Yorkshire Terriers are energetic and fun-loving companions. They make for wonderful pets and will remain forever loyal to you. Buying a Yorkie is a long term commitment and must not be done on an impulse. You need to ensure that the Yorkies puppies on sale are healthy, well-bred and don’t show any signs of behavioral problems. It is also essential to ensure that the breeder you are buying from is ethical and is not running a puppy mill. There are a few things you need to know about a Yorkie puppy before buying it. Listed below are a few of them.

When you visit a breeder, ask them to show you the living conditions that the Yorkie has been raised in. Consider it a red flag if they decline.

If you are very particular about the Yorkie’s pedigree, ask the breeder about it’s parents. Also find out if they can furnish you with the pedigree papers to prove that the puppy doesn’t come from an inbred line.

Ask the breeder to meet the puppy’s parents. Assess their behavior and temperament and check if they are in good health.

Ask the breeders if they have noticed any health issues in the puppy.

Find out if the breeder follows the practice of cutting off dogs’ tales. This is a form of mutilation and must not be encouraged.

Thoroughly check the Yorkie puppy’s eyes, coat, nose and ears to assess its overall health.

Find out if the breeders follow a return policy.

Find out what diet is suitable for the puppy.

Ask them if they have started the vaccination program for the puppy and what shots they have already given.

Observe whether the breeder is showing care or concern about you. A good breeder would always want to ensure the puppies are reaching the right person. Don’t get offended if they screen you.

Find out if the breeder is providing a health guarantee. Most breeders give a minimum of 72 hour guarantee for the health and wellbeing of the puppies, in addition to a one year genetic health guarantee.

If you are looking for a purebred Yorkie puppie, ask the breeder if their puppies are registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club). AKC is an American dog registry that declares the purity of dogs based on their DNA.

Check if the puppies are dewormed regularly.

Find out if the breeder requires you to get your puppy spayed/neutered at a certain age.