Any breeding advice?

[iluvchewy]

Hi I have a standard 9-5 job, but have considered possibly giving breeding a shot? I currently have a Silky Terrier and a Maltese, and would love my next dog to be a Teacup Yorkie. Any thoughts or advice on breeding Teacup Yorkies? Thanks! ~Erin

[marcerella02]

I have a slight feeling that many people on here are going to tell you to do your homework. Because there is no such thing as a tea cup yorkie and thinking that you might want to breed them would be irresponsible. The breeders on this site are passionate about what they do and spend a lot of money, time and heartache with their breeding programs so that they know they are putting out THE best yorkshire terriers that they can. Breeding should not be something you want to "give a shot" because it is not as casual as that. However, shoudl you decide to still go ahead... please read some books and realize that yorkies come in standard size... if you buy one named a tea cup you are just falling into a trap that breeders use to charge more for the smaller pups. A dog under 4 lbs should NOT be bred. Also check that your female and stud have had health checks for liver issues and they should not have LP. I'm sure you will be getting plenty more advice- and i'm sure a lot of it willl have a "tone" that will make you upset but for MANY breeders on here.. breeding is their life.

[avasmama75]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

I have a slight feeling that many people on here are going to tell you to do your homework. Because there is no such thing as a tea cup yorkie and thinking that you might want to breed them would be irresponsible. The breeders on this site are passionate about what they do and spend a lot of money, time and heartache with their breeding programs so that they know they are putting out THE best yorkshire terriers that they can. Breeding should not be something you want to "give a shot" because it is not as casual as that. However, shoudl you decide to still go ahead... please read some books and realize that yorkies come in standard size... if you buy one named a tea cup you are just falling into a trap that breeders use to charge more for the smaller pups. A dog under 4 lbs should NOT be bred. Also check that your female and stud have had health checks for liver issues and they should not have LP. I'm sure you will be getting plenty more advice- and i'm sure a lot of it willl have a "tone" that will make you upset but for MANY breeders on here.. breeding is their life.

I agree.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by marcerella02

I have a slight feeling that many people on here are going to tell you to do your homework. Because there is no such thing as a tea cup yorkie and thinking that you might want to breed them would be irresponsible. The breeders on this site are passionate about what they do and spend a lot of money, time and heartache with their breeding programs so that they know they are putting out THE best yorkshire terriers that they can. Breeding should not be something you want to "give a shot" because it is not as casual as that. However, shoudl you decide to still go ahead... please read some books and realize that yorkies come in standard size... if you buy one named a tea cup you are just falling into a trap that breeders use to charge more for the smaller pups. A dog under 4 lbs should NOT be bred. Also check that your female and stud have had health checks for liver issues and they should not have LP. I'm sure you will be getting plenty more advice- and i'm sure a lot of it willl have a "tone" that will make you upset but for MANY breeders on here.. breeding is their life.

Great advice, if you're thinking that you'll make a couple extra dollars, few breeders make any money at this, besides the few really poor breeders. So much of the money goes to proper vet care. Remember domesticated animals need more human intervention when breeding, than their wild counterparts. You have to be prepared to take time off work, an expectant mother needs lots of care, or you could risk losing the mother and the babies. Also the first 8 weeks after birth, the pups require lots of care. Dogs that are being bred should have health testing done to insure they are not carrying a genetic disorder that often doesn't show up, until the age of three. Breeding is like anything, the more education you get before beginning, the fewer mistakes you'll make. Creating a new life comes with certain reponsibilites.

[iluvchewy]

I appreciate the honesty! I've given thought to quitting my job to do this full time. I LOVE dogs, especially small breeds, and am obsessed with my current 2 dogs. Was thinking breeding would make me so happy to be able to take care of dogs 24/7?

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by iluvchewy

I appreciate the honesty! I've given thought to quitting my job to do this full time. I LOVE dogs, especially small breeds, and am obsessed with my current 2 dogs. Was thinking breeding would make me so happy to be able to take care of dogs 24/7?

That's great that you want to dedicate that much time to it... but you HAVE to research the dogs you are buying/using for a stud. The female has to be a good size (5-7 lbs) and the stud should be smaller. I know there are some good books out there about breeding. And keep in mind... a REPUTABLE breeder who will sell you your future female will want to know you are going to do THE Best you can to produce only healthy, standard yorkies. If someone is willing to sell you a female without a spay contract and without MUCH discussion of your future breeding plans... chances are the pup will not make a good breeding female...

[Ladymom]

If you want to eventually breed Yorkies, you must start at the very beginning and learn everything you can about the breed so you can do it responsibly. As the others have pointed out, there is no such thing as a "teacup" Yorkie so you've learned your first lesson.

