First Time Breeder-Need Advice
 

Hello. My yorkie (Jasmine) is due for her first litter of pups around the 24th of January. I'm nervous. She has really changed this past week. Her belly has really grown and she just lays around most of the time. She isn't eating nearly as much either. I have an 8 week old male yorkie that Jasmine absolutely despises right now. She has an awful temper. Should I be keeping them separate before she has the pups?

yes indeed and after, dont let that other pup around them until they are at least 6 weeks old. Moms are grumpy when their pregnant and specially after they whelp, dont take the risk of your little one getting hurt!

if you need some helpo go to Debbie Jensens site for more information about whelping http://www.debbiejensen.com/

there are lots of pictures of a whelping there too!

Yes , you should separate them before and after .

Hi Kerri and welcome to YT!! Congratulations on the upcomg litter.

You have come to a great site for help for your mommy.

I am not a breeder but I am a Yorkie Fancier and I own four. I am very interested in breeding so i have been doing some research. I certainly do not know nearly as much as those who have actually whleped even one litter but I might be able to help by pointing you to some good info here and on the web.

This is a link to a site about dystocia (difficulties in delivery) and how to minimize the risk for your little girl starting now. As you are proabably aware small breed dogs have a higher than avberage risk for problems that other breeds so it is always best to be prepared.

http://www.intl.elsevierhealth.com/e-books/pdf/974.pdf

As to your question about separating your female from your other dog there is a thread that was just started recently addressing this very question. Here is the link:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28254

Good luck and please don't be afraid to ask any question on here as the member shere have a wealth of knowledge and info that you won't find in books.

Do you have a mentor? An experienced yorkie breeder who is going to help you whelp this first time ?

Let me know if you don't and I can help you find someone if you like. :)

The current issue of The Yorkshire Terrier Magazine is one of the most informative they have published in my opinion. It tells about the mom's diet, puppy care, and things to insure safe and healthy deliveries and raising of the babies. One thing that is so impressive is that ALL puppies are considered as being born Premature. The fact they cannot walk (no, not talk),LOL, hear, see not evacuate their bladder and bowels are the criteria used to make this determination. Also, and this I find absolutely fascinating, a puppy who does NOT jerk in its sleep will not thrive. Those movements are preemie muscles developing. I LOVE watching these wee ones jerk, wiggle and jiggle while they sleep. Now, I have an idea what is going on.
The articles in the TYTM are copyrighted and I will not copy them but maybe there is an issue somewhere on line or in a library..FABULOUS! Also, gives 10 points to consider BEFORE breeding any dog..

I agree Rini, it was a great article, Since a pup sleeps about 90% of the day the first 2-3 weeks mother nature devised activated sleep strengthening their muscles so he eventually can stand or walk. Another tidbit is the pups body weight is 82% water where as an adult dog is 69% which explains how easy they can dehydrate.

Watching babies "jerk" has always been my only means of going to sleep with peace of mind. I have never heard anyone ever mention this before and I'm so glad that you did! I love 'JERKEY" babies! LOL

LOL I love watching them twitche and jerk in their sleep. Its called activated sleep.

Rini, what is the date on that magazine? Is it on sale at Petsmart or just thru the AKC? Sylvia

its the oct/nov issue I believe you can only get this by subscription, I could be wrong. http://yorkshire-terrier.com/tyt/

Would you recommend this magazine to a non-breeder? Would you recommend it to someone like me that has behavior issues and would it help me understand a Yorkies way of thinking?

I am always open to reading as much as I can to help my gang.

The magazine is geared toward the show breeder although each issue has feature articles but most lean toward the show dog. There are great pictures from all over the US showing what dog/bitch won the championship in current shows mostly campaign ads and many show/kennel/breeder ads. It also ranks the top bitch/dog and breeder regularly in the country. I recommend for the true fancier.

Yes, I would highly recommend this magazine for anyone who has a yorkie. Besides show photos, it has who is who and allows you to learn the lines and types and who has what, but the main reason is the articles all about yorkies. It has info on LP, genetics, care, training, breeding, traits, gait movements, scetches of which legs or heads are better, coat care, you name it. It is getting smaller over the years and cost a bit more than I think it should and it is not as good as Yorkie Tales Magazine was, but it is better than nothing. I do love the articles and color photos. They also have a stud and bitch issues with pedigrees and photos. Great information!

There is also another yorkie magazine in Europe - called "Yorky Club" - http://www.yorkyclub.com/ Does anyone know about it and is it any good and what is it like?
T.

Rini & Kim King:

I have been wanting to subscribe to the magazine for months and never took the time to do it since they don't have an online subscription form.

Thanks for getting me off my duff to send a fax with my payment info to begin my subscription.

:)
Lisa

Lisa, this is without a doubt the best magazine out there! I only wish they published monthly .... they have great articles. Even though I'm not at all interested in showing and I certainly "don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies!!", I enjoy learning & keeping up. ;-)

I always call her to renew my subscription ... you can just give your card # unless it's easier to fax.