Finding a reputable Yorkie breeder in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming with so many options online. The truth is that not all breeders are created equal — and choosing the right one makes all the difference in the health, temperament, and happiness of your new puppy. Here is exactly what to look for when searching for a Yorkie breeder in the LA area.

Must-haves

Signs of a Responsible Breeder

A responsible Yorkie breeder in Los Angeles will always welcome you to visit their home and meet the puppies in person before any money changes hands. They will be able to show you the puppy’s parents, or at least the mother, so you can see the environment the puppy was raised in. They will provide CKC or AKC registration papers, a written health guarantee, and up-to-date vaccination records without being asked. They will also ask you questions — a good breeder genuinely cares where their puppies go and wants to make sure it is a good match.

Questions to ask

10 Questions to Ask Any Breeder

Red flags

Red Flags to Walk Away From

Walk away immediately if a breeder refuses to let you visit, wants to meet in a parking lot, cannot produce registration papers, has no health guarantee, is selling puppies under 8 weeks old, or is offering prices that seem too good to be true. Sadly, LA Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are full of scammers posing as breeders who take deposits and disappear, or sell sick puppies from puppy mills. Always visit in person before sending any money.