Quote:
Originally Posted by ferragame  Like we said, we don't breed her unless she is approximately 4 lbs. which we believe to be ethical. |
Simply put, that's where you and I would disagree. 5 pounds is the minimum for me and then more than just weight must be considered. I won't knowingly put my girls at any additional risk and I consider breeding small females knowingly putting your dog at risk.
The 3 1/2 pound girl I mentioned earlier came from a dam that is just over 5 pounds and a 6 pound sire. Tinies do happen but I can't see breeding for them. Though I'm not yet showing my dogs, I do breed with that goal in mind. Breeding FOR tinies runs counter to that goal as you will never get a show/breed prospect that way. All you're producing is cute tiny pups. And then there's the obvious problem of finding appropriate homes for these smaller babies. They are prone to more health issues and, even when healthy, are very delicate and most homes are not appropriate for or qualified to care for these babies. These are not 'beginner' Yorkies.
Also, since the YTCA c.o.e. was mentioned, I believe you will find somewhere on their site a specific mention of the minimum size for a breeding female.