Hello all --
I am planning on, hopefully, getting my own little Yorkie soon. I would like to ask you some questions, please tell me anything else you may feel I need to know:
What should I ask from my breeder (what paper documentation, etc.)? What should I have ready for my yorkie when he/she comes home? Where should I let him/her sleep? What about international flying (what should I have for that, do I need a crate or can I get one of those little carrything things with zippers and air nets?) Please feel free to tell me anything else that I need to know, thanks in advance!
Welcome to these Boards! I am a Yorkie Breeder and will try to answer your questions as best I can.
#1. What should I ask from my breeder (what paper documentation, etc.)?
First thing you want to ask about is HEALTH. Ask the breeder about such things as Liver Shunts, Legge Perthes, whether or not collapsing treacha is a problem in his/her line, whether or not patella problems are a problem in his or her line, and whether or not hypoglycemia is a problem in the line. If you want more info on this, just drop me an email and I'll get you some links and more info.
As to documents, you want the AKC papers. You want a written contract laying out what the breeder intends to do if any of the above promlems do show up in your pup, i.e. liver shunt, legge perthes, etc. AND the amount of time he/she guarantees AGAINST these problems showing up. (I myself guarantee against liver shunt for 7 years, legge perthes for 2). This all has to be spelled out IN WRITING.
Lastly, doumentation wise, you need a copy of the Pedigree, a minimum of six generations back. Ideally this should be provided BEFORE you purchase your pup, so you can look into the background if you chose.
#2. What should I have ready for my yorkie when he/she comes home? The usual doggie things. I would stay AWAY from, rawhide chews, Greenies, those kinds of things. NO BONES other than raw beef bones. A PREMIUM kibble like Nutro's Natural Choice or any GOOD food. A CRATE and a blanket.
The crate and blanket tie in with your next question...
#3. Where should I let him/her sleep? I recommend teaching the pup to sleep in crate. You can get a nice VariKennel for your pup (don't buy anything less than a 100 series) at PetSmart, etc. I really recommend a crate for a couple of reasons first off is Safety. With a pup you want to KNOW where they are when you can't watch them. Also, if you train your pup to apprecaite a crate, they have a safe haven if things get confusing and stressful. If the dog is crate trained there is less chance of them picking up something at the vet, because they aren't on the floor. Finally, if you have them crate trained in the car... there is ZERO chance your dog will escape somehow if you're in an accident. (This goes back to Safety) In my state the State Patrol will not take a dog out of a car which has been in an accident, even if the car is burning, unless that dog is crated.
If you plan on flying the dog, a Vari Kennel is an absolute MUST. The airlines will not allow a dog in the cabin anymore, and any crate that flies MUST be airline approved.
If you have any other questions, you can drop me an email. Good Luck. Remember to do your homework BEFORE you talk to a breeder. A good breeder will ask you as many questions as you ask them. Ask for references, and check them out!
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Joan
Responsible Breeders spay/neuter Pet puppies.
Statistically, the average breeder remains in a breed for five years. The mark you leave on that breed, good or bad, is entirely up to YOU!
I can't add anything to the wonderful advice that Bob gave you but would like to welcome you and invite you to Small Dog Chat on Thursday at 10:00PM ET when you do get your Yorkie or come now and ask any questions you might have. Hope you'll be able to make it. 
