Originally Posted by MeganS

very good post, Stacy!!!


I could only answer about 10-15 of those, and that's only because of YT. however, I don't plan to go into breeding. :p

Originally Posted by sylvan

see, even dream yorkies need care too....lol Pat. I used to have nightmares about my kids when they were babies that I left them in the frozen food bin at the grocery store.

Originally Posted by PlatinumYorkies

Great info, Stac...However, unlike Francie...I will need this on tape!!!

Originally Posted by feminvstr

Fertilization

96 hrs.
Divides into two cells
120 hrs.
Divides into four cells
144 hrs.
Divides into eight cells
192 hrs.
The morula is constituted
9 days
The morula installs itself in the uterus
A blastocyte is formed, which is still floating around freely in the uterus
18 days
The placentas are developed
20 days
The ovules have changed in shape in order to become embryos that adhere to the walls of the uterine horns; the nervous system is already formed
22-28 days
Development of eyes and spinal cords
Faces take shape
28 days
The embryos are already oval shaped & measure approx. 14-18 mm
29-35 days
Development of toes, whisker buds, and claws
Fetuses look like dogs
Gender can be determined
Eyes (previously open) now close
30 days
The sexual characteristics are already present and the eyes are covered by the eyelids
36-42 days
Development of skin pigment
Fetal heartbeats can be heard with stethoscope
40 days
The abdominal swelling is already noticeable in the mother, especially if there is a considerable number of puppies
43-49 days
Growth and development continues
45 days
From this moment on, the growth of the fetus is very fast
50-57 days
Fetal movement can be detected when bitch is at rest
51 days
The bones of the fetuses are already calcified and therefore can be seen by means of x-rays in order to verify their positioning and approximate number
57 days
The fetuses have already completed their prenatal development and are ready to be born. From the 58th day on, whelping is imminent
58-65 days
Growth and Development continues; whelping can occur 58-65 days from conception.

Lochia (vaginal discharge) should be reddish to reddish-brown (green is okay on first day).

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

I have had nightmares about dog breeding from time to time...I hate the same one I have over and over about several Yorkies in a pen, or in a hidden room and I forget to feed them for days, it freaks me out when I find them...but I am always able to come to the rescue just in time with food..LOL

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

OK, so let me get your opinions on this: I have recently heard from other breeders/enthusiasts that [I]their[I] opinion is that your knowledge before breeding should go WAY beyond these questions and include the list below BEFORE breeding...terminology included, obviously. And she stands firmly by this. There are many well-respected breeders here, I'm curious as to what your thoughts on this are? Granted, I understand some of this information is important, but honestly...how many people know the exact day of gestation--off the top of their head--that gender is decided? :eek: Reason I ask, this information all comes from an online must-know-about-breeding acticle written in 1996! Kind of distrubing, if you ask me that one wouldn't look for something more vital and hands on before breeding.

1. Embryo will be 4 cells at the start of week 1 of gestation. How many cells by the end of the week?

2. Why is it not safe to administer live vaccines or flea treatments during the first week of gestation?

3. How susceptible is the embryo to external developmental interference during the first week of gestation?

4. On what day does implantation of the embryos in the uterus occur?

5. During which week do the eyes and spinal cords develop?

6. What is organogenesis and when does it begin?

7. During which week can gender be determined?

8. During which week does organogenesis end?

9. During which week does skin pigment develop in fetuses?

10. During which week can you hear fetal heartbeats?

11. What is lochia?

12. During which week does the development of toes, whisker buds and claws occur?

13. After what point in the pregnancy can it be said the embryos are fairly resistant to interference with development?

14. List the reasons to limit ultrasound useage.

Originally Posted by lisatodd

i couldn't even answer these with my own children during pregnancy let alone a dog !!!!!!!! does this make me bad????

Originally Posted by lisatodd

i couldn't even answer these with my own children during pregnancy let alone a dog !!!!!!!! does this make me bad????