What Type of Health Guarantees Should I Ask For From a Yorkie Breeder?

When you’re in the market for a Yorkshire Terrier, commonly known as a Yorkie, it’s not just about finding the right puppy; it’s also about ensuring that your future companion is as healthy as possible.

One way to do this is by securing a health guarantee from the breeder. A health guarantee can provide peace of mind and protection against genetic and hereditary conditions that might not be immediately apparent.

Here’s what you should know about health guarantees when dealing with a Yorkie breeder.

Understanding Health Guarantees

A health guarantee is a breeder’s commitment that your new puppy is free from certain health issues at the time of sale and often includes a promise to address potential health problems that may arise within a specific period.

Here are the key components of a health guarantee that you should look for:

1. Coverage of Genetic and Hereditary Conditions

Yorkies are prone to certain genetic conditions such as Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Hypoglycemia. A comprehensive health guarantee should cover these conditions.

2. Time Frame of the Health Guarantee

Health guarantees typically cover a certain period, ranging from a few weeks to several years. The time frame should be reasonable to allow for the discovery of any genetic or hereditary conditions.

3. Specifics of the Guarantee

The guarantee should clearly state what is covered, including specific diseases and conditions, and outline what compensation is offered if the puppy is found to have a covered health issue.

Questions to Ask the Breeder

When discussing the health guarantee with a breeder, here are some important questions to ask:

What specific health conditions are covered by the guarantee?
How long does the health guarantee last?
What is the process for claiming the guarantee if my Yorkie has a health issue?
Are there any conditions or care requirements that can void the health guarantee?
Can you provide references from previous buyers who have used the health guarantee?

Evaluating the Health Guarantee

Here’s a table to help you evaluate the health guarantee provided by the Yorkie breeder:

Health Guarantee Aspect	Ideal Feature	Red Flag
Coverage	Comprehensive, including common genetic conditions	Vague or limited coverage
Duration	Lifetime or several years	Only a few weeks
Claim Process	Clear and straightforward	Complicated or unclear
Void Conditions	Reasonable, such as neglect or improper care	Unreasonable or too many conditions
Breeder Support	Ongoing support and advice	No support after purchase

The Importance of a Health Guarantee

A health guarantee is not just a document; it’s a sign of the breeder’s confidence in their breeding program and their commitment to the health and well-being of their puppies. It also reflects the breeder’s responsibility towards the breed and their buyers.

Conclusion

When you’re ready to welcome a Yorkie into your home, make sure you’re equipped with a solid health guarantee from the breeder.

This guarantee should provide comprehensive coverage for genetic and hereditary conditions, have a reasonable duration, and offer a clear process for claims.

Always read the fine print and understand your responsibilities to keep the guarantee valid.

Citations

American Kennel Club (AKC). (2021). Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed Information. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/
The Humane Society of the United States. (2021). How to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-find-responsible-dog-breeder
PetMD. (2021). Common Health Problems in Yorkshire Terriers. https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_yorkshire_terrier

References

Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies: Barr, T. (2004). Yorkshire Terriers For Dummies. Wiley Publishing, Inc.
The Complete Guide to Yorkshire Terriers: Anderson, D. (2019). The Complete Guide to Yorkshire Terriers: Finding, Raising, Training, and Loving Your Yorkie. LP Media Inc.
The Yorkshire Terrier Handbook: D.V.M. Caroline Coile (2005). The Yorkshire Terrier Handbook. Barron’s Educational Series.