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We bought a very cute Yorkshire Terrier at a pet store. We...

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Answer by CelticArcher
Submitted on 12/26/2003
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If you breed your yorkie, more than likely the offspring will have the same problem. If "most" yorkies have this problem, why is it "not a big problem"? I don't comprehend. Logic says that if a lot of yorkies have it,it IS a big problem. It's a shame. AKC pet store puppies are NOT the same as the puppies bred by a reputable breeder. AKC registered does not equal quality, nor does it guarantee it. Reputable breeders test for inheritable problems in their particular breed. Pet store pups come from puppy mills and that is a fact. No care or consideration is taken when they breed puppies. It's all for the money. If no one bought a puppy from a pet store, then the puppy mills would be put out of business.

Answer by Chelsie
Submitted on 1/27/2004
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What are we talking about here..ferrai�s or puppy? Whats all this about quality and background? Why cant someone just walk into a pet shop and buy a puppy...I bought my yorkie from a pet shop,firstly because Im not going to pay 1500� when I can pay 700� for the exact same dog,and secondly because I saw her and just fell in love! She has her pedigree,chip,and vaccinations and one day If I feel like it,she will will breed.Why on earth cant a pet shop puppy breed for gods sake? The only difference between a pet shop and a breeder is,the breeder is far more expensive and exagerates everything making the puppy sound like superman! And in a pet shop you get just that...a puppy (with shots pedigree and all) But of course if what youre looking for is a dog that you can put on a shelf just to look at,well I suppose a breeder is fine..its an expensive trophy though!

Answer by elisabeth
Submitted on 2/8/2004
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Hi - I am really glad the dogs you bought from these stores are healthy and behaviorally sound, but you are the lucky ones. I am not trying to be disrespectful at all, but there dozens of websites that explain why "AKC papers" from a pet store mean NOTHING- they do not mean quality. It is extremely likely that the mother of the puppy you bought is living her entire life in a cage, with just enough food and water to keep her alive. And when she can no longer be bred she will be killed. Many of the puppies that are tranported to the pet store die along the way, they are so sick. just look at the hundreds of webistes and pictures of what puppy mills and backyard breeder's kennels look like. Everytime a puppy is purchased from a pet store the cycle of abuse continues- it just makes me really sad. And with the huge pet over population, why do you want to breed? Are you going to make sure that your dog passes all the veterinary health exams before you do so? BTW I am not a crazy animal activist or anything- I just think it's time thee puppy mills were stopped. Thanks for reading.

Answer by argh
Submitted on 2/8/2004
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i can't believe the person above who compared ferraris to puppies? You think a car deserves more thought and research than a pet? A dog at a pet store is not the same as a dog from a reputable breeder. And often pet shops are much more expensive than good breeders. As people wrote, if you have a nice healthy dog from a pet store you are very very lucky. Do you know how many complaints and suits are filed against pet stores every year? Do you know what a puppy mill is? I am so tired of people not doing research before they buy, or plain just not caring. And yeah, AKC does not mean quality- at all. Anyone can register a dog as AKC no matter how unhealthy or bad temperment, as long as it is purebred. and even then, some mix breeds slip through and get papers. understand how people go to pet stores because it's easy, can get whatever dog they want no questions asked, and can take it home today. There's a reason for that- because pet stores don't care who gets the dogs- they just want the money. I will never get a pet from a pet store.

Answer by Nelly
Submitted on 2/9/2004
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In reviewing all of the e-mails listed above, I see there is a number of mixed feelings about buying puppies. I, myself have been doing extensive research on dog breeds for about 4 months now, and when you are looking to be a pet owner for the next 15 years, that is very important. It's painfully obvious that the people who bought from pet stores, may have bought a dog on impulse which is what the set up is designed to do. Before I started my research, I felt that nothing was wrong with pet shop puppies either. When you truly have a love for animals, why would you support such a thing (puppy mills). If you don't truly love animals, then why do you have a dog?? A really good breeder, is not in it for the money, but to better the breed. In my area, I have found that Pet shops charge up to $1000 more for their Yorkies than a breeder. Me personally, I would like to see the parents, which pet stores can not provide. When I went into the pet stores and asked about a particular breed, they ran to a book on the counter and started trying to sell the puppy. They knew absolutely nothing about the breed. I know some people feel that "it's just a dog" and that's their opinion, but when I spend hundreds of dollars for anything, it better well be the best I can buy. As I am finding out, a pet store is charging you an arm and a leg for something they can not guarantee. The y provide the pet replacements and so on because they have no idea what can go wrong with this puppy. His/her mother and father can be blind as a bat, do you think they care? A number of genetic illnesses can not be detected at the age the pups are being sold at, so you have your dog a year, and all the problems start pouring in. That's like adopting a child and you know nothing about the parents. Next thing you know, you have raised Freddy Krueger, because mental illness runs in his family.I don't know, I am very careful about these things. I'm not saying all breeders are squeaky clean,because I 've read of some frauds out there, but I feel my chances of buying a healthy pup are better if I buy from someone who truly has a love for Yorkshire Terriers.

Answer by Tim
Submitted on 2/15/2004
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I am sure your dog is sweet and of course EVERY dog and puppy deserves a good home. And of course pet store dogs are not at fault! But if you think puppy mills are awful, you shouldn't have gotten your dog from a pet store. You are allowing the puppy mill business to continue by knowingly purchasing a puppy mill dog. People who are against puppy mills ARE thinking about the dogs, that's why we want the business to stop. Why do so many people not understand this? Instead of telling me and others who are against puppy mills to think about the dogs, you should be saying that to the pet stores and puppy millers, not giving them your money. I do rescue work and campaign against animal abuse and puppy mills, I love animals, and it is not my fault that the only way to stop the mills is to stop the demand. I KNOW it is hard to see the poor pet store puppies in the window, that's why I can't even go in a pet store because it is so upsetting.

