What to Look For in a Reputable Yorkie Breeder: Part 1

Recently, I've noticed a significant increase in people reaching out to me with questions about puppies from other breeders. To start, let me say that I understand I may not be the right breeder for everyone—and that's perfectly okay. What truly matters to me is that anyone looking to buy a Yorkie does so from a reputable breeder. The truth is, even if someone decides to breed just one litter, they fall into the category of "breeder." And just because it’s a single litter doesn’t exempt them from adhering to the basic standards that every breeder should follow.

The points I’ll share are based on my experience breeding Yorkies for over 20 years, during which I’ve carefully raised 11 litters. Each week, I'll be sharing more parts of this list, so stay tuned!

Purpose. Every breeder should have a clear purpose, and each litter they produce should serve a meaningful goal. A key question to ask is: why did they choose to breed Yorkies? What makes this breed special to them?

Once the reason for choosing Yorkies is clear, consider the following: How are the parents of a litter chosen? How does the dog's structure influence their breeding choices? Is the temperament of the parents taken into account? And do the results of health testing impact their decisions? Personally, my goal is to breed Yorkies that are not only structurally sound and healthy but also have exceptional temperaments suited for being loyal and loving companions.

I often use outside studs in my breeding program because I recognize that no single stud is ideal for every female.. A breeder's purpose should be evident in the quality of the puppies they produce. For me, I take pride in producing Yorkies with wonderful temperaments that can seamlessly fit into family life.

Yorkies hold a special place in my heart, and I believe that breeding with intention leads to puppies that enrich the lives of the families they join. And while not every pup will go on to a specific role, like a therapy dog, those same qualities make them fantastic family pets.