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Yorkie adoption is a long term commitment, so getting it right the first time is very important. This article is written as a starting point to aid in the Yorkshire terrier adoption process before you adopt a Yorkie. 

Ask yourself “What do you want adopt a Yorkie puppy for?”

A. Pet/Companion
B. Showing
C. Breeding
D. All of the above

Once you know what you want a Yorkie puppy for it’s time to do your homework. You should not buy a Yorkie puppy until you know and understand the AKC Yorkshire terrier standard. By understanding the standard you will begin to be able to recognize a high quality Yorkshire terrier puppy (Yorkie) from a low quality Yorkshire terrier puppy. Click here for the AKC Yorkie Standard or visit the AKC web site or the YTCA web site.

Next you need to start applying what you have learned by going to dog shows and Yorkshire terrier breeders in your area. Talk to the exhibitors, but not until after they’re finish showing. Ask them why the dogs placed the way they did in the show and compare what they say to how you felt the dogs should have been placed. Visit other Yorkshire terrier breeders in your area and compare their stock to what you saw at the dog show. The more Yorkshire terriers you see the easier it will be in determining a quality Yorkie.

Now that your confident in your ability in determining a quality Yorkie you’re still not ready for adoption. Most people will adopt a Yorkie puppy between 8 wks. to 12 wks. of age. At these ages the puppy is only 1/3 to 1/2 it’s adult size and no telling what that Yorkie puppy will look like as an adult. So if your going to buy a Yorkie puppy at these ages there are some addition things you must do to increase the odds of the high quality puppy growing up to become a high quality adult Yorkie.

If you want a show quality yorkshire terrier puppy or have the highest chance of a high quality puppy, you need to what until the puppy is between 6 mo. to 9 mo. old before adoption.