Yorkshire Terriers are one of the smallest dogs in the world, they are charming and cute, and also incredibly energetic. They are always ready to run, play, cuddle and look for adventures. Size does not prevent them from being brave and courageous, like tigers. Mischief is something without which it is unthinkable to imagine such a creature. It is very devoted and faithful, can live calmly in an apartment and is even litter trained. The appearance of such dogs is very cute, it is especially interesting with girls - they can have different hairstyles with bows and flowers, which looks cute and original.
Description of the breed
There is a regular variety of these creatures and mini ones. But you need to be especially careful with the latter; sometimes unscrupulous breeders can offer instead sick and weakened individuals who simply weigh less than they should. Here are the characteristics of Yorkies:
- height at the withers from fifteen to eighteen centimeters,
- weight from two to three and a half kilograms,
- long silky and absolutely straight fur, similar to the touch of human hair. The coat is thin, some are very long. It grows all the time and needs to be trimmed regularly,
- the color from the back of the head to the tail is gray-steel, on the muzzle it is bright golden. Long golden bangs, dark ears and nose. In this case, puppies are born black. In summer, the fur may temporarily turn grey.
The character of terriers is very active, they are ready to have fun and amuse everyone around them for hours on end. It is better to wear a leash when walking so that they do not start a fight with someone larger than themselves. Even though they can be litter trained, they still need to be taken for long walks regularly, because they need fresh air and exercise.
In autumn and winter, wear special warm clothes, because babies are very prone to colds.
First heat and care
The animal's first heat will mark the body's full readiness to bear offspring. After this, the dog can be bred. In this breed, puberty usually ends at 10 months. It is at 10 months that the first heat occurs. However, there are situations when this period begins much earlier - at 5 months.
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Parameters such as when and how long a Yorkie's heat lasts depend on the animal's physical condition, its diet, and other factors. In addition, the process may be delayed if the pet has suffered severe stress or is seriously ill. Therefore, it is important for the owner to know at what age the dog becomes ready for mating.
First heat
If you have a girl, then this question should interest you. The onset of estrus signals the baby's puberty, which means that she is ready to bear offspring. It begins at about eight to nine months. It can start at ten or five, it depends on the individual characteristics of the body and feeding. During this period, the owner must be especially attentive, provide support to the animal and intensively care for it. If your four-legged dog is two years old and your period has not yet arrived, contact your veterinarian.
The first heat ends quite quickly and is characterized by a small amount of discharge. As soon as the right age has arrived, you need to be attentive and keep an eye on your pet so as not to miss the moment.
If the heat starts while walking, it can be very dangerous, because some male dog can smell the scent and try to have sexual intercourse. If he succeeds, not only will you have out-of-breed puppies, but also early pregnancy is very harmful to the dog's health. Also, it will have a negative impact on the psyche.
Yorkshire Terrier's first heat
We must understand that this is a natural stage in her life after puberty. Mating and the birth of offspring occurs in all animals. But the initial one is difficult.
Stages of estrus in Yorkies:
The estrus period for Yorkies is divided into 3 parts:
- Proestrus. Blood formations begin to appear, the loop increases. But there is no “dog love” yet; the bitch does not allow male dogs;
- Estrus. Occurs ten days after the development of proestrus. It is most favorable for pregnancy;
- Metaestrus. Also occurs around the decade and serves as the last stage.
- The gap between outbreaks of secretion activity is approximately 3–5 months (anestrus).
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How many times a year does a Yorkie go into heat?
This usually happens twice a year (usually from spring to autumn). This time period in its natural state lasts three weeks (plus or minus a few days, taking into account specific conditions)
They begin closer to the one-year mark of existence (9-12 months). Of course, each of the dogs may exhibit characteristic differences in the form of different durations of estrus, the pace of its progress, etc. But, if the features appear too brightly (say, four instead of the required two), this is already a signal of a secretly passing disease. As time approaches, you will need to watch your pet more closely so as not to forget about the first changes. Moreover, if it is during a walk, the approaching male can detect the more pungent smell of the discharge and try to mount. Such unforeseen events and all relevant events, including pregnancy and the appearance of puppies, negatively affect her health. After all, the body of a young animal is not yet ready for unnecessarily excessive stress.
Symptoms of heat in a Yorkie. How to determine heat?
