"Happiness is a warm puppy!" CHOOSING A PUPPY What color will my Yorkie be? Yorkshire Terriers are born with smooth coats and are black with small tan points. It is only with maturity, that the beautiful long, dark steel blue and shaded tan coat develop. This feature can vary in age depending on the individual puppy, but when buying a puppy you can expect it to still be black on its body, and for its head markings to still be very golden looking. In puppyhood this is not a fault. Some Yorkies do stay black, while others become very light and silver. Although these are considered faults for showing, it is impossible to determine in a young puppy what color it will become as a young adult. However, in the Yorkie world, breeders call it "breaking" at the crown. What this means is as early as 6 weeks, the roots of a Yorkshire Terrier Puppies head looks like a woman who hasn't dyed her hair in a few months. It appears light gray. This is a good indication that you will have a silver or light Yorkshire Terrier. Another way to attempt to pick the color of your choice, is to verify the pigment of the skin. Part the puppies fur on the back, if the pigment appears to be blueish, you can bet that you will have a darker Yorkie. If it appears white (skin), you will have more of a silver or lighter Yorkshire Terrier. Many beginning Yorkie fanciers believe that there are two types of Yorkie, Miniature and Standard--this is not so. However, many pet Yorkies are somewhat larger than the show Yorkies; again this does not affect their suitability as pets or make them any less desirable as companions. How soon can a puppy be sold to a new home? If a Yorkie is wanted only as a pet, a reputable breeder may be prepared to let a puppy go to a new home between 8-10 weeks of age (although 12 weeks is more desirable). A pet quality Yorkie will be far cheaper than a show quality specimen (which most breeders will not sell until much older). It is quite impossible to have any indication of show quality in this breed until the dog is at least 6 months of age. You can read more about the Yorkshire Terriers on my Blog page. What Sex is best as a pet? This is a matter of personal preference. Most breeders believe both female and male dogs are equally loving, loyal and intelligent, and make good companions. A female may come into season from 6 months onwards, when extra care must be taken to prevent unwanted matings. Pet Yorkies are better neutered. This will prevent unwanted puppies and the possibility of disease in later life. Many breeders may not wish to issue registration papers for pet puppies, or may only do so on proof of neutering. What should I feed my Yorkie? When collecting your puppy be sure to get a diet sheet from the breeder and try to stick to its recommendations, especially in the first few weeks. The breeder should also provide you with documentation of any vaccinations the puppy may have had. How should I keep my Yorkie confined when travelling? CLICK HERE ALWAYS make sure that your dog is safe and secure when travelling in a vehicle. The best way to do this is to train it to travel in a special travelling box or crate (such as a Vari-Kennel). Should you need to brake suddenly, your little dog will then be less likely to be thrown forward and injured. Keeping your dog in a crate while travelling will also prevent it from distracting the driver and causing an accident. Read more about crate training on my blog page. The Show Prospect If you are considering a show puppy, visit a dog show. This will give you an opportunity to introduce yourself to specialist breeders who are always willing to help. You will also be able to view the various strains of dogs shown. It will also be worth joining your nearest breed club and attending one of their shows. Be honest with your breeder about your requirements, and let them know if you would like a dog to show. No one has bought a great show dog by buying a pet, so do not think that the cheaper pet puppy will grow into an exquisite show dog. Be prepared to wait until a suitable pup becomes available. Show dogs do not grow on trees. A fine, mature adult takes not months but years to mature. Some do mature earlier, but they are the exception rather than the rule, and these dogs often have other refinements that surpass their contemporaries. Many breeders have kept a puppy for up to a year, only to find their high-flyer turns out to be a turkey. The chances of purchasing a show dog at 8 weeks are very slim. Indeed, many breeders will not part with a pup wanted for showing until he is at least four months of age. A puppy of 6 months is more of a sure bet as you will have more of an indication of what he will look like as an adult. Even then, his color at this age cannot guarantee he will finish as a fine specimen. However, at 6 months, he should be showing promise with an ample wealth of coat. Blue & black colors should be evident, & especially the tan clearing into golden tan. The texture should feel like silk. At 12-18 months, a Jr. dog will be exhibiting all the attributes & showing his future promise. Practically in full coat, his coat color should nearly now be established as to its quality & depth of color, only needing his maturity for it to finish to a rich golden tan & steel blue, and, of course, length. A dog like this is nearly impossible to buy since if he is that good, he will be kept by his breeder. Only if the breeder is overstocked with equally good dogs will he consider him for sale - ensuring the dog's quality is reflected in the price. When looking for a pup with show potential (say btwn ages 12-16 wks), you should look for a level topline, his legs should be quite straight, & he should look quite balanced (i.e. the length of back should be in proportion to the dog's height). The head should be genteel & kind in expression. The ears should be neat & well-placed on top of his head. The nose should be dark, & the eyes should also be dark & mischievous-looking. His mouth should have a scissor-bite (where the upper teeth closely overlap the lower ones). If, at this age, his mouth is not quite correct, a chance can be taken that the mouth will rectify itself, but not if it is badly overshot or undershot. The pup's coat should be showing assurance of its future color & fine texture. It