Grooming, Feeding & Breeding

Grooming/General Care Because they have a long coat, Yorkies are not suitable for anyone who does not have the time or inclination to spend on the grooming and bathing this breed requires. Most pet Yorkies do in fact have their coats trimmed short or shaved for convenience and hygiene. Therefore, anyone obtaining a pet Yorkie must remember that there will be additional grooming expenses to take into consideration. The Yorkie coat does not shed, and does not have an undercoat, making Yorkies desirable for some people with allergies, and those who do not want a breed that has a messy moult. The correct texture of the coat is described as long, straight and silky. It will continue to grow unless trimmed. In fact, the Yorkie coat is very similar to human hair. Special care must be taken to ensure that the hair around the anus of these dogs is kept clean. Because of their long hair, it is common for these dogs to become matted in this area, and this can lead to compacted faeces. Apart from making the dog very sore and uncomfortable, this may, if left unattended, cause more serious problems, such as fly strike, that would require veterinary assistance. Yorkie puppies may have "tipped" or "tilted" ears until they are around 6 months old. We are frequently asked about this when owners purchase a 10 week old puppy with nice erect ears, only to find that the ears drop again around 4 months of age. This is often because at this time the Yorkie is shedding it's milk teeth and cutting it's adult teeth, which can cause the ears to go up and down daily, and owner's should not be unduly concerned during this natural stage. However, it is important to keep the hair on the top third of the ear flap trimmed very short. This will stop the ears from being weighed down by excessive hair until they are firmly "set". Also the hair should be plucked from inside the ears, and ears checked regularly for excessive wax and for mites. Yorkies should also have special attention paid to their eyes, and teeth. The long hair should be prevented from falling into their eyes, thus causing irritation and infection, either by tying it back or trimming it. As with most Toy breeds, Yorkies may have a tendency to tartar build-up on the teeth, but if regular attention is given to the teeth this should not be a serious problem. Yorkies do not have an undercoat, and even with a long coat, they feel the cold very easily, and like most Toy breeds prefer the comfort of cosiness and warmth. They enjoy being pampered. Yorkies are difinitely not a breed to keep outside in a kennel. When going out in cold or wet weather they will appreciate a warm dog coat to wear. Although regular grooming may be an added expense for the Yorkie owner, Yorkies eat very little, and are not expensive to feed.

Breeding: You too may want to breed a Yorkie litter. This is a huge responsibility, to say the least! Breeding quality Yorkies is not recommended for the novice without the assistance of a good mentor. Breeding is not just simply putting 2 dogs together and "letting nature take its course"!! Much thought and research must be done first before even thinking about breeding. It is best if you attend dog shows and meet seasoned breeder/exhibitors and ask lots of questions, listen and learn first. Look at the dogs being shown and decide which type you are wanting to breed.(cobby or more leg, etc) Research the Yorkie breed. Read everything you can about this breed. Breeding is not just a"walk in the park". You need to know pedigrees, health issues and the breed standard first. Then find a mentor and eventually a nice quality bitch to show. After you have finished her and done all her health tests then you may consider breeding her. Have your mentor find a nice compatable stud that will compliment her or improve any faults she may have. Even after you breed your bitch, many things can go wrong. You will need to get prepared for the up-coming litter.

A BREEDER'S TALE.
I love my little puppy, he makes my house a home,
He always is my best friend, I never feel alone.
He makes me smile, he makes me laugh, he fills my heart with love,
Did some breeder breed him? Was he sent from heaven above?
I've never been a breeder, or seen life through their eyes
I hold my little puppy, just sit and criticise.
I've never know their anguish, I've never felt their pain,
The caring of their charges, through snow or wind or rain.
I've never waited all night long for puppies to be born,
The stress and trepidation when they're still not there by dawn....
I've never felt the heartache of a little life in my hands,
A darling little puppy who weighs just 60 grams !!
Should you do this instead of that? Or just pray to God?
Alone you fight, and hope one day he'll grow up big and strong.
Bring joy to their new family and make their house a home.
You know it's all just up to you, you fight this fight alone.
Formula, bottle, heating pads you've got to get this right,
Two hourly feeds for this little mite throughout the day and night.
In your heart you know it, you'll surely lose the fight
To save this little baby, but God willing, you just might....
Day one he's in there fighting, you say a silent prayer,
Day two and three he's doing well, with lots of loving care
Day four and five - he's still alive your hopes soar to the heavens!
Day six he slips away again, dies in your hands day seven.
You take this little angel and bury him alone,
With aching heart and burning tears, (and an exhausted groan),
You ask yourself, Why do this? Why suffer all the pain?
But see the joy that puppies bring - it really self explains!
So, when you think of breeders and label them with "greed"
Think what they sometimes endure to fill anothers need
And when you buy a puppy, with pounds and pence you part.
You only pay with money........ they pay with our hearts.
These Tiny little treasures a gift from god they send,
so wrap your hearts around them and let your love never end.
(Please do not reproduce without permission of author)