With the occurrence of certain changes, the behavior of the Yorkshire Terrier almost always changes; some physical correlations are visible:
- it is clear that she is nervous, often does not obey, refuses to carry out given orders;
- sometimes they begin to play animatedly and continuously follow him;
- your pet leaves marks everywhere, both in the house and in the open area, as if trying to attract the attention of males;
- often she tries to get away from you, trying to find a male;
- swelling of the animal's ring is obvious, bloody spots are noticeable.
All these symptoms obviously indicate that your pupil has started to have an exacerbation and she needs some help.
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How many days does it last?
In dogs of this breed, estrus lasts approximately three weeks, that is, twenty-one days on average. The first one is less. This period may vary depending on the characteristics of a particular pet, its feeding, health, and mood. But despite the duration, the whole process is divided into three phases:
- proestrus - the period when bleeding begins, the loop (external genitalia) swells due to the rush of blood to it. Males begin to pester, but the dog itself does not allow them to approach him and behaves very aggressively,
- estrus - this phase begins ten days after the start of discharge, it is during this phase that the body is ready for fertilization, and the dog shows this to the dogs with a characteristic pose. She lifts her pelvis and moves her tail. It is during this period that she should be sent for mating,
- metaestrus - the last stage, which also lasts about ten days, is characterized by loss of interest in the opposite sex and a transparent color of discharge. Gradually they stop, processes in the uterus begin to proceed as usual. After this, a resting phase begins - anestrus, which lasts until the start of the next estrus.
If you do not want puppies, then it is better not to let the female out into the street during the period of her readiness for fertilization - you will have to fend off her admirers and generally take all sorts of precautions.
Reasons for the absence of heat
We can talk about the presence of a serious pathology if menstruation does not appear. In addition to the above factors, a possible tumor or vulvovaginitis is added to the list - an inflammatory process of the external part of the genital organs. This disease most often affects adult terriers.
Under normal conditions, estrus lasts about three weeks, but the first time it occurs it may last less with less discharge. After the body begins to age, estrus begins to become less frequent and with a decrease in discharge. Most often, estrus occurs in the spring or autumn seasons. After fattening the litter, estrus resumes five months later.
How many times a year?
As a rule, estrus begins in spring and autumn, that is, once every six months. If the female has previously been exposed to stress or severe illness, a delay may occur. The same thing happens if she is not eating well or has recently been switched to a different diet. If the process occurs more often, that is, three or four times a year, and the interval between each time is short, you should consult a doctor. It is very dangerous. The same should be done if the heat does not come for too long.
It is extremely dangerous when menstruation does not end. This may be due to hormonal imbalances or tumors, or inflammation of external organs. This only happens in adult pets, and if something like this suddenly happens during the first or second heat, there is nothing to worry about - it happens. But if at a different age, run to the doctor. With age, the number of estruses per year will decrease, and the discharge will be small and almost imperceptible.
Training a Yorkie during heat
In general, they are easy to train and it is highly recommended that the owner work with her, especially under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Another thing is the deterioration of a Yorkie's behavior during heat. The Internet gives opposing advice, but most veterinarians and amateurs agree that it is now better to stop training:
- due to physiological changes, she is not able to fulfill the requirements normally;
- mating may occur during collective training;
- misunderstandings of words can be fixed in the mind.
- The minimum that is permissible is a repetition of already learned orders for her active work.
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Signs
Before the process begins, the bitch usually behaves unconventionally. She is nervous, does not respond to usual commands, sometimes follows on the heels of her owner and actively plays with him. She begins to mark the territory at home and while walking, this is an attempt to attract the attention of the opposite sex. On the street, she may try to run away in search of a mate, so you need to be very careful. The genitals become enlarged and red discharge is noticeable. Using these signs, you can determine the approach and beginning of the period.
In some cases, there is very little discharge, and the pet can lick it off. Then it is very difficult to determine the beginning. To be sure, you can do a blood test and smear. If this happens regularly, contact your veterinarian, because the absence of blood may indicate problems in the body and hormonal system.
No heat - why and what to do
In order to understand why your Yorkie is not in heat, you need to assess his health. The reasons for the delay are:
- suffered stress or nervous shock;
- current stressful situation;
- exhaustion;
- surgical intervention;
- excessive physical activity.
What to do to restore the cycle? To begin with, the dog needs to be provided with complete rest. The owners must eliminate any sources of irritation and stress from her life. If none of the described reasons are suitable, the Yorkie is taken to a veterinarian. A delay can signal a tumor, inflammation of the uterus, disruption of hormonal balance and the functions of internal organs.
