[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Mardelin

Again, the female controls the size of the pups while in utero; how big the pups will get while she's carrying them is based on many factors; her nutrition and her health playing the bigger part, how many pups are in one horn is another. The possibility of c-sections; are size of the female & reproductive area; her ability to dilate to pass the pups, the elasticity of the uterine walls and and her stamina. She can completely tire out during the process and be unable to whelp a pup; even though she may have whelped 1, 2 or 3 already. Yorkies are a breed onto themselves, you can not breed pheno type to pheno type and know what you are going to get, as say poodles.

Genetics play the biggest part on what a pup will be at adult hood. Just as in humans. So, before breeding one should study both sides of the pedigree; especially the first 3 generations. That is why it is best to line breed. You have a better control over your lines that way.

Let me clarify; we are talking yorkies here.