Key Questions to Ask Your Yorkshire Terrier Breeder

The Yorkshire Terrier is a beloved toy dog breed across the UK, well-known for its charming personality and compact size. If you are considering welcoming one of these delightful dogs into your home, it’s important to find a responsible breeder who prioritises the health and wellbeing of their puppies rather than just profit.

This guide covers vital questions to ask your potential Yorkshire Terrier breeder to ensure you bring home a healthy, well-socialised, and happy puppy.

1. What is your experience with Yorkshire Terriers?

Before committing to a breeder, ask about their experience with the breed. A knowledgeable breeder understands breed-specific traits, common health issues, and the temperament typical of Yorkshire Terriers. They should be able to demonstrate a genuine love and commitment to advancing the breed responsibly.

2. Can I meet the puppy’s parents, especially the mother?

Meeting the litter's dam, and ideally the sire, shows you the environment the puppies grew up in and provides insight into their temperaments and health. Inquire about the mother’s age, health tests, breeding history, and whether she has had any complications such as cesarean sections. Healthy parents are more likely to produce healthy puppies.

3. Have the parents undergone health testing?

Responsible breeders conduct specific health screenings on their breeding dogs to reduce inherited health problems. For Yorkshire Terriers, common tests include screening for eye diseases, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and thyroid problems. Ask for documentation or certification confirming these tests.

4. Can I meet and interact with the entire litter?

Spending time with the whole litter will help you assess their social skills and personalities. Puppies should be curious, playful, and comfortable with human interaction. Shy or overly fearful pups might indicate insufficient early socialisation.

5. How are the puppies socialised?

A good breeder begins early socialisation by exposing puppies to different people, household noises, and gentle interaction with other dogs and children. This early experience sets the foundation for confident, well-adjusted adults.

6. Are the puppies vaccinated and veterinary-checked?

Before going to their new homes, puppies should have had initial vaccinations, worming, flea treatments, and at least one veterinary check. Ask for all relevant veterinary paperwork, and find out which vet practice supports the breeder’s dogs.

7. Is there a written contract and health guarantee?

Reliable breeders provide a clear sales contract outlining responsibilities, health guarantees, and return policies if issues arise. This contract ensures you are protected and the breeder remains involved if problems occur after purchase.

8. What is the typical temperament and energy level of these puppies?

Yorkshire Terriers are lively and affectionate, but individual pups can vary. Ask about the puppies’ distinct personalities and energy needs so you find one suited to your lifestyle, whether relaxed or more active.

9. How many litters do you breed each year?

Ethical breeders limit the number of litters per female each year to maintain high welfare standards for the breeding dogs and puppies.

10. Do you have questions for me as a potential owner?

A dedicated and responsible breeder will be interested in your home environment, experience, and plans for your puppy to ensure it’s a good lifelong match. They often ask about your time availability, other pets, and how you plan to care for your new dog.

Choosing to bring a Yorkshire Terrier into your family is a joyous decision. By asking these important questions of your breeder, you support responsible breeding practices and increase your chances of enjoying a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted companion.