Rules that will help you choose a good Yorkshire Terrier puppy

Where is the best place to buy

It is recommended to purchase a dog from a breeder who has been professionally breeding representatives of this breed for many years. You can find one through the Internet or your local breed club. A serious nursery, as a rule, has its own website, where you can find out not only about the availability of available puppies, but also get acquainted with the health, character and maintenance of Yorkshire terriers. Here you can communicate directly with the breeder, as well as read reviews from the owners.

how to choose a Yorkie puppy

Who to choose when buying: a boy or a girl

Before choosing the gender of your pet, it is important to decide on the purpose of purchasing the dog. Who exactly do they want to see in the house - a brave companion or a plush, affectionate toy?

Initial tips

If you want to choose a less troublesome pet, then the gender of the dog does not play a special role. It is much more important how the dog is raised. Both girls and boys can be troublesome.

Important! The character of a Yorkie is formed in childhood and partly depends on upbringing and daily routine.

Pros of a bitch

The character of a Yorkie girl is more passive and docile. They are loving and open. Compared to other breeds, Yorkshire bitches are very clean when in heat.

Cons of a bitch

If a Yorkie girl was not adopted for the purpose of breeding and producing offspring, periodic estrus can cause inconvenience for the owners.

Pros of a male dog

Males are more cheerful and curious. They are active and love to play and run. Boys easily learn to go to the toilet in a diaper and do not mark the territory of their home on the walls.

Cons of a male dog

Males have more pronounced character and hunting instincts. On the street or in the house, boys can show aggression towards strangers and even bite.

What explains the difference in price for puppies of the same age and breed?

Yorkshire Terriers, like other dogs, are classified into three groups, each of which has its own characteristics.

Table 1. Classification of dogs according to breed standards and application.

Adult show class dog

What is the difference between a mini Yorkie and a standard Yorkie - similarities and differences

Among dog breeders and owners there are divisions into standard and mini. Their main differences are the weight and size of the pets. The mini typically weighs from 1.6 to 2.2 kg.

But there are also differences in appearance. Mini Yorkies are called "baby faces" because of their unusual skull structure. Their muzzle is smaller, the nose is not so elongated and is more turned up. The lifespan of miniature dogs is several years shorter. The hunter's instincts are more developed in the standard breed, while the mini breeds are more timid and vulnerable.

This is interesting! The mini breed cannot bear offspring well at home, so the “baby face” is more expensive and less common.

Difference between standard and mini

What makes up the price of a particular animal?

The cost of a Yorkshire Terrier, as well as other dogs, is influenced by factors such as:

• characteristics of his parents: The more titles they have, the higher the price of the offspring.
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  The higher the dog's characteristics, the more it is worth

  You can make sure that the baby’s ancestors had exceptional breed characteristics by looking at their documents. Moreover, this must be done when deciding on the purchase of a show and breeding class animal;

• expert assessment of the puppy itself . This is due to the fact that the mating of champions can produce not only a future show ring star, but also a completely ordinary puppy. The reason is the tricks of genetics. In this case, the baby will not be a defective dog at all, but in order not to pay extra money for him, it is important to have objective information;
• assessment of the litter as a whole. High-quality and homogeneous puppies are always more expensive;

  Newly born Yorkie puppies

• gender of the pet. Female Yorkshire Terriers fetch higher prices than males. And not because of breed advantages, but because breeders see them as a promising source of income.

Which dog to choose

Now that you know the difference between a mini Yorkie and a standard Yorkie, it will be easier for you to make a choice. Which of these two types to choose is up to you. If you are ready to devote your life to cute miniature dogs, to create for them all the conditions for a harmonious, safe and happy life, then feel free to buy micro versions of Yorkies. These kids will give you attention and love. But for safety reasons for pets, it is better that there are no small children in your home.

Fans of sports competitions, exhibitions, and those wishing to breed Yorkshire terriers should take a closer look at the standard representatives of the breed. The same recommendation is relevant for families with children. Larger, hardier terriers will become excellent companions and loyal friends for such owners.

What to look for when choosing a puppy

So, how to buy a Yorkshire Terrier without making a mistake?

Choosing a puppy is a serious matter

Age

Competent breeders offer animals for sale no earlier than 2-3 months after their birth. This is due to the fact that babies must go through the necessary period of breastfeeding, and at the time of transfer to the owner they could feed themselves. In addition, earlier weaning them from their mother has a negative impact on the health of the bitch. Those who dream of a dog for exhibitions are recommended to purchase a puppy six months old. By this time, conclusions can be drawn about the size and other characteristics of the dog.

