Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years we have been asked these questions and thought that
posting the answers would help not only answer your questions you
may have, but also help educate along the way!
Do you sell "teacup" yorkies?
The simple and easy answer is...NO, of course not! Teacups have handles, not tails!
Yorkshire terriers are a toy breed dog that is not to exceed 7 lbs in weight. Therefore no matter how small a yorkie is, it is still a yorkie and does not require terms such as "teacup, tiny, teenie, babydoll, purse puppies, micro, mini or any other term to describe the diminutive size of the yorkie. Such terms are used by unscrupulous breeders and is a "red-flag" that the breeder more than likely cares more about filling their pocket book than improving the breed.
A breeder that is looking out for the betterment of the breed will not strive to produce such tiny yorkies either. Good, honest and responsible breeders will not use such terms to describe their yorkies even when they have one weighing less than 4 lbs....period!
Yorkies that are at the smaller end of the weight scale, less than 4 lbs can be at a higher risk for congenital and non-congenital health issues. It is more important to find a yorkie puppy from a responsible breeder than it is to find one that fits into a certain size criteria.
For information from the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, click on the link: An Important Message About "Teacup" Yorkies
Do you have any "rare" colored Yorkies?
Yorkshire Terriers have always been bred to be a beautiful dark steel blue and tan, starting out as a black and tan puppy. Puppies that are not black and tan at birth deviate from the standard and are not able to be shown, as this coloration is a disqualification for our breed. These puppies do not occur naturally in show lines, therefore is it believed that other breeds have been added years ago to create these color mutations. Yorkshire Terrier puppies that are born of incorrect coat color should be
spayed/neutered before leaving the breeders home. This prevents these dogs from being exploited purely based on color.
Most "greeders" who produce "yorkie puppies" of other colors do so with the goal of producing a profit only. Rarely are these dogs well health tested, screened or have their structure and joints evaluated. They are merely bred because of their coat color.
There is a reason these colors are referred to as rare...it is because yorkies are not supposed to be this color. Yorkies were originally bred to be ratters in the coal mines and their color played a very important part in that job.
The beautiful, flowing blue and golden locks are the Hallmark of the Yorkshire Terrier breed, and we do not respect those who seem to disregard this so freely in order to turn a profit.
What is a spay/neuter contract?
A spay/neuter contract is a legal document that you the buyer must sign if you are purchasing a companion puppy from a responsible breeder. It requires you to have your puppy spayed/neutered and does not allow you to use your puppy for breeding. Every puppy that is born from show lines and or champions is not destined for the ring and those puppies make the best pets.
Some breeders will even spay/neuter their puppies before placing them. We think this is a good practice but also believe that it should not be done on every puppy or too early. We look at each puppy individually and those that are ready to be spayed or neutered before leaving us at 16 weeks old we will have it done before they leave. Otherwise you will have to sign a contract stating that you will alter your pet before they are 1 year old and promise to never use them for breeding. We do not provide any AKC papers until proof of spay/neuter has been provided and verified.
Why do you sell your puppies at 12-16 weeks old?
Waiting until your puppy is at least 12 weeks old before taking him/her home is priceless. At 6-8 weeks old they are just really starting to socialize/play with their litter mates and begin playing more with their mom. No matter how good of a Yorkie parent you are, no one can replace their Yorkie mom.
It is to your benefit for your puppy to remain in the breeder's care longer. Your puppy will receive multiple health checks, more than once vaccine and will be more socially ready for the transition home. Their bladders are more mature and more ready for house training. They are bigger
and at a lower risk of hypoglycemia and getting hurt in the household.
We prefer to keep our puppies a minimum of 12-16 weeks to ensure they are completely vaccinated and to give them the best possible start. A 16 week old puppy is still very much a puppy and still will need all the love, training and attention that a younger puppy would require.
The advantages to an older puppy are endless, they make a much easier transition into their new homes, have better potty habits, eat better during their transition and are much easier to leave at
home for longer periods of time.
Will you sell to families with children?
Absolutely! Yorkies are wonderful family dogs and all of ours adore children. We find that most breeders that will not sell to families with children do so due to the risk of children possibly harming the puppy. Over the years we have come to find that adults can be just as clumsy with their Yorkies! We have been very fortunate to be able to place our Yorkies in only the best home. Several of these homes have children in the home or in their family. If you have smaller children in your home, you will find that we do recommend a larger puppy, preferable one that will be 5-7 lbs full grown.
What we always find amusing is when the breeder that refuses to sell to a family with kids, have kids themselves. Children can be taught how to handle and treat a yorkie! We hope to have small children again in our family in the near future and they will be supervised with the yorkies, but the point is they will get to experience yorkies!
Why are well bred yorkies so expensive?
It has been said that quality is not expensive, it is priceless and we happen to agree. Quality has never been cheap and buying a quality yorkie definitely is not! You are going to have to expect to pay more than just a few hundred dollars to buy from a responsible breeder. It is important to remember though that just because you are paying a large price for a yorkie does not mean it is quality.
There are several factors that go into the price of buying a yorkie from a good breeder. The costs associated with raising and breeding healthy, purposely bred Yorkies is ever increasing. We spare no expense in their care. This includes the daily care of our dogs, to keep them in top shape mentally and physically.
Not to mention the costs that goes into high quality diets, pre-natal exams, pregnancy x-rays, supplements, emergency veterinary care, c-sections, assisted deliveries when complications arise, routine health checks and continued care for our adults and the puppies, health testing, routine blood work, dental cleanings, veterinary exams/health checks for each puppy at least twice, sometimes 3 times! If you can imagine this is just the short list of costs, but it gives you an idea! This is to say nothing of the daily work that goes into caring for our dogs and puppies.