Choosing the right breeder is essential for anyone looking to bring home a Yorkshire Terrier. Responsible breeders try to produce only puppies that will mature at 4 pounds and up, as this is the best chance for them to live a healthy life. However, if they do end up with a puppy that will not make this weight limit, they will find good homes for these pups as soon as possible.
Experience
When looking for Yorkshire terrier breeders, choose one with experience breeding Yorkies. This will ensure they know the dog well and can answer your questions honestly.
They should have a solid understanding of the breed’s health, intelligence, and beauty. You should also expect them to screen their breeding dogs for genetic problems that can be passed on to the puppies.
Moreover, the breeder should have a plan for emergencies during pregnancy and delivery. This includes having a reliable means of transportation and contact information for a veterinarian to help with any unanticipated complications. A responsible breeder should also have a written guarantee that covers the pup’s health and behavioral issues. A reputable breeder will never sell or promote unhealthy puppies. That’s because they value their reputation and the health of their puppies.
Reputation
It is essential to find a breeder who is knowledgeable about the Yorkshire Terrier breed and committed to improving its quality. A responsible breeder will also screen their breeding dogs for genetic health problems that could be passed on to the puppies.
Avoid breeders with a poor reputation and those who use misleading or deceptive practices, such as selling puppies with dislocated patella (luxating kneecaps). When searching for a breeder online, check for duplicate results. If the exact words appear on multiple websites, it may be a sign of plagiarism or a fraudulent breeder.
Personality
Yorkshire Terriers are high-energy dogs with hearts more significant than their pint-size bodies. They are confident and often aggressive with strangers but love to be doted on by their humans.
They can have a case of the zoomies anytime when their pent-up energy bursts out in a zippy blur. These little powerhouses may get the zoomies during playtime, a bath, or even being put in their crate – or for no reason says experts from CanDogsEatAI!
Like other small breeds, Yorkies can develop problems with teeth if they are not adequately cared for daily. They can also become over-zealous lickers and have issues with dry skin. These problems can be avoided if you follow good Yorkie dog ownership tips.
Health
Yorkshire Terriers are generally very healthy dogs, and a responsible breeder will be aware of any issues the breed is particularly prone to. These include luxating patellas (the kneecaps may slip temporarily), hypoglycemia, heart disease, tracheal collapse, cataracts, eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and atopy, and bladder stone formation.
The good news is that most of these are preventable through regular brushing and dental cleaning under anesthesia, medication to control bacterial tartar buildup, and parasite prevention – including treatment for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. A healthy diet and daily exercise are also important.
Guarantees
While a dog breeder’s guarantee can give you peace of mind, don’t be too quick to sign a contract without doing homework. Look for a website or brochure with information on properly caring for a Yorkie, including training strategies, feeding, health and grooming, travel, breed-disposed diseases, neutering, and much more.
Yorkshire Terriers are aggressive and fearless but also loving and confident dogs. They’re usually affectionate with family members and are friendly toward strangers, though they can be watchful of small children and excessive barkers.
Despite their petite size, Yorkies are active dogs that require plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. They must be brushed regularly and have their ears cleaned often to prevent infections. They also need to be watched closely for signs of hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous in a toy breed like the Yorkie.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.