Answer by Manda
Submitted on 2/27/2004
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After reading all the post. I find that I would be in the middle. I agree with things on both sides of the different topics. I wouldn't buy a pet from a store, But if no one did. What would happen to them? I have 2 dogs neither are yorkies. They are poms. They aren't AKC registered. They are CKC registered. I got my fist pom from what you'd call a back yard breeder. Who had read up on the breed. My dog was very healthy thou it's not a show. My second pom was bought by the lady, I got her from through a pound. When I got her she was in poor condition. I paid over $100 getting her better. She was 2 lbs under weight , sick and had mange. I know she would have died if I didn't step in. I feel bad for dogs that have to live in bad conditions. I do think puppy mills should be stop. I don't think people should breed unless they know what they are doing. As I'm sure most people who love their dogs will know as much about the breed as they can.

Answer by iIuvmysun
Submitted on 3/21/2004
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I have had many dogs and puppies and I agree with the no PuppyMills. I recently purchased a Standard Poodle after doing about 3months of research on breeds and breeders etc...I drove 2hours to get to a "Pet Store" that OVERLY CLAIMED they do not GET THERE PUPPIES FROM PUPPY MILLS. This is where I bought our puppy. I get home and read all the paper work and discover a name on the paper work called "HUNTE" Im sure some of you know where I am going with this now. Well I went online to find out what the heck is "HUNTE" and unfortunately I found out. Needless to say Im now sure my puppy came from a PUPPY MILL. The pet stores LIE!!!!!!!!! Theres nothing I can do, I called them and let them have it tho!! The shame of it is, I did a lot research and read up on all things, spoke to about 15 breeders etc and thought I had found the most wonderful place to get my new puppy. I just wish that in all those PUPPY MILL articles on the web that somebody would have mentioned the HUNTE Corporation. Live and Learn dont go to ANY pet store no matter what they say!! LIARS they are. If you want to know who are what the HUNTE Corporation is...just look it up. Its horrible!! Michele

Answer by LEAH BERG
Submitted on 4/7/2004
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I JUST PURCHASED A NEW YORKIE PUPPY. I CHECKED INTO ALL THE DO AND DON'TSOF PET STORE VERSES BREEDERS. I HAVE PURCHASED TWO DOGS IN PET STORES BEFORE ALL AKC. MY FIRST WAS A YORKIE I LOVED HER SO MUCH BUT SHE WAS VERY SHY AND I THOUGHT ALOT OF LOVE WOULD CHANGE HER BUT SHE HAD BEEN KEPT IN A CAGE TOO LONG AND AWAY FROM HER LITTER AND MOTHER AND WAS ALWAYS AFRAID. SHE WAS 10 POUNDS(TO LARGE FOR A GOOD YORKIE)AND HAD A POOR COAT. BUT I NEVER DID SEE HER PARENTS SO I HAD NOTHING TO GO BY. THE OTHER PUPPY WAS A RAT TERRIER AND WAS A WONDERFUL DOG FOR 11 YEARS BUT I GOT HIM AT A PET STORE AND HE HAD EPILEPSY AND WOULD HAVE CONVULSIONS. THIS TIME I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT I GOT A HEALTHY PUPPY THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE WHAT I WANTED AND BE HEALTHY. I FOUND A BREEDER BY SEEING A YORKIE SOMEONE HAD AND ASKED ABOUT THEIR DOG AND WHERE THEY GOT HER. SHE WAS JUST WHAT I WANTED. THEY GAVE ME THE BREEDER'S NUMBER AND I CALLED HER. SHE LIVED TWO HOURS AWAY BUT I WANTED TO SEE THE LITTER AND THE MOTHER, AND SEE HOW THEY WERE KEPT. SHE HAD THE LITTER IN HER HOME WITH HER PUPPIES. THE MOTHER WAS FRIENDLY GREAT PERSONALITY AND GOOD SIZE AND COLOR. THE FATHER WAS A CHAMPION. THE PUPPIES WERE HEALTHY AND HAPPY. THEY WERE 8 WEEKS OLD BUT SHE WOULD NOT SELL THEM TILL THEY WERE AT LEAST 12 WEEKS. SHE CARED ABOUT THE HEALTH OF HER PUPPIES. ASKED IF I HAD LITTLE CHILDREN(NO) AND IF I WOULD BE HOME WITH THE PUPPY. NO I TOLD HER I WOULD TAKE HER TO WORK WITH ME. WHICH I DO. I PAID 2,000 FOR HER BUT SHE IS WONDERFUL. SHE IS NOW 16 WEEKS AND WEIGHTS 2.5LBS AND HER COAT IS FULL AND GLOSSY. GREAT PERSONALITY JUST LIKE HER MOTHER. EATS GOOD AND THE VET SAID SHE IS HEALTHY AND HE COULD NOT FIND FAULT WITH HER. I DID SEE A YORKIE PUPPY AT THE PET STORE BEFORE I GOT MY DOG BUT I LET MY BRAIN TAKE OVER INSTEAD OF MY HEART BECAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO FALL IN LOVE WITH A DOG THAT HAD PROBLEMS. THE DOG IN THE PET STORE WAS ALSO $2,000. BUT I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HER PARENTS LOOKED LIKE OR HOW HEALTHY. I HAD TO LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES. I LOVED MY OTHER DOGS BUT I DID NOT WANT THE PROBLEMS. PLEASE SEE THE PARENTS OF YOUR PUPPY AND HOW SHE IS RAISED. IT DOES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!!!

Answer by Jessica
Submitted on 4/9/2004
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I'm new to this whole thing about breeder's vs Pet shops. Having read all these post i am glad that i did... Sounds to me like either way u View it SOME dogs Are gonna Be harmed. And although we'd like to save them all we just can't. I'm not gonna tell people what to do but in my opinion If You are planning on buying a dog to Breed then u should buy from a breeder to ensure there are no problems with them because it would be ashame to breed dogs with illness or defects. If You are looking to buy a pet to be just a PET and will most likely fix the dog anyways then why not buy from a pet store, indeed puppy mills are horrible but trying to tell the whole world not to buy puppies from a store just wont work. The world is corrupted in so many ways that if people didn't buy pets from the pet stores they would hardly just GO OUT OF BUISNESS. The pet industry is so corrupted once the dogs got to old to be sold they would be done away with, the puppy mills would still be up and running and producing more dogs and pet stores would just keep trying. sounds stupid but in my opinion it's what would happen. I like many of u would like to save all the pets in the world and we can all do our part by doing whatever WE think is right. Not one person has all the right answers just Opinion.

