So excited and nervous........ - YorkieTalk.com Forums

r4sons · 01-25-2005, 08:32 AM

I had a long talk with my hubby last night about what I would like to do with my life. I've been a babysitter for 8 years, and eventually want to get out of it. I love my yorkies and want to start breeding for a small business where I can still be home with my boys. I really really want to get about 5-6 females going and get a male for the stud service. I'm really going to start pricing on some kennels. We have an unfinished laundry room (very large) and a big big fenced in backyard. I really hope this is something I can get going really soon. Our female is pregnant right now and due next month. I was thinking of keeping the females and selling the males and using the $$ off of the males to get me a male to use with the females that I will have here and her mom, Muffy. That's my goal, and I hope it works out. If anyone has any advice on breeding around 5 dogs or so, please send it my way. I'd really appreciate it. I know there's something to having to be registered or licenced if you have more than 3, so not sure about all those details. I know it's something I've got to get busy doing, because it will be a few years of investing before the profit starts coming in. Please e-mail me @ r4sons@fidnet.com with any advice you would have for me as experienced breeders. Thanks and God bless, Heather

bld2751 · 01-25-2005, 08:56 AM

Well good luck. I'm sure we'll hear more along the way. I have absolutely no advice at all, since I have my first yorkie who's almost 5 months and I'm not going to breed him. But much luck!!

Brandi & Hercules

schatzie · 01-25-2005, 09:06 AM

Hi and good luck, I am not a breeder, just a loving pet owner for Schatzie.

I have a great friend who is a breeder. She has been breeding for years. She is licenced and USDA inspected so that is something you need to look into as you mentioned above about being licenced. Also, She spends plenty of vet visits, shots etc and her time is full caring for the kennels. I helped her a couple weeks ago with her kennels as she had some tooth surgery and was feeling pretty bad. I learned real quick from just one day's work that I could never have it in me to breed like she does. I never realized just how much work and money it takes to keep an honest, healthy, caring kennel up to par!! I was totally blown away and truly respect her for what she does.

Then she goes through the loss of puppies that don't make it, the unhealthy ones who need 24/7 care, the healthy ones too needing 24/7 care, etc. I am sure if my friend was here typing she'd give me a million other things about breeding that I have not mentioned.

I wish you the best in your adventures. I am sure if you do your research and plan it all out and take the time to learn all you can about breeding it would only be more of a benefit to you and the new puppy owners who purchase pups from you.

Wish you the best!!

Prissy012899 · 01-25-2005, 10:52 AM

What schatzie said about her breeder friend.. all the work, emotions and energy is VERY true.. My kids are grown and married and I can tell you raising yorkies is harder than raising kids. It IS a 24/7 job and when you have to supplement puppies every two hours everynight for a week or two and then take care of kids during the day it could be a real challenge and either the dogs or the kids will suffer. If you have to take one in difficult labor in the middle of the night to the emergency vet, will you have someone to stay with the children and will you have the money to pay a $500 to $1000 emergency bill. I haven't had a vacation since I started breeding because I don't have anyone I can trust with my dogs to know what to do in an emergency.
Breeding is not easy by anymeans. I am not trying to discourage you from doing it but I want you to be realistic in making decisions to do so.
Another thing with yorkies is sometimes you get two alpha females and they will fight.
So you need space to keep them separated.. Also when they have pups they will need a quiet place away from the others.
These are just some of the basics that I can think of off hand.

fasteddie · 01-25-2005, 07:57 PM

Good luck if you do decide to become a full-time breeder. It IS hard work and can be heartbreaking when something goes wrong (babies not making it or sick Yorkies) so I'd say you need a strong mind for some aspects of breeding. The breeders I've talked to, they do a lot to make sure their Yorkies are all well and capable and healthy. And you will have to make numerous trips to the vet as well. Perhaps just start slow like you are doing now, and see how you like it, and then grow from there. That's just my suggestions, of course.

