Ultrasound tomorrow, maybe confirm pregnancy!

[PrincessSophie1]

Hi everyone! I'm almost afraid to post, not wanting fiercely negative answers to my questions...I have been reviewing this site for almost 4 weeks now and I have been impressed with the relationships between more experienced and least experienced members. What I've read today after registering has not given me peace about posting, but I do understand that there were a couple extreme threads/posts about bad breeding choices. However, I have researched breeding Yorkie's and feel ultimately safe that my choice to breed Sophie was a positive decision partly based on information I have found here on this site.

Please be gentle and truthful. I am not a breeder, but chose to breed my 4 year old Yorkie on July 2 & 3, 2012. This breeding is primarily to satisfy Sophie's natural mothering instinct before we spay her. I am hoping that she is indeed pregnant, because we would love to have another Yorkie in our home! We love Sophie and she is another one of my babies (I have 4 kids, 12-18 years old).

So here's the nitty gritty of my post:
As mentioned above, she successfully tied 4 times July 2-3. The sire is a 5 1/2 pound chocolate Yorkie. Sophie is 11 pounds and is a beautiful blonde and golden haired Yorkie (even though her pedigree is listed as black/tan). She is 4 1/2 years old and is very maternal by instinct. She is very good-natured and very social with our family (and to anyone who will show her affection).

After we returned the sire (Cocoa) to his owner, Sophie just behaved oddly to me. I don't know if it was due to her losing her virginity, but she was more withdrawn behaviorally. However, she also became immediately clingy and needs to be next to someone almost constantly. She was more independent before, so this was a new behavior. Within a few days after the sire went home, her appetite changed...it was odd. She always had eaten hard food, but within that first week she rejected her food and barely ate. I chose to get her soft food just to make sure she maintained her nutritional needs. I even bought a different, better quality food, just in case that was the problem (as in taste changes). At first I mixed soft and hard food together. She ate both for about 1 1/2 days, very little though. Then she wouldn't eat the mixture anymore. I then gave her only soft food and she will eat that. As an FYI, whenever she was hungry or needed more water, she would find me and basically stalk me or poke me with her nose and then I would know she needed food or water. However, she has not been doing that. She slowly eats her food and walks away from it, sometimes not eating it all and I would only give her about 1/4 of a regular sized can of soft food. She would only eat once a day, until yesterday. She came looking for me in the evening and I knew she was hungry since she had water (BTW, her water intake seems lower than before breeding). She ate almost all of her second meal yesterday.

Other symptoms besides being more clingy and decreased appetite were her nipples seemed to be more erect and longer than before. I tried very hard to not be overly expectant of her possibly being pregnant, so I waited to post here until I have been more than 50% convinced that she is pregnant. I noticed yesterday that her belly seemed more full, a couple of inches below her sternum to about the last 2 nipples. It's not completely full looking, like a balloon, but rather more on either side of her abdomen. If she is pregnant, tomorrow she will be 24 days from the last day of breeding. I do have a well check appointment with her vet tomorrow and the doctor said we can try an ultrasound to see if we can confirm a pregnancy. Doc also said that if pregnancy can't be determined tomorrow, we will do another ultrasound next week at 30 days (no extra charge!)

I know that this post is extremely long, but I wanted to give a complete history of Sophie's behavior, etc.

Now I ask of you all who choose to answer to give me more information and resources so that I can investigate and research more about specific pregnancy and whelping details (including lists of must haves for whelping). My goals are to be a responsible and knowledgeable Yorkie parent and possible "grand-parent". Thanks so much to all of you in advance!

[Lovetodream88]

When you breed your dog that makes you a breeder you decided how good a breeder you are. You should not have breed two non standard yorkies because breeding is to make the breed better. Also a dog does not miss not being a mom if she is not breed they are not like humans and would be fine without being moms. You need someone who has breed before you to be there with you through the dogs birth and you need to know all symptoms of problems that would make you need to rush her to the vet. Small dogs are known to have problems whelping so I hope you have money set aside for a c-section if necessary as well as for all other care she and the puppies will need. Did you get your female in the stud tested before breeding them to make sure your not going to have sick puppies with genetic disorders? Are both parents free of LP? Do you have a plan for the other puppies or just the one you are going to keep? Do you know about docking the tails and taking care of the dew claws? Do you plan on keeping this puppies until 12 weeks?