Answer by Brian
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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I can not believe the mentality of some of you!!! I have a 1 1/2 year old Yorkie that I bought from a breeder. I visited several breeders before I found the right puppy for me. I played with the puppy, her mother and her father before deciding that she was the one I wanted. I knew the family history and was comfortable with my purchase. As for those of you who think it is OK to buy from a pet store, you need to think past the cute puppies in the cages at the store. First of all, the pet stores will not kill the puppies that are not sold, they will continue to mark them down until they are sold, sometimes at a loss. Do not worry about the lucky ones that are at the store. Think about the unlucky ones that are still at the mills!!! By buying a puppy from a store, you are contributing to the horrid conditions, the genetic issues and the bank accounts of people who don't give a rat's ass about the well being of their dogs. IF YOU BUY FROM A PET STORE, YOU - YES YOU - ARE AT FAULT FOR THE INHUMANE TREATMENT OF DOGS!!! I hope you can sleep well at night knowing that you contributed to animal cruelty.

Answer by Grandma DH
Submitted on 5/23/2004
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It looks like we've gotten away from the original message regarding the open fontanel and are now onto buying puppies from pet stores. I however, would like to return to the original message. I have a seven month old, 1 pound 12 ounce yorkie with a "very large" open fontanel. I have been to three vets and they say #1 - It is a big deal and very unusual in Yorkies. It is very common in Chiwauwas. They could develop hydrocephalus - which would be devastating to them. If by age 5 months, they can eat okay, bark, and are not spastic in moving they probably don't have hydrocephalus and will only develop it IF they receive a significant head injury. Because of the size of our little girls open soft spot, I have been trying to locate somewhere I could get head covering for her. Until she is fully grown (around 1 yr of age) she can't have a scull cap to protect her brain. If anyone out there knows where I can find something like a very tiny helmet I would appreciate hearing from you.

Answer by cvs
Submitted on 8/26/2004
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I would like to point out that I adopted an AKC puppy from a breeder who shows her dogs in the Westminster dog show. The dog was put up for adoption because at 1 year her tail didn't guite curl like it was supposed to.(not a perfect dog) FYI normally her championship dogs have puppies that sell for 5,000-10,000. How on earth can the average person afford this? and how can they get away with charging these prices? Why is this dog worth so much more money than the person next door. And who wants a perfect dog anyway? Hitler? As for pet stores, I am very friendly with the owner of our local pet store, they only carry 10 puppies at a time, they keep their puppies in large play pens. NJ State laws are very strict for guaranteeing the health of the puppies you buy from pets stores, I believe they must pay double what you pay in vet bills for problems that may be hereditary for 6 months. This forces the pet stores to buy their puppies from the more ethically sound puppy breeders. On the other hand, Breeders in NJ selling puppies to the public only have to refund you what you paid for the puppy. Don't blame the pet stores for bringing you lovely puppies at affordable prices. I'm sure the puppies you find in big shopping malls are way over priced, but not at your local pet shops. Most people can not travel hundreds of miles to buy a puppy that is bred at a private breeder. And for what ever it's worth.....if the puppies are really bred for their "perfectness" then you will be paying thousands to the breeder not hundreds.... thanks for listening.

Answer by Geneva
Submitted on 11/7/2004
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No breeder who cares about their dogs would ever sell them via a broker or pet store. The more puppies sold through pet stores, the more the millers will abuse and breed. If you prefer to reward someone who breeds for money, instead of conformation, health and temperament, you are being foolish A reputable breeder health tests their dogs, and raises them with care and consideration. Why should they want to sell for a low price to someone who might not treat their precious puppy well? If you really want to "rescue" a dog from death, go to your local animal shelter. There are plenty who need loving homes. To buy from a pet shop because you feel sorry for them, is creating a vicious cycle. They will add more and more and more dogs....can you buy them all? Check this website, for you Yorkie fans: EDUCATE YOURSELF and DO NOT support puppy mills and backyard breeders. http://www.puppymills.com/ If your stomach can handle it, check this one as well: http://www.hometown.aol.com/sixunleash/DoggieInTheWindow.html

Answer by mich1
Submitted on 11/29/2004
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PET SHOP PUPPIES! A big NO!NO! I as well have been searching for months now for a yorkie of my own. I have encountered "so called breeders", Those being the ones who try to rush the sale before you ask about papers. They wouldn't answer. So I won't buy. Yes dogs are expensive, however if you can't afford to take the time to ensure a healthy puppy and if you can't afford to buy one, then how will you pay for vet bills, quality food, treats and all of the expenses that you are bound to encounter at some point? You claim that you care about these pups and that's your reason for buying at a pet shop, And you claim that breeders are in it for money too. But in fact you are in it for money. You want the cheapest dog regardless of the consequences. I think you need to grow up! If you can't afford to care for a pup, then you shouldn't have one!

Answer by Still Searching....
Submitted on 12/9/2004
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I have a comment to the person that stated if the breeders lowered their cost. I agree. I feel in love with the Yorkie because they are adorable. I've never purchased a dog before, however, wanted something that my daughter could enjoy as well as myself. However, after reading this site, I have been discouraged. I am looking for something that my daugther could really enjoy and I guess I was misinformed about this particular breed of dog. But just thinking, how can someone that love the breed charge 2000.00 for a animal they want to find a great home for. And yes, it is all done for the love of money, not the love of the breed. If that were the case, then accept donations to help you raise the breed and find the puppies wonderful homes. Everybody that accepts money is fatting their bank account. EVERYBODY IS IN IT FOR THE MONEY. Breeders just add to huge price tag. Thanks for the Ultimately MIND BLOWING EXPERIENCE. And changing my mind about buying a Yorkie. God Bless!

