There are a lot of things to consider if you want to breed your yorkie. It is really important to avoid health problems in our breed that you do health checks on your dog. Get his knees, hips and eyes certified. Have his blood panel done and a bile acid test to make sure his liver is functioning properly- there are many sad stories on here about dogs with severe luxating patella (knee problems) and liver shunt, dogs who suffer and dogs who have died. It is really important that we screen our potential breeding dogs for these problems. I wish I knew more about the specific genetic tests available to the yorkie breed but there are a few. Our breed is also prone to Legg calves perthe disease
. Have your vet check to ensure the fontanelle is closed properly on your dog (skull bones) because unforunately on some breeds when this genetic error is passed on we find dogs who can't play or live a happy normal life because they die if they just bump their sweet little head. Have your dr examine the trachea and ensure that your dog is breathing correctly and does not have collapsing trachea- another problem all too common in our breed. Make sure the bite is a correct level scissors bite and that the weight of your yorkie doesn't exceed the standard of seven pounds. Ensure that the ears stand erect and are spaced properly and sized nicely, that the color is consistent with the breed authorized standard with no mismarks (check the AKC standard for Yorkshire terrier). Showing your dog and earning titles and championships is an excellent way of measuring your dog to the standard, if you are serious about breeding I would suggest you get a health checked papered dog from a reputable breeder and have them help show you the ropes while you learn about the breed standard, health testing and work toward your championship title, there are also many books, educational seminars and even college courses to help you learn about genetics and the in depth science of breeding a good dog- and then you will be able to improve our breed, eradicate some of the problems that the irresponsible breeders out there are suffering our poor little babes and proudly contribute to the overall betterment and sustained genetic pool of our most beloved Yorkshire terrier
good luck on your endeavors!
