There are so many important things to think about when deciding to add a new puppy to your family. You may have been doing a lot of research about the Yorkshire Terrier breed. Now, you might have come to the conclusion that the time is right for you to get a puppy. Where are you planning to get your new Yorkshire Terrier puppy? If you are thinking about buying a Yorkshire Terrier puppy from a breeder, you will probably want them to be a legitimate and respected breeder.
One nice place where you may find some breeders is actually at a dog show. After the breeders show their dogs sometimes they have a little time to answer some of your questions about the Yorkshire Terrier breed. The breeder could tell you if they currently have any puppies or upcoming Yorkshire Terrier litters in the near future. Good breeders are usually very knowledgeable about their dogs and they are known to breed the Yorkshire Terrier dogs for the actual betterment of the breed.
Some example questions that people ask the breeders:
1. If the breeder would happen to live close to you, you may decide to ask if you would be allowed to see the puppies in their home environment where they were born and are currently being raised. You would hopefully see if the mother and the litter family appear healthy.
2. How many puppies are in the litter?
3. Are the puppies up-to-date with their exams and vaccinations by the veterinarian? Which vaccinations have the puppies received and do they have any specific health certifications or documentation from the veterinarian?
4. Are there any known health problems with the puppies or in the pup's family background?
5. Are the puppies registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC)?
6. What type of food do the puppies eat and how often?
7. Did the puppies have any housetraining or crate training?
8. If at any time in the future something would happen and you were unable to keep the dog, will the breeder take the dog back?
9. Does the breeder provide any type of health guarantee?
Breeders may interview you to evaluate whether you would make a good owner for their Yorkshire Terrier puppies. Now, these are some example questions the breeder may ask the potential owner:
1. Do you have the necessary time that is needed to care for a Yorkshire Terrier each day? Will anyone routinely be at home during the daytime hours to care for the puppy?
2. Do you have children or other pets?
3. Do you have general knowledge about the Yorkshire Terrier breed?
4. Do you enjoy grooming or do you plan on hiring a professional on a routine basis?
5. Will you contact the breeder if something would ever happen and you would not be able to keep your Yorkshire Terrier?
6. Do you have a good, reputable veterinarian to continue regular health exams and future vaccinations for your new Yorkshire Terrier?
The breeder may keep the Yorkshire Terrier puppies with their mom for about 8 to 10 weeks or even 12 weeks of age to make sure the puppies get proper nourishment and socialization with the litter family.
It is important that when you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder that the proper documentation is provided to you, such as a copy of the dog's pedigree (AKC registration). Usually a certified copy of the pedigree can be obtained from the American Kennel Club.
The registration certificate is like the dog's birth certificate. The breeder should transfer this information to the new owner. The breeder should give you any documentation of the puppy's health record, including information such as the specific dates of vaccinations and also the information about when future vaccinations are due.
It may also be helpful if the breeder shares a feeding chart or schedule including information, such as how much food is being fed to the puppy and how often. Hopefully, all of this information will help you get off to a great start with taking wonderful care of your new Yorkshire Terrier puppy!
