To some degree I have to agree with snowwa. I think alot of the health problems that we're seeing in this breed we're bringing on ourselves. Some where along the line someone decided it would be fun to have a pocket puppy. The breed has suffered every since. What's wrong with a 5 - 7 pound dog? Yorkies used to be strong and hale, they hunted as well as being companions. You start breeding the runts to get smaller dogs, you breed in their health problems as well. I went to see a bitch pup from a backyard breeder in town because I was curious. I was in the market for a breedable female and thought what the hey? The pup wasn't all that and after being told that the sire only weighted 1.6 lbs ( the pup was close to 3lbs. at 12 weeks) I asked to see him. She brought out the saddest looking creature I think I've ever seen! His coat was patchy, his backbone bowed and extended, he shook like a leaf, his head was too big for his body, and his canines were too big for his mouth hanging over the sides of his lips. She finally admitted that she thought he was from a puppymill and that she had purchased him for size only. Since he throws bigger pups I would guess he must have been a runt. What do you think the chances are that he will consistently throw healthy pups? When I asked her she said "but people are only interested in the tiny ones" That is too sad if you ask me. My last litter came in at 5 -6 oz. at birth, fat and happy. Now at 5 monthes old they are all very healthy and their families are delighted with them. I'm not saying that all tinies are unhealthy but they are more prone to trouble and it's our fault for giving in to a fad.
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Tami |