lucynfred · 01-26-2005, 08:19 PM

I too have been thinking about breeding lately, and as others have stated, it is a 24/7 job ... I'm sure of it!! I started working for my vet this week and he has a kennel with 34 runs and about 20-30 cages in large and small sizes. Cleaning the area 2x per day alone takes 4 full-time people. Giving meds, baths, food and fresh water 2x per day takes another 2 full-time staff members who also function as vet aids. There are also post-op dogs who have to be monitored by the kennel workers, and you have to spend the whole day watching out for signs of illness --vomit, diarreah, etc. Hand feeding is required for some of the sick animals. And of course, we attempt to clean up anytime a mess is made in the kennel, except in the runs which, either way, get cleaned/deodorized/sanitized 2x/day. Then, there's a seperate area for kennel cough/parvo/unidentified illness dogs used to prevent the spread of whatever it is. Laundry -- about 5 loads a day. And this is the off season[!!!] because everyone brings their pets to be kenneled during the holidays and they play catch-up on their shots and surgeries during this time. This may help give you an idea about how much time and space you'll need for 4-5 dogs that may have to be separated that will also be intact for breeding purposes -- claiming territory, etc. I have spent a lot of time thinking about it too, and have realized it will have to wait for me -- but that should not affect your decision. I just know that I don't have the energy to do much more than keep my household and my 4 pets in order along with my job (full-time). And I don't have children, because I have my yorkie Luca Dean!!!

luvdorkyyorkies · 02-04-2005, 11:18 AM

I stay at home with my children.........and breed yorkies. It is a very challenging job and I dont get alot of sleep. If you have several dogs the time is unreal you have to spend taking good care of them. If you are sick.......well time marches on and there is no calling in sick to work.......you still have to do it.
THe balancing act is hard too when you have children..........at puppy time my kids get less of my time.........there is only so much to go around.
The expense is also a consideration.........shots, registrations, food, set-up and thats if everything goes right....
.......and I recently found out the heartbreak when a puppy dies, when you stay up and do everything you can do and they die anyway.........its very trying and draining......and Im still trying to nurse another sick puppy because the litter was to big.
I love breeding but like siad earlier, there are no vacations, unless you are fortunate and have a fantastic person you can trust.
Im not trying to discourage you.............but I didnt work as hard outside the home..........but I do so much appreciate being the one with my kids.

Good luck whatever you choose.

r4sons · 02-04-2005, 11:28 AM

Thanks a bunches for your response. I do agree, all depending on when puppies are due, on how much time you lose with your family. Right now, things have taken a turn in my life. I did quit babysitting, but got a part time job @ a bank. I start on Tues. Muffy is due at the end of this month, so nervous about that. We decided to wait until her next litter to keep any of the girls and then get a male. With me getting this new job, I want to be established and comfortable on how life is before I take on the dog breeding. How many dogs do you breed? I don't plan on going big, so I think it would be something I can handle. I understand about the heartbreak of losing a pup. We lost one of Muffy's with her first litter last year. She pulled on the cord too hard and his intestines came out. We try to save him, but he died 8 hours after he was born. It was so sad for everyone in my house. We named him and buried him in our backyard. Kind of sweet to think about though. Again, thank you so much for your post. You didn't discourage me from dog breeding, just going to put it off for another year. My boys are young, so if I have to wait until they are older, where they can help out and feel a part of the team, them I'm so ok with that.

luvdorkyyorkies · 02-04-2005, 11:52 AM

Hi Heather,

I have 9 yorkies, not counting puppies, and one new female coming. After this Im at my quota, the only way I would keep one more is if it is my own...........I never have kept one of my girls babies......

Nice to meet you, good luck with the job!

KristiC · 02-11-2005, 03:38 PM

I only have two and Lilli is expecting March 17th my limit is 4 females and I use a local Stud from a breeder that lives just 5 min, from my house so That is all I am getting I know some people that has 14 to 20 yorkies and those poor dogs dont get all the love they need and I am not got to get the Rep. I am trying to start out Great because I love my girls.So if you are wanting to i would just start out with 2 like i am see if it is what you want I also have a 5 year old and my time is well taken up! But I love every min of it thats just the type of person I am. Hope this helps my website is www.kristisyorkies.com my email is on there if you want to keep in touch, Kristi