[KimInMD]

I promise to be gentle and truthful. You should not have bred and then ask for pregnancy and whelping details. You should already have experience and a mentor in place before deciding to breed your girl. While you say you have researched, your words kind of suggest otherwise. Dogs do not act oddly because they have lost their virginity. The truth is, people choose to breed their dogs because they want puppies, and not because their dog wants puppies. Your choice to breed Sophie was not based on information found on this site. This site doesn't encourage inexperienced folks breeding their off standard dogs that lack full genetic testing (much more than a wellness physical). Please try to find someone experienced who can be there to help with the whelping. Your girl's life depends on it. So many things can go wrong with such small dogs. I hope others can give you specific names of books to read and other things you can do to help you prepare. You also need to set aside about $3000. in case of emergency c-section. Perhaps you can apply for Care Credit now, just in case you need it later. I wish you good luck for a safe, problem free whelping.

[Yorkiemom1]

I will be truthful and as kind as I possibly can be. To keep me from pulling out my soap box, I will TRY to be brief and to the point.
1) Google supplies needed for whelping, and take notes....the list is a little long.
2) Be sure you have a way to pay for any emergencies that ALWAYS occur in the middle of the night, usually on weekends or holidays....$3000.00-$5000.00 should cover the cost for the momma as well as any emergent care any of the babies need.
3)Google Videos on whelping....you can watch a whelping happen....it would be nice if you will at least have seen one before your little lady entrusts you with her life in this situation.
Just FYI: Dogs have no concept of what is in the future....they exist in the moment. A female does not know anything about puppies and does not long for a litter....no such thing as "a natural mothering instinct". With dogs, it is more like, "What you dont know and never had, you dont miss". Likewise, the concept of "virginity" does not exist in a dog's realm of existance. I really wish I could give the names of books where you could be completly prepared for what is about to happen....it took me ....oh, about 23 years to learn everything I personally felt was crucial to successfully breed for healthy, strong puppies, that at the very least, complied as closley as possible to the breed standard. But that is just me....I dont like getting in the middle of a swamp before I realize there are alligators in there too! Good luck with your litter....get busy researching and reading and watching videos, you are going to need all this information in the event of a problem. If you can find a vet tech you can pay to help you during this, it will be worth your money....may save a life.......

[OwnedByJezebel]

4 1/2 years old is late for a first litter. From what I have read here, if they don't have the first litter before the age of 3, their pelvis isn't as flexible. Be prepared for a c-section.

ETA: There are many very knowledgeable people here that can point you in the right direction, but that doesn't replace someone experienced being right there in person with your whelping pup. See if you can find a mentor that is experience with the whelping of TOY dogs, maybe your vet can suggest someone.

[PrincessSophie1]

To everyone who has thoughtfully posted to my question:

First off, thank you for your time. From here on out, you will see in no particular order my response to some of your post content.

I have read and watched videos. I am fully prepared to take care of my girl in any situation. I have a mentor who is an experienced breeder that is willing to come to my house anytime she is needed. Even though it's none of your business, but my mentor had not been available this week due to having just whelped a new litter in her home.

I do think that each female dog (or any female animal) has a maternal instinct of some sort, which is highly visible when seeing my Sophie with puppies. If you disagree, that is your opinion and right to do so.

The bit about the virginity thing was actually written to have a little humor in it, but it's obvious that none of you have really read and understood what I've written.

If you're going to help me, then do it. If you're not going to help me gain even more knowledge and relevant information, then do not post a reply. If the damage has already been done on my end, then scolding or trying to intimidate someone with your infinite wisdom is not necessary.

You all chose to write something on my post, but you had the choice to not write and allow someone who is willing to help me with my requests and leave your negativity out. Feel free to delete your posts.

It's very unfortunate that you who have publicly posted your less than helpful support have not followed the administrator's guidelines of posting. I think you members need to review the FAQS section regarding the guidelines of how this site was meant to be used and re-familiarize yourselves.
Here's the link: YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - FAQ: vBulletin FAQ

One last thing, re-read your less then helpful responses to my questions and then re-read the first concern that I had written on my original post. Just in case you won't do that, here is a quote:
"I'm almost afraid to post, not wanting fiercely negative answers to my questions...I have been reviewing this site for almost 4 weeks now and I have been impressed with the relationships between more experienced and least experienced members. What I've read today after registering has not given me peace about posting, but I do understand that there were a couple extreme threads/posts about bad breeding choices."