Documentation

At the time of transfer to the owner, the cubs must undergo the first vaccination, which means they are required to have a veterinary passport, properly executed, with the necessary records and seals.

Veterinary passport for dogs

Every pedigree dog must also have a puppy card. It contains information about the puppy's parents, gender and name. The results of the certification, which each dog undergoes in the club (kennel) 45 days after birth, are also entered there. The litter is assessed by a certified dog handler. He also documents the results, entering the characteristics of each puppy into his individual document. Among other things, the “puppy” contains information about branding.

Brand

It is performed in the form of a tattoo and must be on the body of the dog submitted for activation. The mark is made once and remains unchanged throughout life. Unscrupulous breeders may offer an unbranded dog, explaining that it was a pity to subject the baby to the procedure. In such cases, it is logical to suspect that the documents for the dog are fake and therefore have no legal force. The same thing applies if the brand is not readable. As for the tattoo procedure, it is performed with an anesthetic element, so the kids do not suffer.

Why else do you need a brand on a dog?

Parent information

Personal acquaintance with the child’s ancestors is not enough; you need to look at their documents. In order not to doubt the origin of the puppy, it is important to make sure that its mother and father are dogs of the same breed.

This will insure against the purchase of a half-breed. Of course, the presence of third-party genes does not mean at all that the dog is not suitable as a pet, but, firstly, its price will be different, and secondly, you don’t have to be afraid of surprises when putting the animal up for mating. A representative of an unspecified breed, but with “corrected” metrics, can produce offspring that resemble Bobik’s yard grandfather. And then troubles cannot be avoided.

Temperament, conformation and health

Finding yourself in the company of cute little ones, you shouldn’t give in to emotions. You should choose your puppy wisely and soberly, paying attention to:

1. Baby's physique and activity . These indicators will say a lot about his temperament and health. A good and strong puppy should be robust, and not a dog with a loose constitution. When a dog is lethargic, sleepy and indifferent, this is not normal, unless he has eaten well the day before. The Yorkshire Terrier is a naturally cheerful creature, playful and active.
2. Coat color. It represents a combination of black and gold colors.

   The coat should be black and gold

   There should be no spots, with the exception of a tuft of white hair on the chest. This is acceptable, but it goes away after the first molt. You shouldn’t trust sellers who try to “pick up” a puppy of a non-standard color, promising that when he grows up, he will become like everyone else. If the dog is silver-gray or another color outside the breed standard, he will not turn into steel gray. Only a black and gold pet will acquire the correct color by the age of one and a half years. When purchasing a puppy, you can get an idea of ​​what it will look like by looking at its parents.

3. Wool quality . Ideally, it is flowing, clean and shiny. If there are curls, they will remain for life. Such a dog has a higher risk of developing mats if the owner does not care for it well. It is worth paying attention to the thickness of the cover. When there are even small bald patches or areas of thinning hair on the body, this may indicate health problems. The same thing applies if the skin is flaky, covered with dandruff, and the hairs are dry.
4. Paws. They should be even, while large limbs are a sign that the puppy will grow large.

   Pay attention to the paws

   When walking, movements are free and coordinated, and the contour of the upper body is even. When a puppy's back has a hump, so does an adult dog's back. Signs of lameness or stiffness indicate possible joint problems that will worsen with age.

5. Nose. Its tip is a black lobe, cool and wet. If the puppy recently woke up, it may be warm. Breathing is even, without grunting, sniffling and discharge from the nostrils, forming a white coating around.
6. Teeth. Healthy dog ​​gums are juicy pink, but pale ones can indicate anemia.

   Yorkie's teeth

   Each jaw contains six incisor teeth and a pair of fangs. The closed teeth of Yorkies resemble scissors, but the bite can also be pincer-like, which is also acceptable. Ideally, the outer part of the lower incisors, when closing, tightly touches the inner surface of the upper ones. A dog with underbite and overbite is subject to disqualification and is not allowed to breed.

7. Head. It is worth paying attention to the fontanel. It is located in the parietal part and should be closed at 3 months. The fragile constitution of the dog in combination with a disproportionately large head resembling an apple, bulging eyes and an unovergrown fontanel are signs of dwarfism (dwarfism). In some cases, this may also indicate hydrocephalus, a condition that makes the animal unviable.
8. Eyes. In dogs of this breed they are dark in color, with a damp sheen, and look straight.

