What Questions Should I Ask About the Yorkie Breeder’s Return Policy If the Puppy Has Health Issues?

When you’re considering bringing a Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) puppy into your home, it’s crucial to understand the breeder’s return policy, especially if the puppy develops health issues.

This article will guide you through the essential questions to ask the breeder to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

Understanding the Breeder’s Return Policy

A breeder’s return policy is a crucial aspect to consider when purchasing a puppy. It outlines the conditions under which a puppy can be returned, often due to health issues or congenital defects. Here are some questions you should ask:

What is your return policy? This is the most basic question, but it’s essential to understand the breeder’s policy on returning puppies. Some breeders may offer a full refund, while others may offer a replacement puppy[4].
What health issues are covered in your return policy? Not all health issues may be covered in the return policy. It’s important to clarify which health problems are included, especially those common in Yorkies such as hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, and collapsed trachea[3].
What is the duration of the health guarantee? The duration of the health guarantee can vary from breeder to breeder. Some may offer a guarantee for a year, while others may offer a “complete lifetime health guarantee”[4].
What are the conditions for returning a puppy? Some breeders may require that the puppy be returned within a specific timeframe after the health issue is discovered. Others may require documentation from a veterinarian[4].
What happens if I choose to keep the puppy? In some cases, you may decide to keep the puppy despite its health issues. Ask the breeder if they offer support or compensation in such cases[4].

Breeder’s Responsibility and Ethics

A responsible and ethical breeder should prioritize the health and well-being of their puppies. They should be knowledgeable about the breed and take measures to minimize health risks. Here are some questions to gauge the breeder’s responsibility and ethics:

Do you health test your breeding dogs? Health testing can help identify potential genetic conditions that could be passed on to puppies. A responsible breeder should have their dogs evaluated and tested for diseases[5].
Can you provide documentation of health clearances? A reputable breeder should be able to provide health clearances for the puppy’s parents, such as hip, elbow, patella, cardiac, eye certification, or other health clearance from organizations like the OFA, CERF for eyes, or PennHip for hips[4].
What measures do you take to limit health risks in your puppies? A good breeder should be proactive in minimizing health risks in their puppies. This could include a careful selection of breeding pairs, providing a healthy environment for the puppies, and ensuring they receive appropriate vaccinations and care[2].
Do you offer support and advice after the puppy is purchased? A responsible breeder should be willing to offer support and advice after the puppy is purchased. This could include advice on caring for the puppy, dealing with health issues, and general guidance on raising a Yorkie[2].

Table 1: Questions to Ask About the Breeder’s Return Policy

Questions	Why It’s Important
What is your return policy?	To understand the conditions under which a puppy can be returned
What health issues are covered in your return policy?	To know which health problems are included in the return policy
What is the duration of the health guarantee?	To know how long the health guarantee lasts
What are the conditions for returning a puppy?	To understand the requirements for returning a puppy
What happens if I choose to keep the puppy?	To know if the breeder offers support or compensation if you decide to keep a puppy with health issues

Table 2: Questions to Gauge the Breeder’s Responsibility and Ethics

Questions	Why It’s Important
Do you health test your breeding dogs?	To ensure the breeder is taking steps to minimize genetic health issues
Can you provide documentation of health clearances?	To verify the health status of the puppy’s parents
What measures do you take to limit health risks in your puppies?	To understand the breeder’s approach to ensuring the health of their puppies
Do you offer support and advice after the puppy is purchased?	To know if the breeder will be a resource for you after the purchase

Conclusion

When purchasing a Yorkie puppy, it’s crucial to ask the right questions about the breeder’s return policy and their approach to breeding. This will help ensure you’re bringing home a healthy puppy and have the support you need to raise it.

References:

Joyful Traditional Yorkies. (n.d.). Health Guarantee. Retrieved from https://joyfulyorkie.com/health-guarantee/
American Kennel Club. (2021, April 15). Finding a Responsible Dog Breeder: What to Look For. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/signs-of-a-responsible-breeder/
The Dog Tale. (2023, November 7). 8 Most Common Yorkie Health Issues. Retrieved from https://thedogtale.com/yorkie-health-issues/
Paw Print Genetics. (2013, May 22). “Health Guarantees” when Buying a Puppy. Retrieved from https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/blog/2013/05/22/health-guarantees-when-buying-puppy/
PetPlace. (2023, November 7). 23 Insightful Questions You Should Ask a Dog Breeder. Retrieved from https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/23-questions-you-should-ask-a-breeder/

Citations:
[1] https://joyfulyorkie.com/health-guarantee/
[2] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/signs-of-a-responsible-breeder/
[3] https://thedogtale.com/yorkie-health-issues/
[4] https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/blog/2013/05/22/health-guarantees-when-buying-puppy/
[5] https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/23-questions-you-should-ask-a-breeder
[6] https://www.akc.org/inspections-and-compliance/
[7] https://www.yorkieinfocenter.com/yorkie-health-problems
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/Yorkies/comments/qnh4j4/buying_a_yorkie_any_red_flags_in_conversation_w/
[9] https://www.justanswer.com/pet-dog/0f6c7-purchased-yorkie-breeder-one-month-ago.html
[10] https://iheartdogs.com/ultimate-yorkie-puppy-shopping-list-checklist-of-23-must-have-items/
[11] https://ahcfargo.com/client-resources/breed-info/yorkshire-terrier/
[12] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/questions-to-ask-your-potential-breeder/
[13] https://www.yorkieinfocenter.com/yorkshire-terrier-list-of-supplies
[14] https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/yorkshire-terrier-health-problems/
[15] https://www.justanswer.com/dog-health/h3wja-i-m-going-buy-yorkie-terrier-personal-breeder.html
[16] https://www.etsy.com/listing/1263568026/yorkshire-terrier-pink-and-blue-puppy
[17] https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/dogs/breeds/terriers/recognizing-common-health-issues-in-yorkshire-terriers-195948/
[18] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/everything-you-need-to-know-about-breeder-contracts/
[19] https://www.allthebestpetcare.com/pet-nutrition/checklist-of-items-you-need-for-your-new-dog-puppy/
[20] https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/yorkshire-terrier
[21] https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/general-yorkshire-terrier-discussion/123858-questions-ask-breeders.html
[22] https://www.wikihow.com/Breed-Yorkies
[23] https://www.ctvsh.com/services/dogs/breeds/yorkshire-terrier
[24] https://pawsoftherockies.com/resources/questions-to-ask-a-breeder/
[25] https://www.pedigree.com/dog-care-articles/top-5-yorkie-health-risks