Choosing a pet is a big commitment, and you deserve to work with a breeder who treats their pups with love and care. Look for breeders who follow best practices, like performing health screenings and genetic testing on parents.
A reputable breeder will ask many questions to ensure you are the right fit for your puppies. They may even have you fill out an extensive application before allowing you to meet them!
Health
Cookies thrive in any home and are a good choice for apartment dwellers. They’re low shedders and hypoallergenic. They enjoy daily walks and playtime but won’t run you ragged. They do best in warm weather but can manage some cold if they’re adequately attired.
Be sure to meet both of your future puppy’s parents. Ask the breeder about their health histories, including whether they’ve been tested for genetic disorders. Responsible breeders in Texas will regularly outcross their dogs to prevent inbreeding.
Cookies are often gentle with family cats, but they should be kept away from young children because they may accidentally drop or toss them around. They also tend to bark frequently, which could upset the neighbors if you live in an apartment. Cookies should eat a diet rich in protein and Omega fatty acids to stay healthy and energetic. They should also be fed dog food without corn, wheat, or soy to avoid potential allergens.
Personality
Cookies are playful and devoted dogs that inherit some of the best traits from their parents. These tiny pups are intelligent and learn quickly, known as Yorkie-chis, Chiyorkies, or Yorkie terrier crosses. Their owners need consistency and patience during training, including potty training.
While they may have bursts of energy, they tire out quickly and need frequent breaks to relieve themselves. Like their parent dogs, they enjoy spending time with their people and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
Visiting a breeder before purchasing a puppy is essential to see the conditions and meet the dog. However, if you live far away or have a busy schedule, consider working with a website that connects reputable breeders with responsible pet owners. For example, it arranges airport delivery and offers customer support to help you find the perfect companion. They also provide affordable pet insurance plans to protect your new addition from high vet care costs.
Training
Cookies can be an excellent choice for first-time pet owners because they tend to pick up training quickly. However, they do best with confident human leaders who can provide positive reinforcement and treat-based motivation. They can also benefit from obedience classes to help them develop into well-mannered adult dogs.
While the origins of the Chorkie are hazy, these designer puppies were likely created in the early 1990s when breeders began intentionally mixing Yorkshire Terriers with Chihuahuas to create this adorable hybrid. They are a popular choice for those seeking a small companion dog.
These dogs typically have short coats that can be a mix of colors from their Yorkie and Chihuahua parents. While they can thrive in apartments and condos, they are happy to live in larger family homes with fenced yards. They need daily exercise in 30 to 60 minutes of walking, games of fetch and Frisbee, and obedience practice.
Care
Cookies tend to be low shedders but have a dense, long coat that must be brushed every couple of days to once a week. A slicker brush with short pins close together, followed by a metal comb, will help keep their hair shiny and smooth.
Ensure you’re getting a puppy from a breeder who places the puppy’s health first. A responsible breeder will show you the puppies’ parents, their health records, and any genetic screenings that have been done.
A good breeder will only sell their puppies after eight weeks, allowing for important socialization and development with their mother and littermates. They will also never encourage you to adopt two puppies at once, which can lead to later sibling aggression or separation anxiety.
They will also avoid breeding a dog with merle coloring to another merle-colored dog, as this can cause double-merle syndrome and increase the risk of cataracts, ear infections, and skin cancer.