SELECTING A YORKIE PUPPY

A lot of thought and careful selection go a professional breeder's decision to breed any two dogs. Looking at pedigrees, inquiring about the reputation and background of a stud dog, and using only the healthiest parents are the best way to ensure that the resulting puppies will live a long and healthy life.

Cleanliness of the kennel and care of the puppy during the first few months of its life are the second most important safeguards a breeder can offer to prospective owners. You will probably be able to judge the latter best by visiting the kennel to see the litter and meet the breeder.

Most professional breeders breed for the standard, which is 4-7 pounds. Occasionally one will come along that is smaller or larger, but that is unusual. They are ready for their forever home no sooner than 12 weeksof age. A professional breeder will only permit limited registration (which means the puppy may not be used for breeding).

You should always ask for a copy of your breeder's health guarantee. Yorkie puppies are usually not placed in homes where there are big dogs or very small children, and a home with an adequately fenced yard (even the smallest gaps must be plugged or screened is preferable to keep the puppy from escaping).

Professionally bred Yorkie puppies will already have a microchi, at least two puppy shots, two wormings, a fecal test and a complete health exam by a veterinarian. References (ideally from your vet) and at least one visit in person from a prospective buyer may be required before a decision is made regarding the best possible homes.

From the age of 6 weeks on, Yorkie puppies should be allowed to roam freely for periods of about 45 minutes to an hour three times a day.Frequent play sessions with family and visitors to the home will ensure that the puppy is well-socialized. The puppies should have contact with other Yorkies of varying ages, and if possible, a cat. All puppies should be handled affectionately and talked to delightedly several times a day.

In addition to daily handling, well-bred Yorkie puppies may also have had early neurological stimulation, a technique recommended by Dr. Carmen Battaglia of the AKCin his two-day Breeding Better Dogs seminar. Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the stimulation exercises. The benefits noted were:

1. Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
2. Stronger heart beats
3. Stronger adrenal glands
4. More tolerance to stress
5. Greater resistance to disease.

You can read more about the beneficial effects of early neurological stimulation at breedingbetterdogs.com or you can download a pdf of the article here.

If you have any other questions, please call or email us.