at a dog show. Even if you're not looking for "a show dog", all show breeders produce non-show-quality puppies that they want to place in good pet homes. Here is a page where you can search for shows in your area:
http://www.infodog.com/showinfo/state.htm
Do some homework before you go. Read up on the breed, and learn about the grooming requirements, temperament, any particular health issues, etc. Asking questions from a well-informed base will be far more likely to impress a breeder than just walking up and saying "How much are your puppies?".
And in fact, make sure the "How much?" question doesn't get asked until you've spent some time talking about other things involved in getting and caring for a dog. A breeder who thinks that you're too concerned about the cost of obtaining a dog might worry that you'd be hesitant to spend the money it takes to continue to provide care throughout that dog's lifetime. And believe me - the purchase price of your dog is just a small part of what that dog will cost you throughout his/her life. However, it's money well spent!
At the show, be aware that not all breeders want to talk before they go in the ring. Be courteous, and ask "Is now a good time to talk?". Some will be perfectly happy to talk with your before they show. But if they say no, and ask you to come back after they're done showing, don't take that as a brush-off, because it's not. Let them get their showing out of the way, and then come back when you said you would to ask your questions.
And be prepared to spend some time at this. A good breeder is likely to have a waiting list. It's not like a pet store where you can just walk in, plop down your plastic, and walk out with a dog.
But don't let this get you impatient. Yorkies can live into their teens. You're going to have this dog for a while, so spending time up front to find a healthy, well-adjusted dog from a breeder you like (because you're going to be calling this person for information and support as time goes on) is absolutely the right way to do it.
Good luck on your puppy search, and remember that the searching part can be almost as much fun as when you finally find your new dog!
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