I'd suggest going to some shows and trying to meet Yorkie breeders to learn everything you possibly can before buying a Yorkie. You need to start with a Yorkie who is a great representation of the breed standard. It takes an experienced breeder to be able to evaluate puppies.

Here is a schedule of shows by state:

InfoDog Dog Show Calendar

I don't know what your financial situation is, but you need to make sure you've got a considerable amount of money set aside for veterinary bills for health testing parents, ultrasounds, c-sections, etc. Toy breeds like Yorkies are at a much higher risk from pregnancy and delivery and complications are common.

A reputable breeder always gives a health guarantee so you will also need money for veterinary expenses should you produce a puppy with a liver shunt, for instance. Did you know that Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined? Surgery to correct a shunt runs into the thousands. Luxating patellas are also hereditary in Yorkies. The Orthopedic Foundation of America ranks Yorkies #4 in cases of luxating patellas. Again, surgery to correct them runs about $2,500 and up.

You will also need a flexible work schedule if you are now working full time. You will have to take time off when your Yorkie is due to give birth in case there are problems. Mothers sometimes don't have enough milk, reject puppies or even die and you would have to bottle feed puppies around the clock.

Becoming a responsible breeder is a huge responsibility. You have taken the right first step by asking questions.

[yorkiekist]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

If you want to eventually breed Yorkies, you must start at the very beginning and learn everything you can about the breed so you can do it responsibly. As the others have pointed out, there is no such thing as a "teacup" Yorkie so you've learned your first lesson.

I'd suggest going to some shows and trying to meet Yorkie breeders to learn everything you possibly can before buying a Yorkie. You need to start with a Yorkie who is a great representation of the breed standard. It takes an experienced breeder to be able to evaluate puppies.

Here is a schedule of shows by state:

InfoDog Dog Show Calendar

I don't know what your financial situation is, but you need to make sure you've got a considerable amount of money set aside for veterinary bills for health testing parents, ultrasounds, c-sections, etc. Toy breeds like Yorkies are at a much higher risk from pregnancy and delivery and complications are common.

A reputable breeder always gives a health guarantee so you will also need money for veterinary expenses should you produce a puppy with a liver shunt, for instance. Did you know that Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined? Surgery to correct a shunt runs into the thousands. Luxating patellas are also hereditary in Yorkies. The Orthopedic Foundation of America ranks Yorkies #4 in cases of luxating patellas. Again, surgery to correct them runs about $2,500 and up.

You will also need a flexible work schedule if you are now working full time. You will have to take time off when your Yorkie is due to give birth in case there are problems. Mothers sometimes don't have enough milk, reject puppies or even die and you would have to bottle feed puppies around the clock.

Becoming a responsible breeder is a huge responsibility. You have taken the right first step by asking questions.

Great advice and info!!

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by iluvchewy

Hi Any thoughts or advice on breeding Teacup Yorkies? Thanks!

Yeah...don't.

On a serious note, if you want to breed--be it Yorkies or any other type of dog--start by doing your homework and educating yourself on the breeding process and the breed standard. Find an experienced mentor in your area that will guide you along the way. It will do nothing but benefit you in the long run.
You have been given some excellent advice here so far.

[tjdmom]

I think you've been given some good advice! As for breeding dogs full time, I really think it's very difficult if not impossible to make a living doing it. If you just sit down and do the numbers, you can see how difficult it might be. How many people on here who have a litter and have one or two puppies and on top of that, they had to have a c-section? In that situation, it would probably wind up costing you even after you sell the puppies. But if it's something you truly want to do, I do believe in following your dreams but research, research, research and do it the right way!

[Harley_chik]

I don't think anyone can make a living off breeding dogs in a responsible manner. You have to cut corners to make a buck and that leads to puppymilling, JMHO. I think you have been given some great advice.

[iluvchewy]

~sigh~ okay, I guess I shouldn't quit my day job then thanks so much to everyone for all the advice!!! sounds like breeding is not for me. all this talk about Yorkies though is making me really really want another puppy, lol.

[marcerella02]

Originally Posted by iluvchewy

~sigh~ okay, I guess I shouldn't quit my day job then thanks so much to everyone for all the advice!!! sounds like breeding is not for me. all this talk about Yorkies though is making me really really want another puppy, lol.

haha.. there is NOTHING wrong with a yorkie puppy !! go for it

[Gazou]

Originally Posted by Harley_chik

I don't think anyone can make a living off breeding dogs in a responsible manner. You have to cut corners to make a buck and that leads to puppymilling, JMHO. I think you have been given some great advice.

You are exactly right .

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by iluvchewy

~sigh~ okay, I guess I shouldn't quit my day job then thanks so much to everyone for all the advice!!! sounds like breeding is not for me. all this talk about Yorkies though is making me really really want another puppy, lol.

You are a breath of fresh air, finally someone who asks for advice, and doesn't get mad when they receive it. Welcome to Yorkietalk!