   Yorkies have dark eyes

   Sticky “tears” can mean problems with the eyelids or diseases of the mucous membranes of the eyes. Cloudy smudges are dangerous because they can be symptoms of serious infections. Yorkies have black pupils, and the iris does not have spots that would indicate illness or traumatic injury. The third eyelid is hidden, but if it is visible, it should not be massive, and also show signs of ill health.

9. Ears. At the age of two months, Yorkies do not have them, but in an ideal dog they should not be too large and heavy.

   At the age of two months they are not worth it to Yorkies.

   The edge of the auricle is healthy, covered with hair, without crusts or areas of baldness. The outside of the ear canal is clean. If the baby shakes his head and often scratches his ears, it is possible that there is a mite or inflammation there.

10. The abdomen is not swollen, the skin on it is without spots or rashes. A bulge around the navel or groin area indicates a hernia that will require surgery to correct.
11. External genitalia . It is important to examine the bitch's loop for inflammation. It is identified by sticky hairs. A Yorkie boy should also be fine with this if the end of the prepuce is clean. The testes are lowered, although in small individuals this happens with a delay. In the case of absolute undescendence of the testicles into the body of the scrotum, they speak of cryptorchidism. It can be one- or two-sided, but in any case it is a disqualifying sign.

Small or grown up

Breeders and sellers of Yorkshire terriers offer both babies (1.5 - 2 months) and older dogs. As a rule, most people prefer to take a small puppy into their home, however, the cubs of this breed have their own characteristics.

A baby Yorkie can be compared to a small child who has just mastered the technique of walking. This creature constantly demands attention, its energy seems limitless, and its behavior is uncontrollable. Raising a puppy cannot be left to chance. He can bite, bark constantly, and chew things. In addition, the baby needs four meals a day, which means he needs to be walked quite often.

However, there are also benefits associated with keeping your pet young. The kids are unusually cute and charming, easy to train and get used to their owners. By paying due attention to raising a dog, you can get an obedient, devoted pet that brings joy and positive emotions.

For those who are not sure that they can withstand all the troubles associated with early age, the best choice would be a 6-7 month old Yorkie. During this period, you can already see the character and temperament of the dog, evaluate its final size and color. In addition, by this time the bite has been completely formed and teeth have changed. As a rule, the puppy already knows some commands and is accustomed to the litter box and walks.

Advice. It happens that adult Yorkies are also sold. In this case, it is important to find out the reason for the sale. This may be due to both the birth of a child, a change in living conditions, and the unfavorable nature of the pet.

Are there Mini Yorkies?

Little York

No, there is no such division within the breed. This should be kept in mind by those who purchase older dogs with parameters that are not adequate for their age. In order to sell the dog, “breeders” begin to convince that it is a mini version of the Yorkshire terrier. In fact, dogs that are too small grow out of weak or the smallest puppies in the litter. Inconsistency of height and weight with breed standards makes it impossible to participate in exhibitions, and will also become an obstacle to using the dog in breeding work.

Pros and cons of small Yorkies

Continuing the topic of the similarities and differences between Yorkshire terriers of different sizes, let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of mini dogs.

Pros of Mini Yorkies:

1. Cute exterior.
2. Compact sizes.
3. Friendly character.
4. Possibility to take with you on walks and trips.
5. Strong attachment to the owner.
6. Ideal companions for single people.

Disadvantages of small Yorkshire Terriers:

1. Shorter life expectancy.
2. Greater susceptibility to illness and injury.
3. Not recommended for families with small children.
4. A special feeding diet is required.
5. Not suitable for breeding.
6. Not allowed at breed shows.
7. Experience learning difficulties.

Who are Yorkshire Terriers suitable for and how to determine the character of the future pet

Dogs of this breed are more suitable for families with children, as Yorkies are active, playful and love attention.

Character Test

If you want to buy such a pet, but there are concerns about its hyperactivity, you can choose a baby with a calmer character:

You can determine this when meeting the breeder and the future pet:

• pet the dog, pick it up, and then place it next to it. Gradually moving away from the animal, observe its reaction;
• if he trotts along happily behind you, he is an active, balanced dog, but only on the condition that, out of an excess of feelings, he does not attack and bite your legs.

  Make sure your puppy doesn't start behaving aggressively.

  Such behavior indicates aggressive tendencies that may not go away with age;

• if he walks slowly, he may be shy and unsure, but if he runs away with his tail between his legs, he will most likely grow up to be a coward.

You can do it differently: put the baby down, move a couple of steps away from him, squat down and lightly clap your hands. An aggressive guy will try to bite, and a calm guy will run up and start sniffing his hands. The shy one will be interested, but will not come close, and the coward will remain in place or run away.

