How to Read a Yorkie Contract Before Buying

By Carole Vansickle

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Contract

Step 1:
Check the alterations requirements. If you are buying a dog as a pet and do not want to care for puppies or stud out your male, you need to make sure that you are not required to keep your dog unaltered. Also, if you hope to have puppies and sell them, you need to check if the breeder requires first pick of the litters, or if there are strict guidelines that require you to spay or neuter the dog.
Step 2:
Make sure you have a window of time in which to return the dog. You need to take your new Yorkie to your own veterinarian as soon as possible. He will be able to check for congenital problems, skin conditions and other breed-related issues like hernias, slipping knee caps and portosystemic shunts, which cause blood to bypass the liver. Many of these problems can be extremely costly to treat and can result in the death of your Yorkie, so if your puppy has these problems, you may decide to return him to the breeder.
Step 3:
Determine if the vaccines and shots are up to date. Your puppy should also be on heartworm medication if she is old enough. If she is not current, you may be buying a dog that is already infected with a life-threatening disease.
Step 4:
Check for the breeder's contact information. You should have names and phone numbers for everyone involved with breeding your puppy. This is largely so you can call with questions or concerns about your Yorkie at any point in his life. Some Yorkies have hereditary problems that a breeder may be able to help you and your vet identify many years down the road.
Step 5:
Make sure the purchase price is listed. You need a written verification of how much you paid for your dog. This is a simple legal protection and should be easy to get. You do not want a breeder to turn up later and claim you owe him more money.
Step 6:
Get any size predictions in writing. If you are buying a Yorkie as a traveling companion, you may need a dog that is 5 lbs. or less. If a breeder makes a hard promise about size, you need it in writing, so you can either return the dog or get some of your money refunded if she exceeds the promised limit.
Step 7:
Include sire and dam information. Should you ever wish to register, breed or sell your Yorkie puppy, you will need information on his parents. The contract should include their full names and registration numbers.

Tips & Warnings

Remember that when you buy a puppy, you are also making an emotional commitment to that animal. If you think you might have to return it to the breeder, do not get too attached until the issue is resolved.

Photo/Video Credit

http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/images/yorkie-puppy-for-sale.jpg, http://www.bostonrockdog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/smallestdog.jpg, http://farm1.static.flickr.com/30/61122555_7d6ba2e4f6_m.jpg

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