01-25-2005, 08:32 AM	#1
r4sons No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Missouri Posts: 189	So excited and nervous........ I had a long talk with my hubby last night about what I would like to do with my life. I've been a babysitter for 8 years, and eventually want to get out of it. I love my yorkies and want to start breeding for a small business where I can still be home with my boys. I really really want to get about 5-6 females going and get a male for the stud service. I'm really going to start pricing on some kennels. We have an unfinished laundry room (very large) and a big big fenced in backyard. I really hope this is something I can get going really soon. Our female is pregnant right now and due next month. I was thinking of keeping the females and selling the males and using the $$ off of the males to get me a male to use with the females that I will have here and her mom, Muffy. That's my goal, and I hope it works out. If anyone has any advice on breeding around 5 dogs or so, please send it my way. I'd really appreciate it. I know there's something to having to be registered or licenced if you have more than 3, so not sure about all those details. I know it's something I've got to get busy doing, because it will be a few years of investing before the profit starts coming in. Please e-mail me @ r4sons@fidnet.com with any advice you would have for me as experienced breeders. Thanks and God bless, Heather

02-04-2005, 11:28 AM	#8
r4sons No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Missouri Posts: 189	Thank you Kelly.......... Thanks a bunches for your response. I do agree, all depending on when puppies are due, on how much time you lose with your family. Right now, things have taken a turn in my life. I did quit babysitting, but got a part time job @ a bank. I start on Tues. Muffy is due at the end of this month, so nervous about that. We decided to wait until her next litter to keep any of the girls and then get a male. With me getting this new job, I want to be established and comfortable on how life is before I take on the dog breeding. How many dogs do you breed? I don't plan on going big, so I think it would be something I can handle. I understand about the heartbreak of losing a pup. We lost one of Muffy's with her first litter last year. She pulled on the cord too hard and his intestines came out. We try to save him, but he died 8 hours after he was born. It was so sad for everyone in my house. We named him and buried him in our backyard. Kind of sweet to think about though. Again, thank you so much for your post. You didn't discourage me from dog breeding, just going to put it off for another year. My boys are young, so if I have to wait until they are older, where they can help out and feel a part of the team, them I'm so ok with that.

01-25-2005, 08:56 AM	#2
bld2751 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 861	Well good luck. I'm sure we'll hear more along the way. I have absolutely no advice at all, since I have my first yorkie who's almost 5 months and I'm not going to breed him. But much luck!! Brandi & Hercules

01-25-2005, 09:06 AM	#3
schatzie *Moderator Emeritus* Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tontitown Arkansas Posts: 4,909	Hi and good luck, I am not a breeder, just a loving pet owner for Schatzie. I have a great friend who is a breeder. She has been breeding for years. She is licenced and USDA inspected so that is something you need to look into as you mentioned above about being licenced. Also, She spends plenty of vet visits, shots etc and her time is full caring for the kennels. I helped her a couple weeks ago with her kennels as she had some tooth surgery and was feeling pretty bad. I learned real quick from just one day's work that I could never have it in me to breed like she does. I never realized just how much work and money it takes to keep an honest, healthy, caring kennel up to par!! I was totally blown away and truly respect her for what she does. Then she goes through the loss of puppies that don't make it, the unhealthy ones who need 24/7 care, the healthy ones too needing 24/7 care, etc. I am sure if my friend was here typing she'd give me a million other things about breeding that I have not mentioned. I wish you the best in your adventures. I am sure if you do your research and plan it all out and take the time to learn all you can about breeding it would only be more of a benefit to you and the new puppy owners who purchase pups from you. Wish you the best!!

01-25-2005, 10:52 AM	#4
Prissy012899 YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northeast Georgia Posts: 251	What schatzie said about her breeder friend.. all the work, emotions and energy is VERY true.. My kids are grown and married and I can tell you raising yorkies is harder than raising kids. It IS a 24/7 job and when you have to supplement puppies every two hours everynight for a week or two and then take care of kids during the day it could be a real challenge and either the dogs or the kids will suffer. If you have to take one in difficult labor in the middle of the night to the emergency vet, will you have someone to stay with the children and will you have the money to pay a $500 to $1000 emergency bill. I haven't had a vacation since I started breeding because I don't have anyone I can trust with my dogs to know what to do in an emergency. Breeding is not easy by anymeans. I am not trying to discourage you from doing it but I want you to be realistic in making decisions to do so. Another thing with yorkies is sometimes you get two alpha females and they will fight. So you need space to keep them separated.. Also when they have pups they will need a quiet place away from the others. These are just some of the basics that I can think of off hand.

