Breeding vs neutering
 

I have a 5month old little boy bentley. I was wondering how old is the best before we breed? I just want to breed him once then I want to get him neutered. I think he is just the best pup I have ever seen and I wanted a few more just like him so I thought that would be the best way. Any advise? What are the details with all of this?

Personally, I wouldn't. It can lead to marking all over the house (which can happen even if you don't mate him). Not really worth it.

k. thank you! : )

any breeders from indiana on YT?

Congratulations on your little boy....there was a similar question posted a while back, you might want to take a look at this thread, as it brings up some good points as well. If you are interested in more information on the various testing that should be done before you breed, you can do a search for that as well, there is tons of info. :)

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...light=breeding

thank you very much!

I think that most new yorkie owners are overwhelmed at the wondefulness of yorkies and entertain that same thought. But there is so much to consider before making that decision and even more to learn before following through with it. Experienced yorkie owners and yorkie breeders here on YT will help you. My personal experience is that I had Coby neutered and will just cherish him until the time is right to add another to our family.

Aside from all of that, Bentley is adorable and I'm so glad that you have him and love him. :)

I urge you to really research and read before you consider breeding. Honestly, yorkies are so overbred right now that most don't meet the standard and health problems are unfortunately too common. Also, I'm sure you know the pet population is out of control right now...millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters.

IF you decide to breed him, please please please have all neccessary health screening done before you breed him (and on the female). Too many of our babies have genetic defects because health screening wasn't done. It's so unfair to our yorkies and causes heartache for the owners. Some health testing that needs to be done is: a good physical exam, a blood panel, a bile acid test to check for liver shunt, check hips for Legg Perthes, check knees for Luxating Patellas, check eyes and ears, check heart, check thyroid. You also really need to know the dogs' lines because some diseases can skip generations such as liver shunt. Yorkies are 36 times more likely to have a liver shunt than all other breeds combined so its so important to know that there is no history of liver shunt anywhere in the lines...up to 10 generations back.

You also have to do tests for STDs (even if its the first time for both). Dogs can be born with Brucellosis if mother was infected. Brucellosis normally causes abortions and the dog will then be infected for life. Recomendation is euthanasia because the dogs become a public health risk and can transmit the disease to humans. A recent Brucella test is always a must or you may risk having to euthanize your dog.

There is also a lot of responsibilty that goes with breeding. I believe that breeding should be done for one reason - to breed the best representations of the breed and to continue bettering the breed. I really believe that only those yorkies that meet the standard should be bred...i call these "show quality" yorkies (even if the breeder doesn't actually show). I don't believe people should be breeding for pet-quality dogs, breeding for money, or just breeding because they think its fun. There are too many dogs in the shelters to be breeding just to breed.

Honestly, while your yorkie is adorable and I'm sure a wonderful pet (we all love our babies and they're all beautiful), I remember a thread recently with you asking about his size. You said he ws 4 months and 5.5lbs now which means he will most likely be over standard. Also, there is no guarantee his puppies will look or act like him. We all love our dogs, but that doesn't always mean they should be bred.

If you really want to get into breeding, find a mentor. Start attending dog shows and learn more about the breed and the standard. Find out how to find faults in a dog and what you look for in a dog before breeding it. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I know this...but I think there is a right way to go about it and finding a reputable mentor to train you is the best way to go.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Wow, what a wonderful reply. You are just great to take the time and the effort to reply to people so thoughtfully.