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Originally Posted by amandawash  This is going to sound really harsh and I apologize in advance, but if you have to ask that qyestion, the answer is never. SAFE breeding requires hours upon hours of research, and should always be left to the "experts." There is an astronomical surplus of backyard bred dogs, and to contribute to that right now with the way things are is completely irresponsible. JMHO. |
I couldn't agree more. Yorkies have so many health problems these days because they are being carelessly bred. Did you know that today's Yorkies are thirty-six times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined according to a study done at the University of Tennessee? That Yorkies are ranked #4 in cases of luxating patellas by the Orthopedic Foundation of America?
Breeding should only be done by people who are very knowledgable about genetics and health test (screen for liver disease, x-ray knees, thyroid panel, eye exam, etc.). Most Yorkies are beautiful in our eyes, but too far from the standard to be breed.
Breeding done right is a very expensive endeavor and often results in only one or two puppies. Emergency c-sections are common. A good breeder will offer a health guarantee and should you produce a puppy with a liver shunt or luxating patellas, you could be responsible for the vet bills which run into the thousands.