01-25-2005, 07:57 PM	#5
fasteddie *YT 6000 Club Member* Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6,238	Good luck if you do decide to become a full-time breeder. It IS hard work and can be heartbreaking when something goes wrong (babies not making it or sick Yorkies) so I'd say you need a strong mind for some aspects of breeding. The breeders I've talked to, they do a lot to make sure their Yorkies are all well and capable and healthy. And you will have to make numerous trips to the vet as well. Perhaps just start slow like you are doing now, and see how you like it, and then grow from there. That's just my suggestions, of course.

01-26-2005, 08:19 PM	#6
lucynfred Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tuscaloosa Posts: 199	I too have been thinking about breeding lately, and as others have stated, it is a 24/7 job ... I'm sure of it!! I started working for my vet this week and he has a kennel with 34 runs and about 20-30 cages in large and small sizes. Cleaning the area 2x per day alone takes 4 full-time people. Giving meds, baths, food and fresh water 2x per day takes another 2 full-time staff members who also function as vet aids. There are also post-op dogs who have to be monitored by the kennel workers, and you have to spend the whole day watching out for signs of illness --vomit, diarreah, etc. Hand feeding is required for some of the sick animals. And of course, we attempt to clean up anytime a mess is made in the kennel, except in the runs which, either way, get cleaned/deodorized/sanitized 2x/day. Then, there's a seperate area for kennel cough/parvo/unidentified illness dogs used to prevent the spread of whatever it is. Laundry -- about 5 loads a day. And this is the off season[!!!] because everyone brings their pets to be kenneled during the holidays and they play catch-up on their shots and surgeries during this time. This may help give you an idea about how much time and space you'll need for 4-5 dogs that may have to be separated that will also be intact for breeding purposes -- claiming territory, etc. I have spent a lot of time thinking about it too, and have realized it will have to wait for me -- but that should not affect your decision. I just know that I don't have the energy to do much more than keep my household and my 4 pets in order along with my job (full-time). And I don't have children, because I have my yorkie Luca Dean!!!

02-04-2005, 11:18 AM	#7
luvdorkyyorkies BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,681	I stay at home with my children.........and breed yorkies. It is a very challenging job and I dont get alot of sleep. If you have several dogs the time is unreal you have to spend taking good care of them. If you are sick.......well time marches on and there is no calling in sick to work.......you still have to do it. THe balancing act is hard too when you have children..........at puppy time my kids get less of my time.........there is only so much to go around. The expense is also a consideration.........shots, registrations, food, set-up and thats if everything goes right.... .......and I recently found out the heartbreak when a puppy dies, when you stay up and do everything you can do and they die anyway.........its very trying and draining......and Im still trying to nurse another sick puppy because the litter was to big. I love breeding but like siad earlier, there are no vacations, unless you are fortunate and have a fantastic person you can trust. Im not trying to discourage you.............but I didnt work as hard outside the home..........but I do so much appreciate being the one with my kids. Good luck whatever you choose.

02-04-2005, 11:52 AM	#9
luvdorkyyorkies BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,681	Hi Heather, I have 9 yorkies, not counting puppies, and one new female coming. After this Im at my quota, the only way I would keep one more is if it is my own...........I never have kept one of my girls babies...... Nice to meet you, good luck with the job!

02-11-2005, 03:38 PM	#10
KristiC Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 669	I only have two and Lilli is expecting March 17th my limit is 4 females and I use a local Stud from a breeder that lives just 5 min, from my house so That is all I am getting I know some people that has 14 to 20 yorkies and those poor dogs dont get all the love they need and I am not got to get the Rep. I am trying to start out Great because I love my girls.So if you are wanting to i would just start out with 2 like i am see if it is what you want I also have a 5 year old and my time is well taken up! But I love every min of it thats just the type of person I am. Hope this helps my website is www.kristisyorkies.com my email is on there if you want to keep in touch, Kristi