Now that you know the basics about breeding dogs you can learn the specifics about Yorkshire Terriers. Breeding your Yorkshire Terrier has a gestation period lasting about 58 or 68 days (or 8 – 10 weeks). The gestation period is the period of time following conception during which the puppies develop in the mother’s uterus. The average litter size for the Yorkshire Terrier breed is between 3 to 5 puppies. Keep in mind that new mothers will often have smaller litters; the next few litters will generally be larger before the litter size starts to taper off again.
Again, the Yorkshire Terrier gestation period lasts about 68 days; but you won’t be able to tell that your breeding your Yorkshire Terrier is pregnant right away. By the 22nd day of pregnancy, the blood tests are already accurate. It is safe to perform an ultrasound on the pregnant dog around the 42nd day. Around day 45, your veterinarian will be able to feel the puppies by palpating the mother’s uterus. It is safe to use x-rays to confirm pregnancy and litter size by this time.
To increase your chances of a successful breeding, you need to keep track of your Yorkshire Terrier’s estrus cycle. Once your female reaches the point of ovulation, you can introduce her to the male dog and let nature take its course. Breeding behavior varies slightly from one breed to another; but you can expect the male dog to mount the female from behind (as long as she is receptive). If the breeding is successful, conception will occur and the gestation period will begin.
While the puppies are developing inside your female Yorkshire Terrier’s uterus; you need to take special care to make sure the female is properly nourished. You do not need to make changes to your dog’s diet until the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy. At that point you should slightly increase her daily rations in an amount proportionate to her weight gain. It is generally best to offer your dog free feeding because she will know how much she needs to eat. Make sure your dog’s diet is high in protein and fat to support the development of her puppies – calcium is also very important.
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