Answer by Chris
Submitted on 12/12/2004
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I brought a Yorkie from a petshop that also told me that they only purchased their dogs from reputable breeders...yes they lied. When I got home and looked at what was supposed to be my dogs pedigree I realized my dog was purchased from a broker who gets there dogs from puppy mills. I brought my dog because I fell in love with her immediately and felt I had to have her. She was really small when I purchased her and I thought she would remain small. Well my Yorkie is only alittle over five months old at this time and she weighs over 7Lbs. Now that is pretty big for a Yorkie not at all the standard for her breed especially when I paid well over $2000.00 for her. I love my dog and would not trade her for any other dog she is healthy so far and the happiest most adorable little pup. I hope she remains this way. Yes, I would never purchase a dog from a petshop again. The truth is you really don't know what your getting besides the health problems there is the possibility that your dog may actually not be a purebreed if you look on any buyers contract from a pet shop you will see that they can't guarantee the animal for breeding or the quality of the animal. The reason being they really don't know anything about where the animal came from other then what is provided to them by the broker. Purchasing an animal from a private breeder does not guarantee the health of a dog or that the dog will be the breeds standard, but what it does do is give the buyer a better idea of what their dog may look like as an adult as well as the potential health risk that may be passed on to the dog. Yes all breeders are not reputable but when you are paying a pretty penny for a dog wouldn't you like to see what that dog may look like as an adult. After all when purchasing a purebreed you are buying that dog because you like the look and the personality of that breed. With petshop dogs you really don't know what you are getting you may get lucky you may not the risk are higher.

Answer by Kimberly
Submitted on 2/5/2005
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Jeff ... Congrats on your new puppy. I'm glad her fontanel closed. I'd like to say that there is nothing wrong with owning a Pet Store puppy. They are no less special and should receive no less care than a Grand Champion. However ... There are many things wrong with BUYING a Pet Store puppy. How you felt when you saw those puppies in the store is nothing compared to the heartbreak rescuers and foster families feel when the think about how difficult it is to educate the public on why it's not okay to support Pet Stores and puppy mills. Go into that same Pet Store you bought Skeeter from and ask the owner about puppy mills. I'll bet you $5.00 he'll throw you out. Pet Stores don't want the public to be educated, because that's bad for business. Think I'm lying? Try it.

Answer by Nikki
Submitted on 3/3/2005
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I have two dogs, my oldest I got from a breeder. He had worms, hardly any of his shots that he needed for his age,which by the way was only 6 weeks when I brought him that is 2 week before the legal age to see a dog in my state. And had many more problems. I always told my self that I would never buy a puppy from a pet store, nor would I ever work at one, I've been working in the pet store business for over 6 years now. But this store near my house offered me a job and after looking into where their puppy came from I took the job, I bought a puppy there. Ever puppy we sell there comes from breeds not mills. I know my breeders address just like every one else does when they buy a puppy from us. And I have spoke to her one the phone and she sent me pictures of the parents. Every puppy we sell there has a one year warranty, by law we only have to give 30 days. Every dog has been checked by our vet, who comes in once a week. And our dogs are no more money then the breeders you say that are in it for the love of the breed. I'm not saying that all pet stores work this way and I do know that the mill are real and should not be legal, but to black list every pet store is just not fair to the ones that only want to get good dogs with good people. Oh and the puppy I got from the store has never once to this day even so much as had a cough. So like I said it is not fair to put down every single pet store, if the store has good dogs they should be able to tell you about the breeder and at this store we know all of ours.

Answer by janey
Submitted on 5/16/2005
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I just read up on open fontanel. I had bought a tiny poodle with an open fontanel. It did close up but took a couple of months. My vet said that the smaller the dog the longer it takes to close. Some can take up to a yr. Pet stores do not care if the puppy has an open fontanel or not. They sell it to anyone. A good breeder will screen who that puppy is going to, to make sure the buyer knows the problem and to make sure the puppy is treated very carefully until it closes. The smaller the dog the most likely it'll have an open fontanel. This is one reason breeders refuse to sell a small dog to a family with small children. Not safe for the puppy. Akc Does inspections on breeders. They are hard on them to. They had better have good records, DNA on the dogs, and the dogs and kennel clean. They will shut them down if not. Good for AKC. Another good reason to buy only from a good breeder.

Answer by Heather
Submitted on 6/8/2005
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As far as the topic of pets shops and private breeders go...I have to say I did buy our little girl from a breeder BUT I have to say that he(the breeder) wasn't charging $2000 for a puppy. SECOND...all I hear from the "breeders" are "DON'T BREED YOUR YORKIE" well if noone offers advice on what dogs should be bred and NOONE offers HELPFUL advice and ALL these "breeders" offer is NEGATIVE advice THEN GUESS WHAT? People are going to buy pets from pet stores and not breeders.....so maybe the breeders should help each other out instead of being a bunch of selfish negative JERKS! all that said I LOVE the couple that I bought our baby from she is full grown 3 1/2 pounds and b-e-a-u-tiful! We get extremely helpful advice from our baby's breeder and I have to say that THIS couple was the rarity among the breeders of these dogs...I actually had one breeder refuse to let us look at her puppies because we have a child! RIDICULOUS!!! Mind you our little girl(yorkie) is most attached to my 7 yr old son and we have NEVER had a problem with their interaction...they are each other's best friend...Personally I think think the puppies should be taken away from the "stuffy" "snotty" breeders so they don't turn these ADVENTUROUS BRAVE FUN-LOVING SPUNKY dogs into OBNOXIOUS little anti social pests like I see more often than not with this breed.

Answer by CRISSYSMILE
Submitted on 11/10/2005
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I HAD 3LB YORKIE 6 YEARS OLD WITH AN OPEN FONTONEL SHE WAS FINE UNTIL SHE FELL OFF HER RAMP FOR THE BED, 4 DAYS LATER SHE DIED. SHE WAS BOUGHT FROM A BREEDER. SO EVEN BREEDERS BREED FOR MONEY ONLY. NEVER BREED AN ANIMAL WITH AN OPEN FONTONEL IT ONLY BREAKS YOUR HEART SOONER THAN IF THE ANIMAL LIVED TO LIFE EXPECTANCY. WHEN I BOUGHT HER AND THE VET TOLD ME SHE HAD THIS OPENING I COULDN'T BRING MYSELF TO BRING HER BACK. WHO WOULD LOVE HER BECAUSE SHE WAS BROKEN. SO I KEPT HER. BUT MY HEART BROKE AFTER ONLY 6 YEARS AND I WAS ALWAYS OVER PROTECTIVE OF HER KNOWING ABOUT THE OPENING. I GUESS NOT ENOUGH. THEY ARE BREEDING THESE DOGS TOO SMALL THEY ARE TOO FRAGILE AND DIE YOUNG ALL IN THE NAME OF MONEY. THESE ARE LIVING BREATHING ANIMALS THAT THEY ARE HURTING EVERY DAY. HOW CAN THEY BE SO CRUEL.

