I hope you've done your homework, have learned about this breed and know what to expect in temperament, grooming, and whether you want a male or female. While that "coat of silk and shine" is beautiful, it's also very practical to care for. Silk coats stay clean longer, matt less, and are easier to brush and comb. Now is the time to go looking for breeders.

There are so many ads in the newspaper - which of those are good breeders?

     Very few good breeders advertise in the newspaper because they get more than enough referrals from other good breeders, Specialty and All-Breed Clubs. They produce puppies with good health, good temperament, and good conformation, and there is often a waiting list for their pups.

     Look at several ads in the newspaper and most all of them will be careless breeders who know little about this wonderful Breed. They simply decided to breed their pet, found a male and produced cute puppies. These people don't do research, so they simply don't know the incidence of kidney disease, Leggs Perthes, Liver Shunt, SA, bad temperament or epilepsy in their lines. They "think" the parents are "perfect" without knowing anything about structure or soundness. When you buy from these people, you are essentially buying generic little dogs with unknown genes. Their AKC registration papers say Yorkshire Terrier only because the AKC churns registration papers out of a computer that couldn't care less about structure, health, or temperament.

So how do I find a good breeder?

     In many cities, you can find a listing in the telephone directory for a Breeder Referral service; otherwise you might phone the American Kennel Club in New York for names of reputable breeders in your area, or someone from the Yorkshire Terrier Club of American that can give you information on breeders near you. Don't be in a hurry and decide to buy from a breeder just because they live close to you ... remember this is a long term commitment, and you'll have many years to regret a hasty decision!

     Use the following interview questions and answers to evaluate breeders on the phone before committing yourself to a visit. Also call some of the breeders in your newspaper, if you'd like. Compare their answers to the recommended answers of a good breeder.

     Remember that your decision to acquire a Yorkie from a particular breeder will affect you (and your pet) for the next ten to twenty years. It will also affect other Yorkies and owners -- because whoever you buy from will most likely breed again if he or she gets enough buyers this time around. Don't think only of yourself and buy from an "backyard" breeder simply because a single puppy looks decent. Think of our breed's future, and buy from someone who has done all the right research, someone who deserves to be rewarded and encouraged to produce another litter of great puppies.

Interview Questions:

     "I got your name from (such and such). I'm looking for a light colored female about four months old. We're an active family and we enjoy long walks, so we want to find a sturdy Yorkshire who's not going to mature too large, and with a very outgoing, athletic temperament."

OR

     "I'm looking for an older female. A small size and a sweet gentle temperament are most important because she would be a companion for my granddaughter. She's about 8 years old, and she wants a little friend and playmate to be with her and be cuddled and loved."

What should the breeder say to that?

     At this point, a good breeder will take over the discussion. If he has something available (or is expecting or planning a litter), he will try to qualify you as a potential owner. He wants to feel reassured that his precious puppy will receive proper care in a permanent home. He also needs to know you well enough to choose (or help you choose) the individual who will best suit your needs.

     Good breeders rely heavily on where you got their name, on who knows you and can vouch for you, and/or by what you sound like on the phone. They listen to the questions you ask and the terminology you use (for example, asking for a cute teacup won't help your cause). Don't expect to simply call a good breeder and be greeted with cries of joy and an immediate invitation to come on over and pick any puppy you want.

A good breeder will ask:

     Will this be your first Yorkshire? If not, tell me about the others. Have you had other breeds? What happened to them? Do you have pets now? What kind? How old? How do they act toward other dogs? What made you choose a Yorkie? What research have you done on the breed? Do you have children? How old? What are their personalities like? Do you have a yard? What type of fencing does it have? Would I be able to come see your home, or have a friend do so? How much time during the day will the Yorkshire Terrier be alone? Where will she stay? Is anyone in your family allergic to dogs? What books have you read on raising and training? What type of socialization are you planning to do? How are you planning to housebreak the puppy? Are you interested in showing or breeding? Are you willing to accept a Limited Registration or neutering contract? Do you rent? Will your landlord OK a dog in writing? Could I have the phone number of your vet as a reference?

Wow! It's like adopting a baby!

     From a good breeder, it is. This is the kind of breeder who has very likely put a great deal of time and effort into breeding and raising nice Yorkies. Compare his concerned questions with the response of your typical newspaper ad or pet store: "Yes we have puppies, very cute, bring $395 cash, or I can knock $50 off if you don't want the papers."

ARGGHH!!!!