Often the heat is bloodless. The mini Yorkshire Terrier is especially susceptible to it. It manifests itself in frequent licking of the genital area and scanty, pale pink discharge. This kind of heat is a variant of the norm. If you correctly calculate the day of ovulation, then there will be no problems with conception.
All dogs go into heat differently. Much depends on the functioning of the body as a single system, heredity and stress level. To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is better to consult a doctor once again.
Care
It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a mating or not, at such a time you need to carefully monitor and care for the baby. You can keep a notebook or notebook to calculate the time of heat and be ready for the next one. This will help to track changes in time and begin to treat the girl if necessary.
During menstruation, the female can drip blood anywhere, so it is better to either cover the furniture and remove the carpets, or buy special panties, which is much easier. You can even sew them yourself. Take your dog for a walk only on a leash, or you may not take it out at all.
Do not bathe her in bodies of water at this moment, because she may become infected - the risk increases.
If mating is planned, then it is best to do it on the third critical days, that is, at about eighteen months of age. Pregnancy too early can lead to negative consequences and seriously impair your health.
At such moments, your furry cutie needs as much care and attention as possible. Don’t forget to pamper her with treats, treat her with affection and attention, and take care of her. She needs moral support. Meals these days should be higher in calories, make sure fresh water is always available.
You shouldn’t expect unquestioning obedience from a girl during menstruation.
She may ignore your commands, not come when called, and generally behave as if she has broken free. This is normal, don’t scold her for it - hormones cloud her judgment and deprive her of common sense. Everything will return to normal when they return to their normal state.
If you wear them, panties should be changed regularly, at least every day. They are only worn at home - on a walk she needs to relieve her natural needs, and they will interfere. Make sure that she is careful - the genitals are very sensitive and can become inflamed or become infected with something from dirt. Be attentive and patient, and your pet will definitely appreciate it and be grateful to you.
Caring for your Yorkie during heat
Regardless of the desired results (whether you need a litter or not), you need to carry out some control over your animal. Some dog lovers allocate a separate notebook for this purpose, where the time frame of the initial and then subsequent heats is noted, and the chronological period between them is indicated. Such information makes it possible to determine the emerging disorders in the pet within the required time frame and carry out treatment. However, you cannot self-medicate! All a dog owner can do if there are signs of illness is to consult a doctor. You can also take passive measures to protect against undesirable consequences:
- to combat blood stains, you can use special panties (they are sold in veterinary pharmacies or stores. You can sew them yourself);
- when walking, take her out on a leash, otherwise she may run away without listening to the person;
- Is it possible to bathe a Yorkie during heat? During this period it is impossible, since there is a high possibility of getting an infection of the genital organs;
- Many owners often keep the animal at home these days without letting it go outside.
Helped you learn a little more about the Yorkshire Terrier breed? Read our other articles on the website: Yorkshire Terrier allergies
What do you need to know?
The period of estrus is the time when certain hormones are produced in the dog’s body, the egg matures and is released, and then dies if mating does not occur.
The animal goes through three stages:
- Proestrus . 1-1.5 weeks of preparing the body. The loop swells and bloody mucus is released from it. Behavior changes. The female becomes less controllable and more playful. However, conception cannot yet occur, so for now she drives away very interested male dogs with a growl. It is quite difficult to notice the beginning of the process day after day, which is why a special calendar is kept in which the dates of the expected start are noted so that it does not become a surprise.
- Estrus is a short, only a few days, period of egg maturity, when a female who is completely ready for mating will allow any male dog to approach her. At this time, aggression may appear towards the owner, attempts to manipulate him while walking, or escapes. Be especially careful not to allow any unplanned contacts, otherwise you may end up with unwanted offspring. On the other hand, these are the very days when the pet needs to be introduced to the groom for a successful mating.
- Metaestrus is the final part. Physical signs gradually disappear. If mating does not occur, then the loop quickly acquires its usual appearance, and the discharge ends. Behavior is also leveled out. But temporary deviations associated with the hormonal release that have occurred are possible. The so-called false pregnancy sometimes occurs if there was sexual intercourse, but conception never occurred, or even without communication with a male dog. In this case, for some time the female will behave as if she were pregnant, even showing all the physiological signs. But as soon as the hormone levels drop, everything will return to normal.
