A personal recommendation from a satisfied owner is an excellent way to find a Yorkie dog breeder. Be prepared with some questions to ask the Yorkie breeder, for example:

• How long have they been breeding Yorkie?
• How many other breeds do they have? A real plus if they only breed Yorkie dogs
• Does the breeder insist that all non-show-quality puppies for sale be spayed/neutered at the appropriate age and not be allowed to produce puppies of their own?
• Do they have an agreement to take not buy the dog back, should this ever become necessary? Will they put it in writing?
• What temperament problems can be encountered? Is it an easy breed to train and housebreak?
• Do they have shot records? Are they documented?
• What type of contract, conditions or guarantees are involved in the sale of the Yorkie puppy?
  Reputable Yorkie breeders will provide a written contract/guarantee with a spay/neuter requirement and limited registration for any pet puppies. They do not sell breeding animals to pet homes.
• Could they give you at least 2 references of someone who acquired one of their Yorkie in the past?
• Did the Yorkie breeder require you to visit the premises where the mother dog and the litter of puppies reside, so that you can see how they're raised and cared for?
• Is the Yorkie breeder USDA licensed? If they are, that is a RED FLAG to you that this breeder is a puppy mill. Licensing is required by USDA for any breeder who sells more than $500 per year of puppies to a broker or pet shop.

Was the Yorkie breeder responsive to openly discuss these concerns, or seem ignorant of them, or defensive, offended etc...?

If you have any doubts as to the honesty of any of the information the breeder gives you-check it out. Remember it is your right and responsibility to make your purchase from someone who takes all steps necessary to produce dogs of quality and health, and then stands behind what they sell. There can be no gray areas when it comes to selling living creatures. Defective Yorkie puppies, unlike toasters or automobiles, suffer pain, as do the owners who love them.

If you find a Yorkie breeder that suggests meeting you in a store parking lot to save you from driving that extra mile RED FLAG, you should wonder what they are trying to hide. You should ALWAYS be able to see the living conditions of both the Yorkie puppies and the parents. Yorkie Breeders who do not question you about your home and family situation or how you intend to care for your Yorkie are those you should be cautious of. They are more than likely concerned about the financial aspects of the sale than about providing the very best home possible for their Yorkie.

Also, remember that responsible breeders will want to ensure their pups will go to good homes, so do expect to be asked some questions yourself such as:

• Do you have any young children?
  If so, do you understand a Yorkie is very fragile as a pup?
• Do you have ample space for a new Yorkie?
• Do you have other pets? If so, how will they be around another?
• Have you ever owned a Yorkie dog before?
• Have you had a dog before? If so, what happened to it?
• Have you ever got rid of a dog? If so, why?
• What do you know about raising and training dogs?
• Why did you choose the Yorkie breed?
• Is anyone in your family allergic to dogs?
• Do you have the time to give the attention that a Yorkie puppy requires?
• What type of socialization with your new Yorkie puppy are you planning to do?
• How much time during the day will the dog be alone?
• Do you rent? If so, does the landlord allow pets?
• Do you have the patience needed to housebreak a new Yorkie puppy?

You will know you have found a responsible Yorkie breeder when the breeder makes you PROVE you are qualified to own one of their puppies. If a breeder doesn't ask you any questions but only asks to see your checkbook, walk away. If the breeder makes you feel like you are trying to adopt one of their kids, you have found a responsible breeder. If a breeder will sell to you without giving you the third degree, walk away. A Yorkie breeder who sells carefully will have bred the litter carefully.

And a Yorkie breeder who requires that you return the dog to them, if at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the dog, is a responsible breeder. A responsible breeder will always be willing to take back one of their dogs - they feel responsible for every puppy they sell, for that dog's entire life.

Hopefully all will go well between you and the breeder. If you do decide to purchase a Yorkie puppy, don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. A responsible Yorkie breeder can be very helpful with some answers and remember to find a breeder who is willing to take back a puppy or dog if any problems develop or if you become unable to care for your Yorkie any longer. Good Luck!