Breeding Yorkshire Terriers responsibly means prioritizing health, temperament, and the breed standard—and being prepared for pregnancy, whelping, and placing puppies in good homes. This guide covers what you need to know: breed standards, selecting healthy parents, planning around the heat cycle, and caring for dam and puppies. For when to breed by age, see your vet and reputable breeders who health-test.
Last updated: February 2026 · Reading time: ~9 min
Quick Answer
Responsible Yorkie breeding requires health-tested parents (patellas, eyes, heart as recommended), breeding at the right age (e.g. female at least 2 years, after second heat; male at least 1 year), and planning around the heat cycle. Prepare with a whelping box, vet support, and a plan for socialization and placing puppies. Never prioritize looks over health. Find breeders who do health clearances and stand behind their puppies.
Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standards
Knowing the AKC breed standard helps you aim for correct type and temperament. Health and temperament should always come before appearance.
| Trait | Standard |
|---|---|
| Size | 8–9 inches at shoulder; 4–7 pounds. |
| Coat | Long, silky, straight, glossy; tan and blue. |
| Head | Small, flat; black nose; dark, medium eyes; small V-shaped erect ears. |
| Body | Compact, level topline. |
| Temperament | Confident, spunky, affectionate; intelligent and trainable. |
Breed only dogs that are healthy, temperamentally sound, and free of known genetic issues. Work with your vet and breed club for health-testing recommendations.
Selecting Healthy Parent Yorkies
Both the dam and sire should be in good health and have any recommended clearances (e.g. patellas, eyes, heart, genetic tests). Choose reputable breeders who share health records and allow you to meet the parents.
- Health clearances: OFA (or equivalent) for patellas, eye exams, and any breed-specific genetic tests. Ask for written proof.
- Age: Females: at least 2 years old and past the second heat. Males: at least 1 year old. Avoid breeding very old or very young dogs.
- Temperament: Both parents should be stable and suitable for breeding. Poor temperament can be passed on.
- Red flags: Breeders who won’t show health clearances, won’t let you meet parents, or breed too often. Walk away.
Breeding Timeline at a Glance
| Stage | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heat cycle | Every ~6–8 months; ~21 days | Only receptive during estrus (e.g. days 9–15). Track with vet/progesterone if needed. |
| Breeding | During estrus | Introduce in a calm, safe place; supervise. Not every mating results in pregnancy. |
| Pregnancy | ~63 days | Vet check; good nutrition; moderate exercise. |
| Whelping | When labor starts | Whelping box ready; vet on call; monitor for distress. |
| Puppies | 0–8+ weeks | Warmth, nursing, early socialization, vet checks, puppy food when weaning. |
For more detail on timing, see Yorkie heat cycle explained.
Preparing for Breeding
Equipment and Setup
- Whelping box — Safe, warm, easy to clean. Low sides so the dam can get in and out; rails to protect newborns from being crushed.
- Supplies — Clean towels, thermometer, scale for newborns, nail clippers if you trim dam’s nails before birth. Vet’s number and emergency clinic.
- Contracts — If using an outside stud, a clear stud contract. Same for any co-breeding or sales.
Pre-Breeding Health
Both dogs should be vet-checked, up to date on vaccinations and parasite control, and at a healthy weight. The female should be on a good diet before and during pregnancy. Avoid breeding underweight or unhealthy dogs.
The Breeding Process
Introduce the male and female in a neutral, quiet place when the female is in estrus (receptive). Supervise the whole time. A successful mating often includes a “tie” (brief lock); not every tie results in pregnancy.
After breeding, keep both dogs calm and well cared for. Watch the female for signs of pregnancy (e.g. appetite change, behavioral changes). A vet can confirm pregnancy (e.g. ultrasound) and advise on care.
Pregnancy and Whelping
Pregnancy (~63 Days)
Feed the dam a quality diet suitable for pregnancy; your vet may recommend a puppy or pregnancy formulation. Moderate exercise is fine; avoid heavy exertion. Regular vet checks help catch problems early. Small breeds like Yorkies are at higher risk for dystocia (difficult birth); have a plan with your vet.
Signs of Labor
| Sign | What to do |
|---|---|
| Drop in body temperature | Often 24–48 hours before labor; monitor with vet guidance. |
| Restlessness, nesting | Prepare whelping area; stay calm. |
| Licking genital area | Normal; watch for first puppy. |
| Vaginal discharge (e.g. bloody) | Can be normal; if heavy, green, or foul, call vet. |
| Straining without puppy | Call vet; possible obstruction or dystocia. |
If the dam strains for more than ~30–45 minutes without producing a puppy, or seems in distress, contact the vet immediately. Have the vet’s number and an emergency clinic ready before labor starts.
After the Puppies Are Born
Ensure each puppy is breathing, warm, and nursing. Weigh them daily in the first weeks. Keep the whelping area clean and warm. The dam will need good nutrition and rest. Any weak or non-nursing puppies need vet attention.
Raising Yorkie Puppies
- Socialization — Gentle exposure to people, sounds, and safe experiences from an early age. See bringing home a Yorkshire Terrier puppy.
- Nutrition — Feed a quality puppy food appropriate for small breeds; follow vet or breeder guidance for amount and weaning.
- Health — Deworming and vaccinations on a schedule set by your vet. Dental and grooming habits start early.
- Training — Use positive reinforcement and treats for basic handling and early training.
Finding Responsible Homes
Screen buyers: ask about experience, lifestyle, and why they want a Yorkie. Provide written care information, health records, and a contract. Good breeders stay available for questions after the sale. Be honest about the puppy’s health and temperament so buyers can care for them properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can you breed a Yorkie?
Females: Wait until at least 2 years and until after the second (or later) heat so she’s fully mature. Males: At least 1 year old. Both should be health-checked. Breeding too early increases risk for the dam and puppies.
How many puppies do Yorkies have?
Litters are usually 2–5 puppies. Small litters (1–2) and larger litters (4–5) both occur. See how many puppies can a Yorkie have for more.
Do Yorkies need C-sections?
Many Yorkies deliver naturally, but small breeds are at higher risk for dystocia. Your vet may recommend a planned C-section or emergency backup. Always have vet support for whelping.
How long is a Yorkie pregnant?
About 63 days from ovulation (often counted from first breeding). Your vet can help estimate due date and monitor the pregnancy.
Where can I find a reputable Yorkie breeder?
Look for breeders who health-test, raise puppies in the home, and offer ongoing support. Use our breeders directory and ask for health clearances and references.
For heat cycle details, see Yorkie heat cycle ages, frequency, and duration. For choosing a puppy, see bringing home a Yorkshire Terrier puppy and Yorkshire Terrier breeders.
This article is for general guidance only. Breeding and whelping decisions should be made with a veterinarian and experienced breeders.
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