Are you wondering when to breed a Yorkshire Terrier? If so, you’re not alone. Many people who own this popular breed of dogs want to know the best time to start a litter.
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Every situation is different, and you’ll need to use your best judgment to decide when the time is right for your dog.
This article will provide some general guidelines to help you make the decision.
When to Breed a Yorkshire Terrier: The Basics
The first thing you need to consider is your dog’s age. Yorkshire Terriers typically reach sexual maturity between 6 and 12 months old. However, it’s best to wait until they’re at least a year old before breeding them. This gives them time to mature physically and mentally, which will make for a healthier pregnancy and litter.
You should also make sure that your dog is in good health before breeding. This means they should be up-to-date on all their vaccinations and have a clean bill of health from the vet. If your dog has any health problems, it’s best to wait until they’re resolved before breeding them.
Deciding to Breed a Yorkshire Terrier
When done correctly and responsibly, Yorkie breeding will involve a large number of factors that will play a role altogether throughout the process and your program to produce healthy puppies.
There are other factors to consider, including whether you intend to breed your Yorkie only once or whether you wish to enter this industry and learn how and where to breed Yorkie puppies to start a business from the comfort of your own home.
Those who think that breeding is a good way to earn a second income must be aware that the majority of ethical, caring breeders reinvest a significant portion of their profits back into their dogs. Keep in mind that while there is a possibility of making a profit, it would only be successful if your primary purpose is the enjoyment of doing it rather than monetary gain.
Things to Know When Breeding a Yorkshire Terrier
- Proper Health Checkup
When it comes to Yorkie breeding, the most important point to remember is to conduct a thorough health examination. The process’s success is contingent on the Yorkies being nutritious and able to produce a healthy litter.
Before breeding, a veterinarian will examine the Yorkie’s entire health to make sure that there are no Yorkie health concerns, such as genetic diseases or illnesses, which could be passed down to the litter. If there are any shortcomings that can be fixed with medication, the vet will handle the medication so that the situation can be fixed and successful breeding can occur.
- Checking Background
Along with a health examination, it is also necessary to determine whether the dogs are suitable for one another. The dogs would not want to breed unless they get along. As a result, a pre-meeting between the dogs to assess their bonding is essential.
- Age to Begin Breeding
The most crucial aspect to consider when wondering when to breed a Yorkshire Terrier is the age of the dog. A Yorkie’s first heat cycle occurs between six and twelve months of age, but it is not recommended to breed them until they are at least one year old.
This is because the dog needs time to mature physically as well as mentally before it can begin the breeding process. If a Yorkie is bred too early, it puts them at risk for health complications during pregnancy and delivery.
- The Right Time
How does one know when the time is ripe to breed Yorkies? After a ten-day period has passed since the female Yorkie has gone into heat, breeding is normally done. This is done to make sure the Yorkie is as fertile as possible.
But how does one know whether the Yorkie is pregnant? Their vulva expands and even discharges blood while they’re in heat. It is known that when the menstrual cycle ceases and the vulva stays enlarged, it is an indication of being in heat. This is the ideal time to start the procedure.
- After the Breeding
At the age of seven years, a Yorkie should be retired from reproducing. A female Yorkie might have to be retired at a younger age, and this will be based on the advice of an expert and trustworthy veterinarian who will make the decision after examining the dog’s condition and history.
If you are not planning on breeding your female Yorkie, it is highly suggested that she be spayed. If you’ve bred your female and plan to retire her, spaying her is highly advised. Female dogs who are spayed have a lower risk of having ovarian cancer and a lower risk of mammary cancer. The younger you are, the higher your chances are. Spaying at any age, though, is beneficial.
When a female dog retires, she must be spayed and have her teeth cleaned by a specialist.
Yorkie Heat Signs
Physical Signs
While your Yorkie is already in heat, her body is undergoing changes in order to facilitate reproduction with a male dog. As a result, you’ll only notice a few physical changes which signify a Yorkie’s heat cycle.
For starters, you may observe that the vulva appears enlarged. In some cases, the hue may even become darker than usual. During the Yorkie’s heat cycle, menstrual discharge is totally natural. Any discharge should typically be in the red to the light pink color range.
Behavioral Changes
If you can keep an eye on your dog, you could be able to identify behavioral changes. Higher hormone production may encourage her to start gathering her toys and nest them around her. Alternatively, you may notice a shift in her appetite as a result of the hormones, which might indicate that she eats less or more.
It’s very normal for your Yorkie’s mood to shift during the heat cycle. Ensure that she is as comfortable as possible at all times and that she is not suffering from separation anxiety due to the heat.
When to Breed a Yorkshire Terrier — Conclusion
Breeding a Yorkshire Terrier is not as simple as putting two dogs together and hoping for the best. There are many things to consider when planning a breeding, from health concerns to behavioral issues. This article has outlined some of the most important factors to keep in mind when deciding if now is the right time to breed your Yorkie. Consult with your veterinarian for more information on breeding, heat cycles, and the health of your Yorkshire Terrier.
