Expert: Y. Webster - 1/19/2008

Question
We are looking to purchase another Yorkshire terrier as a companion to our current one and as a family pet. The first one we have is AKC, the one we are currently looking to purchase is a lower price and the breeder says is registered CKC (she claims it is Canadian registered and says she did so because she didn't initially register the mom with AKC so then couldn't and had to go this route. I read that if a dog is registered with the "Canadian" CKC (not Continental) that it can be registered with AKC. This is all starting to sound "fishy" to us. Also, we were delayed picking up the pup once it was "ready" and now she is pressuring us to hurry up and pick up the pup (paying her in cash) and has given us 72 hrs to do so. Our first breeder was in no hurry for us to pick up the pup and waited until our convienence. With this current breeder, at initial meeting (mom was pregnant) I asked if she gave a medical guarantee and her comment was that she takes them to vet first for checkup. She claims to have done that and that the dog is fine. Is this breeder pulling a scam on us? We can't go back to our first breeder because she is no longer breeding (our current dog's mother died at birth and breeder sold the dad so she no longer has breeding stock).

Answer
I have red flags with this seller by what you have told me. You can NOT register a dog with the Canadian Kennel Club that has not been registered with the American Kennel Club first (if in the US). The Canadian Kennel Club has as stringent rules for registration and pedigree as the American Kennel Club. That is why they accept each other's registries. What happens often times is unscrupulous buyers/breeders purchase pure bred pups that were sold to them with "limited registrations" which means they cannot register any puppies born to that dog. Reputable breeders do this for good reasons. They know what should be bred and what shouldn't. Often times this doesn't affect a puppy as a good pet but it might not be a good candidate for breeding. Here is an example. I have a friend who breeds and shows labrador retrievers. In that breed there is a genetic defect for blindness. One can be non affected, affected or a carrier. If a pup is a carrier it doesn't mean that puppy will go blind from that condition. It won't. But if it's bred it could produce pups that go blind as an adult. So her pups are sold on limited registrations with an agreement to spay or neuter the dog. If someone doesn't follow through with the spay or neutering they can breed that dog but can't register with AKC or CKC BUT they could still register with CKC (continental Kennel Club) confusing folks who aren't "in the know".

At the very least if you decide to get this puppy ask to SEE the Canadian Kennel Club papers (which you can only get if the puppy is born in Canada) BEFORE you purchase the puppy. Do not let the seller say anything like "I don't have the papers yet, they are in the mail, etc".

Ask to see a certified pedigree of the pup. If you are paying a substantial amt of money (300.00 or over) you should be able to see a certified pedigree. Ask the seller what health issues are prevalent in this breed (they all have them) and if she has done any genetic testing on her breeding stock. If you are getting a male make sure he has both testicles and a good bite. A good breeder can find testicles that haven't descended at around 4 weeks of age. Another thing to watch out for is if someone lets a toy breed (I started in dogs breeding and showing pomeranians) go to it's home before 8 weeks they do not have their pups best interest at heart.

Another thing is any reputable seller will at least give a buyer 48 hours guarantee in writing which will give the buyer enough time to take the puppy to a vet for a check up and a full refund if pup doesn't pass.

Please note that most reputable breeders are not in a rush to sell their puppies. Why? because they don't have to be. I think you should trust your gut on this one, I believe you are right that something is "fishy".

If more people asked the questions you are asking there would be less heartbreak and less puppy mill type breeders who only breed for the $ and not the love of the breed. A good rule of thumb is if someone has over 2 breeds they are "milling" for sure.

I hope that helps a little bit. I suggest you contact your local Kennel club or AKC.org and look for breeders through reputable organizations if you choose not to purchase the pup offered to you. If I can be of any more help just ask.