Answer by Ernest Roe
Submitted on 12/18/2005
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i think it's really funny how all of you think you are better than each other because you bought your dog here or there! but you all focus on your "product" being "undamaged" and "pure". what about all the dogs sitting in humane shelters waiting to be killed? why don't you adopt those?? who cares about prestige, good training, etc. if you want a dog for the right reasons--because it is our responsibility to take care of all these dogs we (as a species) have genetically altered by breeding for hundreds of years for selfish reasons (i.e. having them work for us, or worse just standing around looking pretty) to the point where they no longer can take care of themselves and have been domesticated, then you should not purchase them, you should take the ones that are about to be killed because they are NOT perfect!!! these little notes show a lot about human nature and selfishness. i'msure your pure bred dogs are a lot prettier than you!

Answer by Debbie
Submitted on 1/24/2006
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I see nothing wrong with getting a puppy from a pet store.The only concern I have is most pet store don't check out the people buying the puppy. You can get a very nice puppy with A.K.C papers and you can check the blood line like you can a breeder, I know of a pet store that you can call the breeder and see mommy and or daddy. I feel that the people getting the puppy need to be check out just as good as the puppy. They get the puppy because it so cute and later don't have time for it. Yorkies need lots of time and love and can very hard to potty train. I have seen this before where they don't want them anymore because of this. Just like you have to be check out to adopt a really baby, so should anyone adopting a puppy.

Answer by HM
Submitted on 3/10/2006
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Okay, honestly, i have been tempted to buy from a pet store. I'm 16 and when my mother told me i could FINALLY get a yorkie i couldnt wait any longer. after my months and years of research on breeders i just forgot everything. i went to a pet store and fell in love with a little girl... well my senses kicked in and i walked out.. don't buy from pet stores.. research puppymills and you will never step foot into a pet store again. Well a few months later i went to a "breeder" a few hours away. When i got ther ehe showed me 2 puppies, no mother or father... i fell in love with one, she had papers, looked healthy, but he didnt breed her himself.. he said he got her from a friend... B/S! Anyway in the first 2 months i had her [i got her at 10 weeks] i spent 1200 dollars in vet bills fixing her kennel cough turned pneumonia... along with the 1100 i payed for her. i'mlucky thats all that was wrong with her.. now shes a year old.. and shes healthy and happy and i love her and dont regret her at all... however point of story is this: BUYING FROM A PET STORE OR BACKYARD BREEDER OR PUPPY BROKER MAY SEEM LIKE YOU'RE SAVING THE PUPPIES BUT YOURE NOT. THINK OF THE MOTHERS TO THE PUPPIES WHO ARE CAGED FROM THE TIME THEY FIRST GO INTO HEAT [1 YEAR FOR ARGUMENTS SAKE] UNTIL THEY CAN NO LONGER BREED... THIS CAN BE YEARS AND YEARS WITHOUT FRESH AIR OR HUMAN CONTACT. ITS HORRIBLE BUT IF EVERYONE ADOPTED OR RESPONSIBLY ATTAINED THEIR PETS..PUPPY MILLS WOULD QUICKLY DIMINISH.. i know that sometimes breeders are expensive, but honestly petstores are just as bad if not worse.. and u end up paying more in vet bills anyway. more heartbreak for you and more money to mills. be careful where you get your pet, do research, and please please dont support this animal abuse. thanks

Answer by Richie
Submitted on 5/13/2006
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I don't believe that people buy puppies from pet stores because they want to "save" the puppy. I believe they buy them there for the same reason that people buy puppies from any breeder - it's an emotional decision to buy a pet - an "oh it's soooo cute" moment sort of thing. Whether this decision is researched or not, it's based on the same emotional desire. But there are differences, of course, in the people breeding the dogs. Some breed for profit - a way to support themselves. That isn't bad in and of itself - but the consideraton for profit will by necessity over-ride other considerations. I'll let you think about what those other considerations would be. Personally, I don't know why anyone would buy a puppy from a pet store because you can't see the parents, littermates or siblings from previous litters. In that case, how can you tell what the dog will grow up to be like ? Yorkies are a breed that have huge variation in size, head shape, coat color, type and abundance as well as temperament and health. Personally, I'd like to decide for myself what is most important to me and then make sure I get it by carefully making sure that BOTH the parent dogs have the characteristics I like. Finally, I don't believe responsible breeders really want everyone to stop petstores. Consciously they might think they do but I believe what is really more important to them is to feel like they're members of a "superior" club. Rembember- the origins of dog shows and "pure bloodedness" was all about elitism. Think about it. If you wanted to eliminate pet stores - it would be EASY. The way to do that would be to provide a more pleasant experience and a cheaper price. Yet "show" breeders turn away far more people than they sell to! Where do they think those people should go for pups? Do show breeders really think that they should get to decide whether someone gets to own any puppy at all? So, if they turn someone away - they're SENDING THEM TO ANOTHER SOURCE. Show breeders also are terrible control freaks and treat puppy inquiries as if they come from suspicious criminals. They lecture, condemn and heap scorn on people who disagree with them. Next time you're buying a pup - try an experiment: disagree with the breeder about some dog things (or anything for that matter). I bet you'll be turned out promptly and treated as if you're an arch villian! How will pet shops ever be put out of business if the only other source for puppies would be show breeders who refuse to beat the competition at their own game? I feel that since show breeders don't do it for the money they should charge LESS n ot more. They should treat puppy buyers as customers and they should realize every time they turn away someone who wants a pup they are probably creating a life long customer of puppy merchants! Backyard breeders are a good alternative - but they're much more varied than either petstores or show breeders. Some are good - some bad. Some health test, some don't. Some treat people with courtesy, some don't. Some lie, some don't. But the fact that they'll have the mother (at least) on the premises is a good thing. Sorry about the length of the post but my overarching point is this: TO ALL YOU FOLKS WHO WISH PETSTORES WOULD GO OUT OF BUSINESS - (I'M ONE OF YOU) THE ONLY WAY TO ACCOMPLISH THIS IS TO OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE THAT COMPETES FOR THOSE PUPPY BUYERS - AND WINS THE COMPETITION BY SERVICING THE NEEDS OF THE BUYER, NOT THE SELLER.

