How to Breed a Yorkie

Yorkshire terriers, also known as yorkies, are a popular and adorable breed of dog that's recognizable by its small stature. For this reason, you might at some point consider breeding your yorkie. This can be a difficult and expensive undertaking, however, and should not be done lightly. Because of the potential for complications, one should carefully research and understand how to safely do so before attempting to breed their pet. 

1. Select your breeding pair. They should be at least 18 months, but preferably two years old. Choose a non-related male that is compatible in size with the female that you want to breed. Female yorkies should have gone through estrus at least once prior to attempting to breed. 


2. Take both the female and male yorkie to the vet to ensure that there are no genetic disorders or diseases. If you have a female yorkie that is small, ask the vet if it is too small for safe breeding.


3. Ensure that you are willing to take the risks that come with breeding yorkie's. It isn't uncommon for complications to occur that may result in the loss of your female.


4. Check that the female has gone into heat. This will be indicated by swelling of the vulva. There may also be some bleeding and a change in temperament.


5. Wait approximately 10 days after finding the first signs of heat before attempting to breed the female. This will help to ensure that she is fertile and is most likely to allow the male to mount her.


6. Put the female and male yorkies together several times while she is willing to breed.


7. Check with your vet to ensure that conception has occurred. Continue vet care throughout the pregnancy.


8. Watch for signs that that your yorkie is ready to give birth. This generally occurs roughly 61 to 63 days after breeding. One common way to know that she is preparing to give birth is to check the yorkie's temperature. A drop will occur if she is preparing to birth her pups. 


9. Be prepared to take your pet to the vet if there are complications, such as pain or if there is an hour or more between delivery of the puppies. In some cases a caesarean section may be necessary.