The total duration is therefore about a month.
The genital area of Yorkies is a rather sore spot, so there are a number of symptoms that require you to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible:
- No discharge.
- Strong-smelling mucus of uncharacteristic color, secreted from the loop.
- It doesn't stop for too long.
- Ovulation occurs 3-4 times a year with too short a break.
- The animal has reached the age of 2 years. But the heat never came.
- 2 false pregnancies in a row.
How to care for a female dog in heat?
Before the bitch's first heat, a small amount of fluid with small patches of pus may be released from the loop - juvenile vaginitis. Owners should not worry - this phenomenon is the norm and everything will return to normal after the first estrus. If the discharge continues, be sure to show the animal to the doctors.
So that the heat itself passes without any special problems for the owners - we are talking about constant bleeding and the brand of furniture, flooring, household items in the apartment, you can wear special disposable panties on the bitch. This will help prevent furniture from getting dirty, leaving stains on the floor. But you shouldn’t put them on your dog and wear them all the time and take them off while washing the animal or letting her lick the blood herself.
During heat, it is recommended to remove all carpeting from the floor, and not to walk outside for a long time in the cold season, so as not to catch a cold. You should not walk a female dog during her heat period in places with large concentrations of dogs - take her out on a leash, keeping the distance as short as possible from you. If mating has taken place, you should not terminate the pregnancy with medication, since in the future this may cause infertility in the bitch.
How to determine the beginning
The precursor to this event is frequent urination, which may begin a couple of weeks before the event. Frequent urination for more than a month may indicate illness; such a Yorkie girl should be taken to the veterinarian.
Also, before and during this process, the dog’s behavior changes, it becomes more nervous, the girl does not even follow the usual commands.
Estrus is characterized by the following signs:
- The loop (the bitch's external genitalia) swells and enlarges.
- Bloody discharge with a specific odor appears.
- The dog begins to leave marks on a walk or at home, and makes attempts to escape.
- When stroking the back, it freezes, raising its pelvis and raising its tail.
- Sometimes anxiety, aggression or pursuit of the owner may appear, as if asking for something.
If you suspect that an important period has begun, but there are no blood stains, you should consult a veterinarian and submit a blood test or a vaginal smear to a laboratory. The absence of menstruation at this time may signal the onset of certain diseases. It is also not uncommon for there to be little blood, the bitch licks them, but the owner does not see anything.
Mating rules
If the bitch is a breeder and it is necessary to mate, then several rules should be taken into account:
- The female's weight is no less than 2-3 kg, otherwise it will be difficult for her to bear a pregnancy.
- Age. The third heat is considered optimal for mating.
- All age-appropriate vaccinations have been completed, and anti-parasitic treatment was carried out a month before estrus.
Only by following all the rules can you get healthy Yorkshire Terrier puppies, and the behavior and health of the female at the time of heat will not raise any questions. It is important to ensure that the cycle is normal; this is the main indicator of the dog’s hormonal health.
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How to solve heat problems
The Yorkshire Terrier's behavior can change quite dramatically during heat. This can significantly complicate the life of the owner. The pet will begin to show aggression not only towards other dogs, but also towards the owner, and in some situations, towards children. In addition, it is unlikely that anyone will be delighted when the animal suddenly begins to mark its territory throughout the apartment.
The period of heat in a Yorkshire terrier bitch is a difficult time for the owner.
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The first and subsequent cycles often turn an obedient, affectionate dog into a fussy, sometimes quite aggressive animal. Dog marks on the floor of the apartment do not add joy either. If mating is planned, you need to wait patiently for the scheduled meeting.
The first mating is an important step. The dog should not get tired while traveling to the male dog if he lives in another city. Under no circumstances should a bitch be bathed, so as not to take away her scent, which is attractive to a dog.
If mating is not planned, the dog must be isolated from yard dogs.
However, sterilization can solve the problem. This is the best option if you don’t want to study.
Sterilization of a female Yorkshire Terrier is carried out at the age of four to six months, before the first heat occurs.
Spaying is not the only way to stop estrus. The process can be stopped by medications that regulate sexual desire and relieve problems associated with it. How exactly to solve the problem must be decided by the owner of the Yorkshire Terrier.
However, you need to understand: sterilization is irreversible, while regulating agents allow the dog to return reproductive functions.
