YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - What harm is there in one litter of puppies?"

SnowWa · 03-24-2006, 08:00 PM

I don't think having one litter of puppies is the worst thing in the world. I am wall aware of all your concerns ---and actually share them.

But, prior to any breeding (any breed or mixed breeds for that matter - not just Yorkies), the person breeding can at least be sure that to the best of their knowledge the two parents are healthy dogs.

If you have had the mother or father of a litter for several years, you can be reasonably sure whether or not you have a healthy dog.

Yes - I know that genetic defects can skip a generation - but all things being equal - most of the time healthy dogs will have healthy pups.

I have a 5-year-old Bichon whom I'm sure could father a healthy litter of pups (if the mother were healthy also). He's not a show dog (he has a corkscrew tail)... and he's a little larger than some Bichons. But, he has a coat that most Bichon owners would die for and a personality that the is hallmark of the breed. He has never had a sick day in his life and is happy, energetic, friendly, playful, and affectionate. He is a wonderful little pet.
He came from serious Bichon breeders and was sold as a pet --only because of his tail. (and I still paid a fortune for him.)

However - I have never wanted to breed or show any of my pets - and they have all been neutered and spayed as soon as they were old enough.

I feel though that if I had wanted to breed my little guy - it would have been my own business - and there is no reason I wouldn't have expected a healthy litter of pups.....that many people could have enjoyed as much as I enjoy him.

I think some of us "overreact" a little at times. The dog next door had a litter (not planned) of Schnauzer/poodle pups a few months ago, and they were all just fine and have all gone to great homes. This owner would have dealt with any problems that arose, but there just weren't any.

The only consideration I would really make as far as Yorkies go - is that they do seem to have more than their fair share of "special problems" because they are such small little dogs. And, this should be a consideration in every way and in all that we do with them. It is also the reason that we often run into more than usual expenses when we breed these little guys.....something to keep in mind and be prepared ($$$) for. And also something that we need to keep in mind as far as their own health, safety, and welfare is concerned. I personally wouldn't want to breed a little female Yorkie just "to have or enjoy one litter."

Carol Jean

03-24-2006, 08:00 PM	#4
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	I don't think having one litter of puppies is the worst thing in the world. I am wall aware of all your concerns ---and actually share them. But, prior to any breeding (any breed or mixed breeds for that matter - not just Yorkies), the person breeding can at least be sure that to the best of their knowledge the two parents are healthy dogs. If you have had the mother or father of a litter for several years, you can be reasonably sure whether or not you have a healthy dog. Yes - I know that genetic defects can skip a generation - but all things being equal - most of the time healthy dogs will have healthy pups. I have a 5-year-old Bichon whom I'm sure could father a healthy litter of pups (if the mother were healthy also). He's not a show dog (he has a corkscrew tail)... and he's a little larger than some Bichons. But, he has a coat that most Bichon owners would die for and a personality that the is hallmark of the breed. He has never had a sick day in his life and is happy, energetic, friendly, playful, and affectionate. He is a wonderful little pet. He came from serious Bichon breeders and was sold as a pet --only because of his tail. (and I still paid a fortune for him.) However - I have never wanted to breed or show any of my pets - and they have all been neutered and spayed as soon as they were old enough. I feel though that if I had wanted to breed my little guy - it would have been my own business - and there is no reason I wouldn't have expected a healthy litter of pups.....that many people could have enjoyed as much as I enjoy him. I think some of us "overreact" a little at times. The dog next door had a litter (not planned) of Schnauzer/poodle pups a few months ago, and they were all just fine and have all gone to great homes. This owner would have dealt with any problems that arose, but there just weren't any. The only consideration I would really make as far as Yorkies go - is that they do seem to have more than their fair share of "special problems" because they are such small little dogs. And, this should be a consideration in every way and in all that we do with them. It is also the reason that we often run into more than usual expenses when we breed these little guys.....something to keep in mind and be prepared ($$$) for. And also something that we need to keep in mind as far as their own health, safety, and welfare is concerned. I personally wouldn't want to breed a little female Yorkie just "to have or enjoy one litter." Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.