A good breeder doesn't sell a Yorkie before 12 weeks of age, this is the
minimum age. Some breeders are now keeping them longer so that they can do a bile acids test before going to the new home. Some people think that you can sell the dogs when the mother stops nursing, but this isn't true for the Yorkie and other toy breeds. Mom and littermates are teaching important socialization skills during this time. Mom will nudge puppy over to pee pad when she smells that it has to urinate, she also teaches inhibition of the biting reflex, two really important skills which may make a huge difference on how the new family treats their yorkie. If you are thinking about breeding a dog, you also want to make sure she has good mothering skills; she learns these things from her mother. The toy breeds are different than other breeds, they have special needs, and that's why places like Yorkietalk are so useful, you can get breed specific information. A breeder who doesn't even abide by the YTCA's suggestions on how long to keep a Yorkie with the mother is a irresponsible in my opinion, and is not really protecting her offspring in blending well with the new family.
Taken from the YTCA website:
Quote:
If you are seeking a family pet a reputable Yorkshire Terrier Breeder will not release a puppy to a new home before it is twelve (12) weeks old. This ensures the puppy is old enough to have had some of its shots, has been checked by a veterinarian, and a health certificate issued. The puppy’s ears should be erect, and you can generally tell what size the puppy will be at maturity when it is twelve weeks old by doubling the weight. Although not a definite rule it is generally thought that if a twelve week old Yorkie puppy is three pounds it will likely be six pounds at maturity. Also, by twelve weeks the puppy should be outgoing and well socialized so it will easily accept the transition of leaving its mother and siblings.
On the other hand, if you are interested in a show potential puppy the time frame should be much different. You need to start your search well in advance of actually selecting a puppy. Nothing beats doing research, going to local dog shows, reading as much as you can about the breed, and talking to as many show breeders as possible. There is no way to guarantee a definite yorkie show dog before it is nine or ten months old, and its actually uncertain until you get that first winning ribbon many months later. Yorkies go through a tremendous transition from puppy to adulthood in coat condition, stature, personality, and demeanor. But one of the most important goals is gaining the confidence of the breeder because no show breeder is going to release a good show puppy to a novice who cannot fulfill the puppy’s potential. By the time a show potential puppy is nine or ten months old, the personality will be outgoing, the terrier spirit portrayed, and it will be leash trained. The coat will have the correct silky texture, and the color will be coming in clearly. You will be able to tell by the gait if the puppy has good structure, and by then the puppy teeth will be replacing with permanent mature denture so you can tell if the bite is correct. In other words, you can see the real potential in front of you. From then on, its up to you to continue ring training and not let the breeder down. Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (Awards) |