How to Mate Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers are highly treasured for their tiny size, their docility and the fact that they are pure breed dogs. When mating two pure-bred dogs, make sure the dogs are free of genetic problems or health complications. The dogs should also be close to the guidelines for breed standards. Breed standards for Yorkshire terriers include expectations for physical appearance: a long-haired, straight and evenly hanging coat on either side, a center part from nose to tail, a carriage that is neat and upright, and a well-proportioned body. They should also be even tempered.

Things You'll Need

  • One healthy male Yorkshire Terrier
  • One healthy female Yorkshire Terrier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose two dogs that have mated successfully in the past. They should be at least one and a half year's old. The age is important because most health problems would have been made obvious by that point. As well, female Yorkshire terriers will have had enough time to undergo at least one estrus cycle (a menstrual cycle without shedding the endometrium) by that point.

    • 2

      Observe the female Yorkshire to see when it is in heat. Signs of an approaching estrus cycle include a noticeably larger (swollen) vulva. The Yorkshire may also discharge blood, and generally will demonstrate an obvious change in temperament and character.

    • 3

      Wait for the female Yorkshire to be visibly in heat (in her estrus cycle) for around 10 days. By that time, you can begin mating the dogs. It is necessary to wait for 10 days or so, as this is when the Yorkshire is ovulating. Female Yorkshire terriers are known for not being willing to mate if they have not entered their fertility period. If the female Yorkshire is unwilling to mate, she is not in her fertile time.

    • 4

      Mate the male and female Yorkshire terriers by allowing them to be together. Allow them to be together only when the female has reached her fertility period. Should the female be willing to mate and neither of the dogs suffers from poor health or other complications, there should be no problem in mating the Yorkshires.

    • 5

      Check the vulva of the female Yorkshire to see if she is pregnant. If she is pregnant, the vulva will stay swollen and engorged. If she is pregnant, then a veterinarian should be consulted to ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy delivery of the puppies. Consulting a veterinarian early on will ensure that complications and problems will be caught early on, before they become either problematic or life-threatening.