When to breed: Age of dam-to-be

Prior to breeding the female, a complete physical examination by the veterinarian that includes Brucella canis testing is an important component of good breeding management. A female may be an asymptomatic carrier of Brucella canis and does not exhibit any symptom of the disease. The first sign of infection is late term abortion and by then it will be too late.


Yorkshire Terrier females physically mature at 18 months old. To minimize the added risk of birthing complications and problems associated with early pregnancy, it is generally better to breed the female when it is at least 18 months. It goes without saying that the female must be at her best health to carry herself through from breeding, to pregnancy, through the stress of whelping, to nursing the puppies and carry them through until weaning.


I waited for my girl, MySP, to be finished to her championship before breeding her. She finished at 32 months.