[PrincessSophie1]

KimInMD, I did want you to know that I did not come to this forum to inquire of basic details after breeding. My intentions were to get MORE information on top of what I have already learned. I do appreciate your concern for Sophie.

[msyorktown]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I will be truthful and as kind as I possibly can be. To keep me from pulling out my soap box, I will TRY to be brief and to the point.
1) Google supplies needed for whelping, and take notes....the list is a little long.
2) Be sure you have a way to pay for any emergencies that ALWAYS occur in the middle of the night, usually on weekends or holidays....$3000.00-$5000.00 should cover the cost for the momma as well as any emergent care any of the babies need.
3)Google Videos on whelping....you can watch a whelping happen....it would be nice if you will at least have seen one before your little lady entrusts you with her life in this situation.
Just FYI: Dogs have no concept of what is in the future....they exist in the moment. A female does not know anything about puppies and does not long for a litter....no such thing as "a natural mothering instinct". With dogs, it is more like, "What you dont know and never had, you dont miss". Likewise, the concept of "virginity" does not exist in a dog's realm of existance. I really wish I could give the names of books where you could be completly prepared for what is about to happen....it took me ....oh, about 23 years to learn everything I personally felt was crucial to successfully breed for healthy, strong puppies, that at the very least, complied as closley as possible to the breed standard. But that is just me....I dont like getting in the middle of a swamp before I realize there are alligators in there too! Good luck with your litter....get busy researching and reading and watching videos, you are going to need all this information in the event of a problem. If you can find a vet tech you can pay to help you during this, it will be worth your money....may save a life.......

All I can add to this is Good Luck, hope everything turns out the way you want it to

[horsnaround]

The deed is done. I would read all you can. And it is best if you can have someone with you that has been thru birthing yorkies. I breed a few times and was very lucky to have a mentor besides my daughter who worked for a vet. I was lucky and everything went well. But after joining this forum I decided to not do it again. My yorkie was bigger like yours and had seven pups. I bred her three times I own the dad also. All three times seven pups. I was very lucky and the pups all got amazing homes. And mom was able to raise them. But what I have learned is there are way more sad cases where people lose there momma and pups. Or have major vet bills. Hope the vet visit went well. Keep us posted and good luck.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by PrincessSophie1

KimInMD, I did want you to know that I did not come to this forum to inquire of basic details after breeding. My intentions were to get MORE information on top of what I have already learned. I do appreciate your concern for Sophie.

You should have known all info before breeding her. Do you not realize she could die if something goes wrong which it very well could especially if you have done all the necessary research.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by horsnaround

The deed is done. I would read all you can. And it is best if you can have someone with you that has been thru birthing yorkies. I breed a few times and was very lucky to have a mentor besides my daughter who worked for a vet. I was lucky and everything went well. But after joining this forum I decided to not do it again. My yorkie was bigger like yours and had seven pups. I bred her three times I own the dad also. All three times seven pups. I was very lucky and the pups all got amazing homes. And mom was able to raise them. But what I have learned is there are way more sad cases where people lose there momma and pups. Or have major vet bills. Hope the vet visit went well. Keep us posted and good luck.

I would have also hope you learned breeding off standard dogs is a no no too.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by PrincessSophie1

To everyone who has thoughtfully posted to my question:

First off, thank you for your time. From here on out, you will see in no particular order my response to some of your post content.

I have read and watched videos. I am fully prepared to take care of my girl in any situation. I have a mentor who is an experienced breeder that is willing to come to my house anytime she is needed. Even though it's none of your business, but my mentor had not been available this week due to having just whelped a new litter in her home.

I do think that each female dog (or any female animal) has a maternal instinct of some sort, which is highly visible when seeing my Sophie with puppies. If you disagree, that is your opinion and right to do so.

The bit about the virginity thing was actually written to have a little humor in it, but it's obvious that none of you have really read and understood what I've written.

If you're going to help me, then do it. If you're not going to help me gain even more knowledge and relevant information, then do not post a reply. If the damage has already been done on my end, then scolding or trying to intimidate someone with your infinite wisdom is not necessary.

