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Mom2BabyNatalie · 02-02-2008, 12:23 PM

While I don't currently breed/raise Yorkies... I am working on my program at this time and intend to begin this year...

I have raised good, solid, healthy pups in the past - since 1990 - mainly the Basset Hound and Havanese breeds.

Preparing a program centered around the Yorkie breed - has been an indepth and time consuming endeavor as there are just so many "alternatives", so much controversy and "hype" surrounding the breed... as well as the genetic predispositions within the Yorkshire Terrier breed... but I am well on my way.

I feel that it is unethical to breed dogs at all - of ANY breed - that are not properly health tested to be certain that they do not carry or already exhibit the many breed specific disorders that can so easily be passed on throughout the line.

In the Yorkie breed in particular, you would want to be certain your new pup's parents have been age appropriate vet tested... OFA tested for Luxating patellas, CERF (tested and certified free of heritable eye disease ), and the Bile Acids test for Portosystemic shunt - Complete blood panels may then determine the need for further testing of the parents with regard to STD's, etc prior to breeding.

I feel as well, that DNA testing of the parents is important to assure the line integrity .... you just never know these days, if the dog you get is really the dog you THINK you're getting... especially when purchasing from various parts of the country / world.... when it is impossible to "really know" your breeders...

I am also considering having my breeding parents "Chromagene" color tested.... perhaps even Chromagene coat length tested.... for further information as to the adult coat color and length my pups will have as adults.

I'd have loved to have had this information when purchasing my kids!! Sort of a "genetic glimpse into the future!"... not nearly as important as health certification of course, but I think it would be a nice asset to have in being able to provide potential puppy owners such a wealth of information! Especially within the Yorkshire Terrier breed where all young pups exhibit the same essential "look" with respect to color and coat length... yet experience SO many changes as they grow!

You can read more about those services here:

http://www.vetgen.com/canine-coat-color.html

As for testing of the pups before going to new homes.... probably not... even at the age of 12 weeks, so many results are inconclusive... with good solid parental health - testing of puppies prior to being placed at (or around) 12 weeks of age does not seem beneficial. JMO

02-02-2008, 12:23 PM	#35
Mom2BabyNatalie Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,133	While I don't currently breed/raise Yorkies... I am working on my program at this time and intend to begin this year... I have raised good, solid, healthy pups in the past - since 1990 - mainly the Basset Hound and Havanese breeds. Preparing a program centered around the Yorkie breed - has been an indepth and time consuming endeavor as there are just so many "alternatives", so much controversy and "hype" surrounding the breed... as well as the genetic predispositions within the Yorkshire Terrier breed... but I am well on my way. I feel that it is unethical to breed dogs at all - of ANY breed - that are not properly health tested to be certain that they do not carry or already exhibit the many breed specific disorders that can so easily be passed on throughout the line. In the Yorkie breed in particular, you would want to be certain your new pup's parents have been age appropriate vet tested... OFA tested for Luxating patellas, CERF (tested and certified free of heritable eye disease ), and the Bile Acids test for Portosystemic shunt - Complete blood panels may then determine the need for further testing of the parents with regard to STD's, etc prior to breeding. I feel as well, that DNA testing of the parents is important to assure the line integrity .... you just never know these days, if the dog you get is really the dog you THINK you're getting... especially when purchasing from various parts of the country / world.... when it is impossible to "really know" your breeders... I am also considering having my breeding parents "Chromagene" color tested.... perhaps even Chromagene coat length tested.... for further information as to the adult coat color and length my pups will have as adults. I'd have loved to have had this information when purchasing my kids!! Sort of a "genetic glimpse into the future!"... not nearly as important as health certification of course, but I think it would be a nice asset to have in being able to provide potential puppy owners such a wealth of information! Especially within the Yorkshire Terrier breed where all young pups exhibit the same essential "look" with respect to color and coat length... yet experience SO many changes as they grow! You can read more about those services here: http://www.vetgen.com/canine-coat-color.html As for testing of the pups before going to new homes.... probably not... even at the age of 12 weeks, so many results are inconclusive... with good solid parental health - testing of puppies prior to being placed at (or around) 12 weeks of age does not seem beneficial. JMO __________________ Libby Gracie Mia & "Baby Emma" ~ My precious Natalie Kaye, you will ALWAYS be in my heart ~ I LOVE YOU!!!