Yorkie puppies

There is another test: you need to carefully turn the dog on its back and look at the reaction. hold it in this position for up to half a minute:

• an aggressive puppy will perceive this as violence, begin to bite and try to escape;
• the calm one will begin to resist, but realizing that this is a safe game, he will lie down and wait to see what happens next;
• the shy one will submit immediately and will not kick;
• the little coward will shrink into a ball.

An aggressive dog is not very suitable as a friend, especially when there are children in the family. He is unlikely to become tame, and may show temper every time he tries to be picked up. Such a toddler is usually impatient and difficult to control - he is used to quickly getting his way, so he will often bark and bite.

Puppy behavior

This is also a very important point when choosing a puppy. Yorkshire Terrier puppies should be happy and active. If the dog is huddled in a corner and does not show any activity, it is most likely sick. Also, the Yorkie should not be aggressive: for example, if you pick him up, he should not try to bite or scratch you. These dogs are quite friendly in nature and are attached to their owner. Therefore, even when meeting, they should show curiosity, and not aggression or fear.

Many people are also interested in: who to choose - a boy or a girl Yorkshire Terrier, and how different their behavior should be? The personality of the Yorkshire Terrier does not vary much depending on gender. It is known that girls are more trainable than boys, but they go into heat several times a year.

At this time, the dog can stain your furniture with blood secretions, and if there is insufficient control, it can give birth to offspring. The Yorkie boy tends to be more active, can mark territory, and is not very trainable. But, as experience shows, it doesn’t matter at all whether you choose a boy or a girl, because if you love and care for your pet, it won’t cause you much trouble.

Communication and interaction with the breeder

When choosing a puppy, you should pay attention to the breeder. Ideally, he should give the impression of a person who knows everything about his dogs, treats them with love and is interested in placing the puppy only in responsible hands.

The right breeder does not avoid long conversations with a potential buyer

This breeder:

• will definitely invite you to the nursery so that the potential buyer can assess the condition of the dogs and the conditions of their keeping;
• will answer questions and will not impose on puppies using unworthy techniques;
• will provide documents of the pet and its parents for review, and introduce them to at least one of them;
• will not sell a puppy under two months and will provide detailed instructions on the features of feeding, keeping and caring for the dog;
• will certainly inquire about the living conditions of the future owner, and will also clarify how capable he is of providing the dog with proper care in accordance with the characteristics and needs of the breed;

In rare cases, a breeder can dissuade you from buying a pet if he sees that the person cannot cope with its upbringing and maintenance, and also believes that the potential owner gives the impression of an irresponsible, frivolous and mentally unstable person

• will not sell a puppy for a hat of crackers, since he spent a certain amount of money on maintaining the pregnant bitch and the born litter, and is also confident in the quality of the puppies being sold;
• will certainly leave a telephone number where the owner can get advice if necessary;
• will inform that he will not abandon his pupil to the mercy of fate if, due to circumstances, the owner can no longer support him. A responsible breeder will take the dog and find new homes for it.

Breeder or nursery

Let's talk first about the breeder who independently breeds Yorkies and should know a lot about both health and the breed itself. If you haven’t seen photos of Yorkies up to this point and he hasn’t provided them to you, be wary. In the era of new technologies, transferring photographs at least to a telephone is not a problem, and in telephone mode a good breeder will not hesitate much when answering questions.

Ask everything that interests you, because you are looking for a healthy dog ​​for you! When visiting, you need to ask about the parents and see them in person. If the puppy’s parents are not shown or they refuse every time, refuse to buy. If you see a whole litter and the owner has not yet sold all the puppies, take a closer look at the activity.

It is better not to take the most timid one, but if you are a pensioner, you can take him, since he does not have the same temperament and is more suitable for a calm and measured life.

It is better to choose a dog in a kennel than from a customer, but you also need to approach this more responsibly. If you choose a dog from a kennel, most likely you want your Yorkie to take part in exhibitions, this desire is quite fair and justified. After all, the Yorkshire Terrier deserves to participate and win.

At the nursery you will receive any documents for the puppy - a pedigree, vaccination records in the passport and even a name. You will be aware of the health of your parents not only in documents, but also in words. Observe your surroundings - what do you see in the room and is it spacious, and how do you feel?

If you hear unpleasant odors, see a lack of sanitation and a mess in the enclosures, it is better to find another nursery. And finally, if you like the conditions and are not afraid of the prices, you can start choosing a puppy.