Answer by Julie
Submitted on 8/6/2006
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After reading some of the posts here, I have a feeling I will be getting a harsh response as well. However, I'm prepared to face the least of the consequences for my purchase of a puppy from what I recently learned is defined to be a backyard breeder. To defend myself, I researched breeders what I thought to be extensively, but evidently not enough. When I got to the breeder's house, I saw the puppies in that horrible condition and despite a lack of papers, health guarantees, contracts, shots, and deworming, I made an impulse buy partly from wanting to rescue her, and also my naive wanting to have a puppy for the 5 hour drive back home. Although purchasing the puppy, who is doing fine thus far, was a fault entirely my own, I want to know if in any way can I report this breeder, or is this a mistake i will just have to live with? I'm afraid that she will end up breaking my heart and my bank in the future but I just wanted her to be in a home where people would care for and love her.

Answer by Tina_Nicole
Submitted on 10/20/2006
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Hey Jeff, I just recently got my puppy from a pet store. But I really didn't care to much about papers. I wish now I had. ALthough I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM. It has been a rollercoster ride of Lies all the way down. I got vaccines, Health certificate and still recieved a sick dog. He is in good hands now but before who knows. I took him in for my vet visit which the vet pays for. (A veterinarian owns the store and vet). The vet did not even check him really, and then told me that infact he did have papers. LIES I called the breeder (probaly a mill) and she even told me, the father is CKC registered and she got the chance for two yorkie females unregistered. She told me the truth. I am now overly paranoid that he could be a mix, and in my heart I regret and just WISH I would have resisted that extremly cute face and loving persona on my new puppy. Now I will not be able to get my Yorkie. Plus I wasted so much more money. Pet stores should not sell pups. Yes I believe they deserve homes, but they should be at a sidcounted price and the new owner should be warned, and given lifetime heath guranette, for genetic defects by te pet store if they really cared. I Love him, but he is not what I wanted and it is VERY hard to live like this.

Answer by Laura
Submitted on 10/28/2006
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I have a puppy mill dog my dad helped me buy when I was 14. I love him to death and he's sweet, but he has huge problems... skin problems, behavioral problems, you name it. I had the choice to spend MORE MONEY on AKC papers if I wanted them. My dog looks so far off from the original breed (sheltie) that it's possible that he's a mix. Pet stores do mark down the dogs to get rid of them... That's how I got mine for $250. There are bad breeds and really bad (puppy mill breeders). I say buy from a shelter, and if not, find a REPUTABLE breeder, not some scumbag out for the money. Oh, and by the way, my aunt is a sheltie breeder in Arizona, and she's not in it for the money, for all of you that think all breeders are money hungry. She doesn't need the money, she just loves the breed. Puppy mills will eventually go out of business if you stop looking into those sad eyes and buying them. If one puppy loses its life from the hundreds of thousands that are dying and crying each year in the mills, and killed bc of overpopular in shelters, then isn't that caring more for the dogs than caring about that one little pet store pup?

Answer by jamie
Submitted on 3/5/2007
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I would just like to say to those people who put down pet shops, that you should really no what you are talking about before you speak. I am a puppy store owner, and a breeder. I breed 6 different breeds and I am damn good at it. They are absolutly beautiful, and very healthy. All of my dogs are purebred and reasonibly priced. I also check the buyers background when it comes to purchasing one of my puppies and if I don't like what I hear then I do not sell the puppy. I would rather keep them all than see them go to someone who is not going to take as good of care of them as I would. And when the mother can not breed anymore then she stays with me. I have quite a few dogs and I love everyone of them. So before you smear all pet stores in the mud I would just like all of you to know that there is still people like myself that care. And that not one of my puppies come from puppy mills. Thanks for reading, Jamie

Answer by hope704
Submitted on 6/26/2007
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I bought my special little yorkie from a reputable, researched breeder who loves and takes care of her puppies and saw the mother and the father. I paid 1500.00 for him. He is allergic to almost everything. He has a horrible skin condition that the vet can't figure out and he is on multiple medicines because this little guy would be soooo miserable with them. I bought a second yorkie from a "pet Store" and he is "healthy as a horse". No problems, and wonderful temprement. I run a day care and the children all love both puppies and the puppies love them. I say its like finding a good husband/wife...either way, marriage is a gamble and its up to you to do your best to make it work once you have tied the knot. BUT, remember...if you knew he/she was an alcoholic when you married him you can't complain now, because you said for better or worse. SO Check it out!!!

Answer by hope704
Submitted on 6/26/2007
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I bought my special little yorkie from a reputable, researched breeder who loves and takes care of her puppies and saw the mother and the father. I paid 1500.00 for him. He is allergic to almost everything. He has a horrible skin condition that the vet can't figure out and he is on multiple medicines because this little guy would be soooo miserable with them. I bought a second yorkie from a "pet Store" and he is "healthy as a horse". No problems, and wonderful temprement. I run a day care and the children all love both puppies and the puppies love them. I say its like finding a good husband/wife...either way, marriage is a gamble and its up to you to do your best to make it work once you have tied the knot. BUT, remember...if you knew he/she was an alcoholic when you married him you can't complain now, because you said for better or worse. SO Check it out!!!

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Question by Jeff
Submitted on 11/8/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Yorkshire Terriers Breed-FAQ
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We bought a very cute Yorkshire Terrier at a pet store. We know everyone that breeds yorkies say do not buy from a pet store, but we did because we fell in love with him. We do have one question about open fontanel. He is 14 weeks old and our vet said it will never close. Is this true? If so should we never use him as a stud if someone was interested? Other then this he is everything in a show dog> Thanks, Jeff

Answer by OneDogMama
Submitted on 12/3/2003
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Jeff, I can't answer your first question. But, why on Earth would you breed a pet store puppy? Especially one that has a problem at 14 weeks old?

