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Originally Posted by shelbysmom Size sure gets a lot of attention on this board.
I believe if there is any question about what is safe or good or healthy for Yorkshire Terriers we should go to the experts.
They recommend 5lbs. for the momma right? I am going with that. |
Doesn't it though?
That is what I am attempting to do...
find the "experts" and hear their rationale based upon scientific experimentation and knowledge, not rumor and prejudice against tinies and therefore their breeders.
I reason I raise the question instead of going with what everyone hears on the forums is that I have met experts who condone the breeding of females less than 5 lbs and some experts (vets) who breed them themselves and do so successfully, without c-sections and without any unusual complications.
These "experts" I am referring to have taken great care to insure that the dam and the sire are from a long line of small dogs, that both animals are thoroughly tested prior to breeding, that the female has the body shape and the room to properly carry a litter to full term and deliver without complications, etc.
So, I guess it would be safe to just limit breeding to 5 lbs and up if you want to be arbitrary about it, but when someone places a imit on something, it is usually for a valid and justifiable reason and that is what i am looking for. To me thay could have just as easily set the limit at 7 lbs or wherever, right?
It is risky to breed any female but what makes it inherently more risky to breed a 3 lb dog versus a 4 lb one if the male is substantially smaller and the other conditions are good? That is the answer I am looking for. I think it is appropriate to look to the theriogenologists for this information since I think they should be the experts on this based on experience and education and know all the studies that have been conducted I would think.