should be abundant, fine & silky to the touch. Make sure that no light blue is breaking at the roots, & check the legs for the promise of golden tan in the future. Check behind the ears - the color here should be bright & tan, & generally a good guide to his final tan coloring. He should display a healthy disposition, being plump & rounded. The Yorkie pup should also be pleased to see you. Never consider a show prospect who appears nervous, backs away from you, or who is aggressive in any way. Remember that a pup must be registered with your national Kennel Club if you wish to show him. A male must also have two testicles fully descended in the scrotum if you intend to exhibit. PREPARING FOR YOUR PUP Make sure you make the necessary changes to your garden before the puppy comes home. It should be fully escape-proof. A small puppy can get through a very tiny hole. Yorkies are so inquisitive - they love rummaging in hedges, hunting for imaginary monsters! If you have a hedge which your pup can get through, some chicken wire should be erected around the perimeter - around 3' in height should be sufficient. If you have a wooden fence, make sure it is solid, with no holes that can be escaped through. Put a sign on the gate ('Please shut the gate, dog loose'), or put a spring on the gate so it closes automatically. Before you collect your puppy, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. I've always found this can be as exciting as purchasing the actual pup. Most people collecting their pup have bought everything from nylon bones, coats, enough toys to fill a box, & enough food to see the pup through a famine, not to mention the fancy collars & leads. Don't forget to educate yourself on all the aspects of the . The puppy's requirements are few. Nevertheless, he will need a few basic items to begin with. BED -- FLUFFY BLANKET COLLAR & LEAD (NAME TAG/ADDRESS) IDENTIFICATION (MICROCHIPPED) BOWLS -- Non-Tipping TOYS -- Be careful with stuffed animals and their button eyes & noses. FOOD -- We feed ours Science Diet & Eukanuba. See recipes on our "contact page" FRESH WATER EVERYDAY! One further word of warning; If you own a swimming pool, please ensure that your Yorkie cannot jump or fall into the pool in your absence. I have had reports from the USA of Yorkie's getting into pools and then being unable to get out again, with drastic consequences as the poor little dog becomes exhausted and drown. If you do have a pool, please ensure that it is fenced off or covered when not in use. Here in Arizona, I have heard stories and have had clients that have suffered the loss of a pet with owls, hawks, coyotes and snakes taking off with their dogs. Be aware that these little dogs have no chance if attacked by these animals. Also, have your home sprayed for insects, scorpions can also be deadly to this small breed. DOG-PROOF, PUPPY PROOF, BABY PROOF! Whatever you want to call it, your new friend is a "puppy" and these tips could help keep him out of harm's way; Keep household cleaners and chemicals out of his reach. Restrict access to plants that are dangerous to dogs; poinsettias, azaleas, rhododendrons, dumb cane, Japanese yew, oleanders and English ivy. Store breakable items safely out of the way. Hide or cover electrical cords so he won't chew on them. Safely store antifreeze, engine oil, laundry detergents and lawn chemicals. Keep kids' toys off the floor -- since some parts may be small enough for your pupy or dog to swallo. Use a cover and/or protective fencing if you have a POOL or HOT TUB. YOUR NEW PUPPY, MONTH BY MONTH 3 months: Chasing other animals, thrown objects, own tail. 4 months: Responds to "Come" 5 months: Puppy training classes can begin after vaccinations are "complete" --- ask your veterinarian about the best starting time for your puppy. 7 months: Milk teeth are lost; permanent teeth are in. 8 months: Puppy can be expected to hold elimination for about 8 hours! 9 months: Puppy training classes complete 12 months: Approaching adult height. Smaller breeds sooner then large breeds. 18 months: Sexual maturity for some large breed dogs. ONE MORE WARNING! I Know your Very excited about getting your new puppy! It's a little like that "New Car" fever. You've heard time and time again NOT to buy from a pet store! DON'T! I know their payment plans seem kind of great because you don't have all the money up front, think about the interest charges and the fact that they come from puppy mills. Did you know that there are BROKERS that act as the middle men to purchase 100's of dogs at bidding shows, then turn around and sell them to pet stores. Ask a lot of questions, spend time with the person raising your puppy, make sure you see BOTH puppies parents. Educate yourself on the breed. I know all puppies appear cute, but I promise you there is a lot to learn. Take your time!!! Visit many breeders, you will start to see the difference. I promise you the Yorkshire Terrier will NOT disappear off the planet! They will always be around! People are passing off yorkies in the most unbelievable manner. I have seen some of the biggest yorkies while boarding here, it amazes me that they call them yorkies. I have heard your cries about all the sick puppies you have purchased. Please take your time, even if it means visiting 20 homes! ONE MORE THING.....There are NO FREE Yorkie Puppies! I don't care what they tell you on the internet, DON'T BE A FOOL & GET SCAMMED OUT OF SHIPPING MONEY! They will tell you a million stories as to why they have to get rid of these puppies for FREE, only YOU have to send the shipping money or wire it. In the end, sadly, you have no puppy but EMPTY POCKETS! To read more on these scams follow this link: http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=10356974&nav=2CSf HAVE YOU GROOMED OR BOARDED YOUR DOG? VISIT "KUDZU" TO LEAVE A REVIEW, WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR TIME! |

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| Sharon's AKC Yorkshire Terrier Puppies (Available Yorkie Puppies) |


| www.sharonsyorkiepuppies.com Ltd. Reg. |
| Donnie Osmond with his Yorkie "Spike" |


| www.sharonsyorkiepuppies.com Ltd. Reg. |

| Photos of some of our past puppies, parents & a few of my clients & their dogs |



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