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Old 03-18-2008, 07:35 PM   #10
EmrldShdwQueen
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: US
Posts: 3,987
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladyhawk View Post
The truth is we're talking about size and not truly weight per say. When you are looking at whether a bitch should be able to free whelp the average size newborn yorkie or not you are looking for a pernium ( the space between the anus and the vulva) that measures about the size of the span of three fingers ( about 2 1/2 inches). The space between the pelvic bones should measure 2 fingers wide or about 2 inches. These minimum requirements usually correspond with the size of the average 5 pound yorkie. Breeding a bitch that is smaller than this not only risks her life because of c-sections and possible complications but increases the chance that her offspring will be too small in the pelvis to free whelp as well continuing the problem.
Well said!

That is so true about size and not weight. For example, Lola came to me overfed and very chubby. She weighed 6.5 lbs, but has a smaller frame than Maddie (who is 5 lbs). Now, I'm slowly working down her weight and she's right under 6 at this point...but still has a long way to go. The vet said she SHOULD weigh between 4.5 and 5 lbs. That is the CUTOFF for breeding for me. It made me a little uncomfortable at first, but she has a wide space between the pelvic bones and a solid structure. Anyways, the point is, it has much more to do with structure than with weight in these smaller breeds.
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