You all chose to write something on my post, but you had the choice to not write and allow someone who is willing to help me with my requests and leave your negativity out. Feel free to delete your posts.

It's very unfortunate that you who have publicly posted your less than helpful support have not followed the administrator's guidelines of posting. I think you members need to review the FAQS section regarding the guidelines of how this site was meant to be used and re-familiarize yourselves.
Here's the link: YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - FAQ: vBulletin FAQ

One last thing, re-read your less then helpful responses to my questions and then re-read the first concern that I had written on my original post. Just in case you won't do that, here is a quote:
"I'm almost afraid to post, not wanting fiercely negative answers to my questions...I have been reviewing this site for almost 4 weeks now and I have been impressed with the relationships between more experienced and least experienced members. What I've read today after registering has not given me peace about posting, but I do understand that there were a couple extreme threads/posts about bad breeding choices."

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...-supplies.html

If you review this thread you will find some answers and some links to good sites, including a video on whelping.

You can search under different terms (upper right hand bar), and get the links to older threads. I mention this as I didn't realize for about one year that you could do this. I am Not so internet/forum savvy.

[LunasMomma]

Wow. You can't expect to come onto a breed-specific website such as this and have everyone spouting sunshine and rainbows to your request There are quite a few very experienced, educated, knowledgeable breeders here who studied and researched for YEARS before breeding. They have been in the show world, studied genetics, can trace the lineage of their breeding pairs back several generations, and breed to IMPROVE the breed. And you want to just waltz in here with a pregnant female and expect everyone to jump to your aid, and demand no negative comments

With that said, I wish you well with this breeding and hope that your little girl comes out unscathed. The deed is already done, as someone said, and going forward maybe you would consider educating yourself a little further before embarking on any more breeding ventures.

Good luck!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by PrincessSophie1

To everyone who has thoughtfully posted to my question:

First off, thank you for your time. From here on out, you will see in no particular order my response to some of your post content.

I have read and watched videos. I am fully prepared to take care of my girl in any situation. I have a mentor who is an experienced breeder that is willing to come to my house anytime she is needed. Even though it's none of your business, but my mentor had not been available this week due to having just whelped a new litter in her home.

I do think that each female dog (or any female animal) has a maternal instinct of some sort, which is highly visible when seeing my Sophie with puppies. If you disagree, that is your opinion and right to do so.

The bit about the virginity thing was actually written to have a little humor in it, but it's obvious that none of you have really read and understood what I've written.

If you're going to help me, then do it. If you're not going to help me gain even more knowledge and relevant information, then do not post a reply. If the damage has already been done on my end, then scolding or trying to intimidate someone with your infinite wisdom is not necessary.

You all chose to write something on my post, but you had the choice to not write and allow someone who is willing to help me with my requests and leave your negativity out. Feel free to delete your posts.

It's very unfortunate that you who have publicly posted your less than helpful support have not followed the administrator's guidelines of posting. I think you members need to review the FAQS section regarding the guidelines of how this site was meant to be used and re-familiarize yourselves.
Here's the link: YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - FAQ: vBulletin FAQ

One last thing, re-read your less then helpful responses to my questions and then re-read the first concern that I had written on my original post. Just in case you won't do that, here is a quote:
"I'm almost afraid to post, not wanting fiercely negative answers to my questions...I have been reviewing this site for almost 4 weeks now and I have been impressed with the relationships between more experienced and least experienced members. What I've read today after registering has not given me peace about posting, but I do understand that there were a couple extreme threads/posts about bad breeding choices."

This is a public post board you are going to get posts you don't like. People here feel very strongly about breeding and it's not just something that should be taken lightly. If our posts were against the rules then they would be deleted! Life is not all rainbows and sunshine especially when we are talking about a living things life! My dog mothers her toys and does amazing with puppies too but I would never risk her life to breed her because of that and she will never feel like she missed out. Plus I'm not a breeder and she is not a standard yorkie.

[PrincessSophie1]

Lovetodream88, thank you for your concern...I do believe that for non-show dogs there is not a non-standard Yorkie breed. That is your opinion and from what I have learned from my mentor and other reputable sources of information about breeding (not here of course) is that the demeanor of the dog has become an important "standard" of breeding for non-show Yorkies.