[Krystalplustwo]

I have a two year old yorkshire terrier- pure that I want to breed. He is healthy and stunningly cute. I have never done this before but thought I could make some money and him a very happy little guy. What do I need to do. I live in Toronto

[cigwyllt]

Hi there - responsible breeding is not something to undertake lightly and is not necessarily a money making enterprise. In fact, most people who breed will end up out of pocket. But if you are determined to use him as a stud dog there are lots of things to consider.

First of all, your dog - his health and conformation. Is he a healthy dog generally? What illnesses has he had? Are all his vaccinations up to date? Has he been screened for genetic problems? This is just one article about genetic problems in the Yorkshire Terrier:

Certain genetic disorders have been found in Yorkshire Terriers, including distichiasis, hydrocephalus, hypoplasia of dens, Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome, luxating patella, portosystemic shunt, retinal dysplasia, tracheal collapse, and bladder stones.[28] The following are among the most common congenital defects that affect Yorkies.
Distichiae, eyelashes arising from an abnormal spot (usually the duct of the meibomian gland at the edge of the eyelid), are often found in Yorkies.[29] Distichiae can irritate the eye and cause tearing, squinting, inflammation, corneal abrasions or corneal ulcers, and scarring. Treatment options may include manual removal, electrolysis, or surgery.[30]
Hypoplasia of dens is a non-formation of the pivot point of the second cervical vertebra, which leads to spinal cord damage.[28] Onset of the condition may occur at any age, producing signs ranging from neck pain to quadriplegia.[27]
Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome, which causes the top of the femur (thigh bone) to degenerate, occurs in Yorkies in certain lines.[31] The condition appears to result from insufficient circulation to the area around the hip joint. As the blood supply is reduced, the bone in the head of the femur collapses and dies and the cartilage coating around it becomes cracked and deformed.[31] Usually the disease appears when the Yorkie is young (between five and eight months of age); signs are pain, limping, or lameness.[32] The standard treatment is surgery to remove the affected part of the bone.[32] Following surgery, muscles hold the femur in place and fibrous tissue forms in the area of removal to prevent bone rubbing on bone.[33] Although the affected leg will be slightly shorter than prior to surgery, the Yorkie may regain almost normal use.[32]
Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) are another common defect considered to be genetic in Yorkies, although it may also be caused by an accidental fall. Weak ligaments and tendons in the knee or malformed (too shallow) patellar grooves, allow the patella to slip out of its groove sideways.[34] This causes the leg to 'lock up' with the foot held off the ground.[34] A dog with this problem may experience frequent pain and lameness or may be bothered by it only on occasion. Over time, the patellar ridges can become worn down, making the groove even more shallow and causing the dog to become increasingly lame.[34] Surgery is the main treatment option available for luxating patellas, although it is not necessary for every dog with the condition.
Portosystemic shunt, a congenital malformation of the portal vein (which brings blood to the liver for cleansing), is also common in Yorkies. In this condition some of the dog's blood bypasses the liver and the "dirty" blood goes on to poison the heart, brain, lungs, and other organs with toxins. A Yorkie with this condition might exhibit a wide variety of symptoms, such as small stature, poor appetite, weak muscle development, decreased ability to learn, inferior coordination, occasional vomiting and diarrhea, behavioral abnormalities, seizures (especially after a meal), and blindness, which could lead to a coma and death. Often, the shunt can be treated with surgery.
Tracheal collapse, caused by a progressive weakening of the walls of the trachea, occurs in many toy breeds, especially very tiny Yorkies.[35] As a result of genetics, the walls of the trachea can be flaccid, a condition that becomes more severe with age. Cushing's syndrome, a disorder that causes production of excess steroid hormone by the adrenal glands, can also weaken cartilage and lead to tracheal collapse.[36] There is a possibility that physical strain on the neck might cause or contribute to trachea collapse. Since this is usually caused by an energetic Yorkie pulling against his collar, many veterinarians recommend use of a harness for leashed walks.[35] An occasional "goose honking" cough, especially on exertion or excitement, is usually the first sign of this condition.[35] Over time, the cough may become almost constant in the Yorkie's later life. Breathing through the obstruction of a collapsed (or partially collapsed) trachea for many years can result in complications, including chronic lung disease. The coughing can be countered with cough suppressants and bronchodilators.[35] If the collapse is advanced and unresponsive to medication, sometimes surgery can repair the trachea.[35]

If all the health issues are clear (genetic testing does not come cheap but it is very important) you need to consider your dog's conformation - is he a good example of the breed standard? Of course he is perfect in your eyes - we all think our dogs are - but in order to make money from a stud he must be of the highest quality. The best way to prove his quality is to show him in appropriate dog shows - not the "fun" companion shows (although they are great for introducing the dog to the whole "idea" of being shown) but championship shows where he will be assessed by qualified judges - and hopefully placed so that you have evidence to show potential mates.

What do you know about breeding? Are you able to recognise the signs of a bitch in heat - will you know the right point in the bitch's cycle for her to stand? As stud owner it is your responsibility to facilitate the mating - so of course you must be prepared to guide him to the right spot! Mating can be a risky business for the stud dog - you will need to hold the bitch through out the mating, particularly during the tie. She may turn on him and your hands will be all that stands between the bitch and your pet dog so you need to be aware of that. If you let her move during the tie your dog could fall and be fatally injured so that takes a fair bit of concentration.

Are you prepared for your dog's personality to change? Right now I assume he is your pet and your companion. Once he discovers that he is a full blooded male he may change completely. Many dogs become more aggressive and dominant when they have been used as a stud. Suddenly he understands what that tantalising smell is from a bitch in heat. Did you know that the scent of a bitch can carry for over two miles? Many previously contented pet dogs will become adept at escaping in order to track down a bitch in season. Are you able to deal with that?

Finally with all that in mind, are you prepared to add to the number of dogs, pure bred or cross, currently being put to sleep every day because they are unwanted? Sure your dog will produce cute puppies - every pup is cute - but for every pup brought into the world by a loving, caring breeder another dog in rescue that might otherwise be homed has to be put to sleep.

If you think your dog is of such quality that he will better the Yorkshire Terrier breed then go ahead and breed him - otherwise have him neutered because that will make him happy too.

[Yogi]

As a breeder I can tell you that you do not make money and if this is what you are expecting than sorry, you are and will be listed as a BYB in some peoples mind.
Is the dog a registered purebred? what age is the dog and as noted prior, has it been screened and tested? The is far more to breeding than just my dog is cute. Cuteness is not passed on near as often as one may think.
The reality is there is much after care and expense that is incurred by the owner of the dam. She needs vet monitoring not to mention prep in food prior to birth. Pups need their booster vacs as well as regular de-wormings along with the dam. What happens if the dam needs a c-section. There is at least $500.00 right up front.
Simply put, there is no money in breeding. This is the last reason anyone should ever do it. But if you insist than get every book you can on your breed and read up on everything you can. Then locate a registered reputable breeder in your area and literally pick their brain. Let them be a mentor so that you can see what all is involved. This is something that is time consuming, takes much training and knowledge before getting into. Otherwise you risk the life of the dam and offspring should you not know what to do if a situation arises.