Answer by Jeff
Submitted on 12/6/2003
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If no one buys from the pet store what would happen with all the cute puppies???? I see nothing wrong with it. I also was told that the open fontael is very conmon in yorkies, and almost all very small dogs have the same problem. It is not that big of a problem!!! My god it is just a very small soft spot on his head like a baby is born with. Also what is wrong with breeding a pet store puppy??? He is AKC just like a puppy you buy from a breeder!!!!

Answer by emj
Submitted on 12/12/2003
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jeff thank you for the info the honey work thank you so much this is a great q .yor baby will be fine

Answer by Jeff
Submitted on 12/28/2003
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Good update!!!! Our skeeter no longer has the open fontanel. Our vet said it just took a little longer to close, but he is in very good health.

Answer by mk
Submitted on 1/1/2004
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Thanks great news! Good Luck!

Answer by kb
Submitted on 1/14/2004
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I would never breed a pet store puppy you have no idea about the pedigree and what health problems are in the lines and be carful with the fontanella it will most likeley never close

Answer by Jeff
Submitted on 1/19/2004
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It did close and he is in very good health

Answer by Jeff
Submitted on 1/31/2004
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Thanks Chelsie, I am so glad to hear someone else stick up for the pet stores. Ours also came with a pedigree,chip,and vaccinations. We also fell in love with him. I don't care that he came from a pet store. And yes he will be a father some day. He has a very good background and everyone that see'shim says he is show quality. He is the best.I agree 100% what you said above. Thanks again, Jeff Jeff

Answer by laural
Submitted on 2/3/2004
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The problem with buying from a pet store is that the dogs come from puppy mills, no responsible breeder in their right would ever sell to a pet store. So called breeders who sell to pet stores are doing it for a profit, true responsible breeders do it to create the best breed possible breeders will sell their pet quality dog to good homes and will stay in touch with the owner to ensure these dogs have good homes and don't end up at the Humane Society.

Answer by chrissy
Submitted on 2/15/2004
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I just bought a little 1.9 lb 10 week old yorkie from a pet store about three hours from my house. I went all the way over there b/c she was what i wanted and she was only there for 14 hours, I rescued her and she is the cutest, sweetest thing ever. So what if she came from a pet store, that means she doesnt deserve a good home??? Puppy mills are awful I agree, but its not the dog's fault. A lot of things in this world are screwed up, but u cant stop it by making others suffer, think about the DOG, it still needs a home, and my puppy is awesome.

Answer by lory
Submitted on 2/16/2004
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You shouldn't buy dogs from the pet store, anyway!

Answer by Nelly
Submitted on 3/19/2004
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I bought my yorkie from a petstore,and Iv never looked back.Ok,so imagin we all say "lets not buy anymore puppys from petstores"..what would happen to all those puppys? There are thousands of them,all waiting for some one to take them home,should we watch them die? Oh thats better for my ego "Iv let 10,000,000 puppys die,but Iv saved there parents",doesnt sound right to me.I know puppymills are awful,but leaving all those puppys in a petstore window to rot in awful too.Did anyone know that puppys that arent sold are put down,donated to research,starved to death..etc.Whats worse?

Answer by Nena
Submitted on 4/1/2004
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And does your poodle coming from a pet store mean that you wont be able to love him? NOt all pet store pups come from a puppymill,its silly to even think that they do.Do you know what happens to unsold puppies? Read up on it...Im sure it will make you sick to your stomach.You may have saved your little poodles life.Unsold puppies also have a terrible fate waiting for them..Is the sacrifice of all those poor pupies necesary to stop puppy mills? Think about it,and do some more research..instead of reading about puppymills alone,read about the puppys themselfs

Answer by worf
Submitted on 4/5/2004
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The solution in stopping Puppy mills is in legislation. As long as pet stores are aloud to sell puppies, puppy mills will continue. LEGISLATION preventing the sale of puppies in pet stores is the only solution that will work.

Answer by AmericanSoldier
Submitted on 4/29/2004
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Some of you people are absolute oxygen thieves. If you knew what kinds of conditions puppy mills breed dogs in, you'd be sick...that is, if you have enough IQ to understand why buying a dog from a pet shop contributes to the cycle of cruelty. Stupid. "Well if I want one, I'll buy one, you big mean jerk!" Very intelligent and mature...you dumb ass.

Answer by Just Tired of Looking
Submitted on 5/20/2004
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The reason people by from Pet Stores is because of the reasonable prices you can get for the same quality of puppy you get for the "Non Mill Breeders." Not familiar with that term? Thats because it isnt a term at all... I have been to some "breeders" homes that are disgusting. Let's face it.. everyone is in it for the money or these puppies would be free. Let the "Breeders" lower their prices and see what happens to the mills... that would fix the problem right away. There would be no money in "Milling" the puppies.

Answer by liz
Submitted on 6/6/2004
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unbelievable. to everyone who thinks it's ok to buy from pet stores, please read this over and over until you get it- IF YOU BUY A PUPPY FROM A PET SHOP, YOU ARE KEEPING PUPPY MILLERS IN BUSINESS. YOU ARE CONDEMNING THE FEMALES IN THE MILLS TO A LIFE OF CRUELTY. YOU ARE CONDONING THIS TO CONTINUE BY PURCHASING A PET STORE PUP. and by the way, just because a dog has AKC papers, that means NOTHING! AKC is a means to register a purebreed dog, and nothing more. The AKC has no clue if it's healthy, behaviorally sounds, etc, they just know that is a purebreed.

Answer by Jeff
Submitted on 7/5/2004
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Hi Grandma, Thank you for directing back to the first question. Our little Skeeter's did close up, but everyone we have talked to did say open fontanel is common for small yorkies. Not all have the problem, but some are just slower at closing. You are right some may never close. I hope you find what you are looking for. If I do hear of something to protect your puppies head I will let you know. Thanks again, Jeff

Answer by Callie
Submitted on 8/21/2004
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Hmm. Funny. I sell my pups to a pet store. Does that instantly make me a puppy mill? Go look up what a puppy mill is. if Breeders sold at decent prices and did away with things like 'when you die, screw your family, you have to give the dog back to us!' clauses in their 'contracts' people might buy from them.

