Breeding Yorkies

Yorkshire terriers are prone to numerous health concerns, so breeding them can be a challenge.

Yorkshire terriers are a small terrier breed once used as ratters in the northern England area of Yorkshire. They were one of the first 25 breeds introduced to the American Kennel Club, with the first American Yorkie registered in 1878. The Yorkshire Terrier has made the transition to a companion breed and are very popular pets. Yorkshire terriers are prone to numerous health and whelping concerns due to their small size. These concerns can make breeding Yorkies can be a challenging experience, but a very rewarding one.

Things You'll Need

• Whelping box
• Crate
• Towels
• Heating pad

Instructions

1. Determine whether your female is healthy enough to be bred. Yorkies are prone to a number of genetic conditions such as hydrocephalus, luxating patellas and hypoglycemia. Have your vet evaluate your female to make sure she is free of any genetic defects before breeding.

2. Select a male that complements your female. Yorkies can vary in size, and choosing a male that is the same size as your female can help eliminate problems during delivery. The male you choose should also be free of any genetic or transmittable diseases.

3. Evaluate your female's heat cycle. Female Yorkies are receptive to breeding ten to fourteen days into her cycle. Some may breed outside this time, but this is the optimal period for best results.

4. Place your female and male together and allow them time to get familiar with each other. They will sniff and examine each other, and the male will most likely smell and lick the female's hindquarters. If she is receptive, he will mount her and they will tie for a short period of time. The dogs may try and separate themselves during the tie, so watch to make sure they do not injure themselves.

5. Take your female Yorkie to the vet for an evaluation after breeding. The vet will monitor your female throughout her pregnancy to keep track of how many puppies she's having and how the pups are growing. Be sure that you always transport your Yorkie in her crate to keep her safe and comfortable.

6. Prepare your whelping area a week before your female is due. A small whelping box with a heating pad and clean blankets will be sufficient for the puppies. A heating pad is vital, as Yorkies are a small breed and must be kept warm to thrive. Place the female in the whelping box and allow her to make it comfortable so that she wants to give birth there.

7. Watch your female carefully as her due date approaches. Normal dog gestation is sixty-three days, so plan accordingly. Your female will nest and try and settle herself two or three days before giving birth. You can also take her temperature daily, making note of the reading. Within a day of giving birth, her temperature will drop by a few degrees.

8. Allow your female Yorkie to birth the puppies on her own. Labor should progress quickly, with puppies born every twenty to thirty minutes. If there is a delay of more than an hour, you need to call your vet. Yorkies are very small, and a large puppy can get stuck in the birth canal, endangering the lives of your female and the pups. Your vet might have to perform a caesarean section if the pups are too large.

9. Monitor your female and the pups. They should begin nursing soon after birth and should be fairly active. Any sluggish or lethargic pups need to be seen by the vet. Keep the pups warm and draft-free, and do not handle them too much. Your female Yorkie needs time to recover and bond with her new puppies.

Tips & Warnings

• Use care when deciding to breed your Yorkie. Breeding a healthy litter is very involved and not something to be taken lightly.

• Do not breed an unhealthy dog. Yorkies are prone to genetic conditions that can easily be passed onto puppies.

Resources

• Yorkshire Terrier Club of America