As some of you know I have been agonizing over adding a new pet to my crew. I'd seriously considered a new bird. For years and years I've wanted a small breed puppy. After researching, agonizing and researching some more the decision to put a new bird on the back burner was a painful one. I decided to look for a small puppy. Jack is getting old. Max is trained and finished in the field- they are both wonderful and I love them, love them... but I have always longed for a small breed dog to train, love, pamper, spoil - kind of like the last baby I never got to have- as corny as that sounds. I've wanted this so badly for so long and now the time is right! I am so excited.
I narrowed the breeds down to Chihuahua, Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier. My gosh! The breeder information on-line is sometimes so shady it seems criminal.
After lengthy discussions with my DH, looking at temperments and what would fit into our group the best we decided to look for a Yorkie pup.
(burrito :heart: you will still be my one and only Burrito BF! )
So far I have contacted a list of breeders that looked reputable. I've recieved a few replies. Here are my questions and the things that just don't feel right! I really need some help here you guys!
1. How can I leave a deposit on a puppy I have never seen? The breeder claims pictures will be sent to keep me updated etc. Then the puppy will be shipped to me! This isn't sitting right! Has anyone ever shipped a puppy or purchased a puppy through a breeder - and had their new puppy shipped to them sight unseen?
2. Regarding Yorkshire Terriers - It seems that a lot of people are importing them from Ireland. They are claiming they have been overbred in this country and by bringing them from Ireland where the breeding requirements are strictly monitored, they have better temperments and are generally better bred. Huh? Has anyone heard of this practice? What do you think of this?
3. I am fully aware that people mark the prices of their pups up SO high just by using the words "extra tiny" "extra mini" "tea-cup" - come on - just from what we have all learned on these boards - there is no such thing and this is misleading! I am not size obsessed! I want a dog that is healthy, has a good coat and a pretty face. Am I asking too much here?
4. With all the confusing information that I've been bombarded with - I'm just plain confused! It's become so clear to me that this breed is in such high demand for some reason that people will make outrageous claims about their dogs. When I email them asking the right questions and politely and tactfully dispute their claims, backing my words up with facts, I get email responses that say, "Sorry we have no pups available at this time". Well! These are people I obviously don't want to deal with anyway!
5. I have not been able to find any breeders in my area. New Jersey!??? Am I looking in the wrong places? I contacted the president of the largest Yorkshire Terrier Club in the state and basically got a form letter standard reply!?? I thought at least she could name some breeders in my area!
6. Help! Am I going about this all wrong? It seems as soon as I open my mouth and sound like I even almost know what I might be talking about, I get blown off! Why should I play stupid? I am not. If there is one thing I know for certain - I know about dogs- I may not know everything I need to know about this breed - but sheesh!! What am I doing wrong here!?? It's either a total blow off response, or it's - send me your $XXX dollar deposit and I will hold a pup for you ....etc. This just goes against everything I know about selecting a puppy.
7. Thanks for listening to my rant! Help! How have you guys gone about finding the right breeder - have you ever had a puppy shipped to you? Would you have a puppy shipped to you? Maybe I am thinking about this the wrong way.
8. I am so excited and anxious now. I have agonized, like I mentioned, about this for months. I know this is the right decision for me. I can train a dog, devote the time to a puppy - and I know that dogs and puppies are forgiving and will understand my bad days! This just feels right to me.
I know a lot of you are going to ask me why haven't I gone to the shelter or contacted a rescue organization. I will tell you. I am bringing this new addition into my family under special circumstances. My existing pets are very important to me. I have health considerations of my own which limit my ability (and desire) to deal with meshing an older animal into an already well established pack. It may sound totally selfish of me -but I carefully researched and selected a breed that I really want.
OK - end of rant. I am just frustrated - and wish someone could help point me in the right direction! What am I doing wrong!?
Feel free to openly voice your opinions, give me advice, tell me where to go (ok that could be a loaded statement :lol: )
Or - maybe one of you have access to a breeder and the solution is easier than I think?
I know a few of you have recently gotten new young pups - where did you get them from? How did you go about the selection process?
Thanks!!