Answer by Grandma JH
Submitted on 9/12/2004
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I also have a 10 month male yorkie with hydrocephalus. He has fallen twice and it is very scarey. IF you find anything on the helmets let me know. Toby is very small only about 2 1/2 pounds. Any advise on this condition would be appreciated.

Answer by donny
Submitted on 10/24/2004
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you all keep saying not to buy pups from pet stores because they might be from puppy mills and you are just supporting them by doing so but what do you think will happen to these so called puppy mill pups if they are not sold.they will be killed.i feel if you see a puppy in a pet store or wherever and you want to buy it it is your choice to do so.i think its better for me to buy the dog than to have it be killed.

Answer by butterflyanne
Submitted on 11/18/2004
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Not all pet stores sell puppy mill puppies. Some Breeders sell off the pet grade puppies to stores, and save the best to show or breed. Other pet stores help place mixed breed puppies and kittens that were accidents. Still yet, others help place animals from shelters. It isn't fair to say all pet stores are bad. By telling people to never buy a puppy or kitten, you could be stopping a shelter animal from getting a home.

Answer by nichole
Submitted on 12/21/2004
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I have a 9 wk old Yorkie who also has an open fontanel. I am not sure what to do? I have been reading about the puppies/dogs that have them, they have a lot of problems and live a short life. Is this true? Will it close? What are the chances? I have grown attached to the little guy, and do not really want to return him to the breeder. Im not sure if I am even posting this right... so PLEASE email me at BIMBO51@AOL.COM. Thanks so much!!!! :'(

Answer by precyous
Submitted on 2/2/2005
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It seems like everyone is saying the same thing. Is there any other reason besides that not to get a dog from the pet store. My sister is interested in buying a dog and she seems to believe that the dogs at the pet store were more friendly as opposed to the pups she saw at the breeder. I told her the dogs at the store were probably desperate! What else can I tell her to persuade her to buy from a breeder? I also told her that the temperment of the dogs couldve just been different. She wants a Maltese, any info anyone can give on this breed?

Answer by Shereen
Submitted on 3/7/2005
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Hey everyone, I learned a lot from these messages. I myself was thinking about buying a puppy from a Pet-Store but I'm not going to anymore. Im having a hard time finding a breeder, I live in orange county, California so if anyone could give me a little more information about yorkshire it would be great. Also, i work from 8:30-5:30 everyday during the weekday, is that going to be a problem with the puppy? Also, are they hard to take care of. I dont want to be spending a lot of money on the dog every month. Thanks so much!

Answer by j
Submitted on 5/8/2005
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I owned a pet store and sold puppies for many years with many, many happy customers. No puppies were ever, ever purchased from puppy mills/farms. That is why I was so successful.

Answer by ilisa
Submitted on 5/15/2005
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babypup

Answer by Ashley
Submitted on 6/27/2005
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Oh and I'm happy to hear that your dog got better!

Answer by deltadawncowgirl
Submitted on 8/14/2005
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I going back to the original question. This was my experience with a very soft spot on my yorkies head. She was 14 weeks old and and her soft spot still did not close up. My vet told me it can cause (Seisures) well i don't know how to spell it right. But anyway thats what happened. She started having them and within 12 hours she was dead.And they did tell me its genetic.

Answer by LK
Submitted on 8/24/2005
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AKC registration does not guarantee a quality puppy and they will tell you that. You cannot raise puppies for long if you do not take good care of them whether you are a breeder or puppy mill. 'Breeders' ARE puppy mills and they breed and sell their dogs for a profit just like puppy mills and pet stores do. A champion pedigree only shows that a dog has been shown in dog shows and was better than some being shown at that time. Most dogs are never shown in a dog show because it is very expensive and time consuming to show dogs. Puppy mill and pet store dogs look just as good as champion breeders' dogs do after they have been trimmed, groomed, dyed and sprayed.

Answer by rach's yorkies
Submitted on 11/11/2005
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I am a "home breeder". I love my 2 momma'sand my peppy little daddy. Before I will sell a puppy, I interview the buyer and make sure that they have a Good home etc. I personally know people who run kennels, and even though the dogs are treated very well (thank god) the dogs do not get any personal attention or love. the puppys are taken from their moms as soon as they can be, and the tiny things are shipped across the country to be sold in a pet shop. very traumatic. and this would be a good case. purchasing a pup from a "home breeder" like my self is night and day different from a pet shop. I care about my dogs and about the new owners.

Answer by Angel
Submitted on 12/9/2005
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I am new at this breeder and pet store business and am somewhat confused. I know everyone is saying that buying from a pet store is horrible and it is contributing to the mills but i don't know what exactly the mill does. I was thinking about buying a dog from a pet store close buy for Christmas but i think I'm going to have to put it on hold. After all i do want whats best for every puppy, but i don't want to spend ALOT of money doing so.

Answer by Louisa
Submitted on 2/8/2006
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To everyone saying that it's better to "save" the puppies: It's all about the simple logic of the market. Demand and supply. We have to think long term. All you people who bought your puppies from a pet store have contributed to the continuing of this abuse of dogs. No one here is saying that you will love the puppy less or that it's worth less. Imagine if there were no men paying for prostitutes, would there be any prostitution? Don't want to offend anyone here, just want to make you understand the role the buyer plays in all of this.

Answer by BOBEE
Submitted on 2/26/2006
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OK, I DIDN'T DO MY RESEARCH. I BOUGHT FROM A PET SHOP.PAID $1,100. AND GUESS WHAT? MY GORGEOUS YORKIE BABY HAS A COLD, EARMITES AND SOME TYPE OF SKIN FUNGUS. ALL OF THIS I HAVE DISCOVERED WITHIN 1 WEEK OF GETTING HER. IT HAS BEEN HORIBLE. MEDICATIONS, BABYSITTING AND CONSTANT WORRY THAT SHE WILL BE OK. I HAVE TOTALLY FALLEN IN LOVE WITH HER AND THERE IS NO GOING BACK NOW. HOPEFULLY THIS CAN ALL BE TREATED. BUT I REALLY WISH I WOULD HAVE DONE MY HOMEWORK. MY BABY IS SUPER CUTE AND DEFINETLEY GETS EVERYONES ATTENTION. I STRESS TO EVERYONE PLEASE BUY FROM A BREEDER NOT PET SHOP....