Buying a Yorkshire Terrier: Avoiding Getting Scammed
Photo by Crystal Huff on Unsplash
It happens every single day. Someone who is desperate for a Yorkshire Terrier puppy gets scammed by random people over the internet for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
It is time to put an end to this once and for all!
In this article I will explain some methods to avoid being scammed like so many other people have. I will also explain why it happens and what we as people can do to try and put an end to it.
Use Your Brain
The simple statement of “use your brain” comes to mind when I hear about people who have been scammed online.
For the life of me I do not understand how people can be so careless with money – perhaps money is not a big source of concern or unease in their life, so they are willing to risk it for the potential reward of acquiring a Yorkie puppy.
The problem with this carelessness is that evil people make a profit from it. Which in turn encourages these evil scammers to continue their horrible pursuits of scamming people out of their money. It is a vicious cycle that needs to be stopped.
So I would like to ask you as a Yorkie enthusiast: the next time you are aware of someone who is desperate for a Yorkie puppy, please tell them to use their brain. Tell them not to be careless with money. Lastly, tell them if they want a healthy legitimate Yorkie puppy they need to be willing to do their research, have patience and exercise caution.
I may come across as harsh but the truth is that we should not allow scammers to rule the internet. Part of that responsibility is educating the buyers not to be foolish.
Photo by Elena Taranenko on Unsplash
Avoid Getting Scammed
Besides the point above of using your brain, there are other important things to consider when ensuring safety when looking for a Yorkie puppy to buy.
Firstly I would say if it sounds to good to be true, it is.
Be willing to meet up with the alleged Yorkie breeder before you give them a single cent.
Ensure they are legitimate by doing research on the internet – look for reviews. It is easy to tell which reviews are real and which are not real.
Do not buy a Yorkie puppy without having the breeder present a written contract which will ensure the health of the Yorkie puppy for the first 12 months at least.
Ask for registered papers on the Yorkie Dam and Sire of the puppy. You can then contact the registree board of your country to ensure the papers they have given you are legitimate and not fake.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
If someone has scammed you out of hundreds or thousands of dollars, you need to contact the police and provide them with as much information as possible. If you don’t do this you will be ensuring that the scammer will get away with your money and the encouragement of continuing their deceitful practices.
Before sending your money away, ask your friends and family members for help in finding a good Yorkie breeder. You never know who may actually know someone who can help you – you have nothing to lose by doing this.
Join online communities where Yorkie breeding is discussed. When doing this, keep your radars up because this is exactly where scammers fish for potential victims.
Just remember that if you are cautious and not willing to send your money to random people you have never met over the internet – you will be fine.
Do not search for breeders on Facebook. Selling animals is against Facebook’s rules therefore they will not allow breeders to sell puppies or discuss the selling of puppies on their platform. Not to mention if anything bad does happen – Facebook will not help you at all.
Check Local Dog Rescues
Photo by Tammy Gann on Unsplash
I know that getting a Yorkie puppy is exciting and one of your life dreams. However, there are thousands of Yorkies who are no longer puppies that are living in shelters / rescues across the world.
Why not try to prepare for a puppy by first adopting or rescuing an adult Yorkie who wants your love and affection?
This will also create connections for you – establishing a relationship with a dog rescue will open your contact list of people. This will benefit you because you can let them know you are also interested in buying a Yorkie puppy. This goes back to the point of not being afraid to ask for help!
The more people you speak with the better your chances and options become when searching for a legitimate healthy Yorkie puppy to add to your family.
I am careful about what I do with my money. I do want a Yorkie badly. I have been doing research online. The breeders that appear legit, end up having terrible reviews claiming to actually be puppy mills OR they are unresponsive to my calls, messages or emails. I’m having a terrible time finding my first Yorkie. I always keep an eye at the shelters and rescue sites. But nothing else seems to pan out! I feel like I’ve done my best to follow the advise of family and friends(which all line up with your article here) Any suggestions OR better yet, recommendations on legit breeders I could follow up on?
Hi David. Are there any dog rescues in your area? Usually someone there may know of a reputable breeder in the local area. Obviously keep your guard up and make sure to get a written and signed contract if you do find a good breeder, best of luck!
When we wanted another Yorkie, I contacted AKC breederstgru the AKC website, and kept asking for referrals… it took months but we finally found several in our area, and we’re so happy.
My first was from a rescuer who took dogs that were destined to be destroyed by a puppy mill. Over the 15 years I had that little guy, he cost thousands of dollars in vet bills, and he had health issues galore. And I don’t regret any of that, but it was so hard to watch him as he battled continual health issues…. but his love was so enormous….. he was my heart and i miss him so.
We ran into the same predicament as you. We went to out local vet and he quickly guided us into the right direction with a warning NOT TO GET involved with puppy mills.