The Health Testing Process for Yorkshire Terrier Parents: Ensuring Healthy Puppies

At Essence Of Grace Yorkies, we’re dedicated to producing healthy, happy, and well-adjusted Yorkshire Terrier puppies. Our health testing process goes beyond the basics to provide assurance that each puppy is bred from parents with excellent health credentials. This commitment helps ensure that our puppies not only meet the breed standard but are also free from many common genetic issues, giving you a strong, healthy companion for years to come.

Why We Prioritize Health Testing for Yorkshire Terrier Parents

Health testing is an essential part of responsible breeding. By screening our breeding dogs for potential health issues, we make sure that only the healthiest parents are chosen to produce puppies. This process, from genetic testing to annual recertification, helps reduce the risk of passing down genetic disorders and ensures our dogs’ long-term health.

We understand that Yorkshire Terriers, like any breed, can be predisposed to certain health issues. To address this, we focus on rigorous health screenings, including genetic tests and orthopedic and eye exams, so each puppy we place is as healthy as possible.

Our Health Testing Process at Essence Of Grace Yorkies

Here’s a look at our comprehensive health testing approach, from genetic screening to ongoing annual exams.

1. Early Genetic Screening (Embark Testing)

The first health test we conduct is an Embark genetic screening. This test is crucial for identifying potential carriers of genetic conditions common in Yorkshire Terriers. While we only conduct this test on potential keepers (future breeding candidates) at three weeks old, it provides essential insights into their genetic makeup. For puppies going to pet homes, we rely on the fact that both parents were tested before breeding, ensuring they don’t carry heritable health risks.

2. Orthopedic Testing (OFA Patella Certification)

When our Yorkie keepers reach one year old, they undergo OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) patella examinations. Yorkshire Terriers can sometimes be prone to luxating patella, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. By certifying our breeding Yorkies through OFA, we help prevent this condition from affecting future puppies. This certification gives us and our puppy owners peace of mind, knowing our dogs are in top orthopedic health.

3. Eye Health Testing (OFA CAER Exams)

Healthy eyes are critical for Yorkshire Terriers, so we conduct OFA CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) eye exams when our keepers turn a year old. We prioritize regular eye exams, re-certifying each parent annually until their breeding career is over. This approach minimizes the risk of inherited eye issues, keeping our Yorkies’ vision clear and strong.

Beyond the Basics: Our Commitment to Quality

Our dedication to health testing doesn’t stop at basic exams. We invest significantly in every litter, ensuring that each Yorkshire Terrier puppy we produce has the best start in life. From high-quality food to prenatal care, every decision is made with the health and well-being of our puppies in mind. Here’s an overview of our investments:

• Nutrition: Our breeding dogs receive a high-quality diet, including folic acid supplements and carefully selected food to support pregnancy and lactation.

• Pregnancy Care: We use progesterone testing for optimal breeding timing, and each dam undergoes ultrasound and X-rays to monitor her health and the puppies’ growth.

• Vet Care: Each puppy receives vaccines, deworming, and thorough vet checks before going to their new homes.

Why Health Testing Matters to Us

At Essence Of Grace Yorkies, we’re not just breeding Yorkies—we’re nurturing future family members. Our health testing process, combined with our commitment to breed quality and care, ensures that each puppy we produce is a joy to own. We aim to place puppies that not only meet the Yorkshire Terrier standard but are also genetically sound, offering a long-lasting companionship. By being on our waitlist, you’re choosing a healthy, happy Yorkie bred with care and dedication.

This process and investment in our breeding dogs and puppies are reflected in our pricing, which supports the high standards we maintain. Our Yorkies are not just pets—they’re a result of careful planning, dedication to the breed, and a genuine love for Yorkshire Terriers. If you’re ready for a well-bred, health-tested Yorkshire Terrier, consider joining our waitlist for upcoming litters.

How We Raise Happy, Healthy Yorkshire Terrier Puppies at Essence of Grace Yorkies

At Essence Of Grace Yorkies, we are dedicated to raising Yorkshire Terrier puppies with the utmost care and attention to health, temperament, and breed standards. Our puppies are an investment, not only in their future families’ lives but also in the quality of the breed. We know our Yorkies aren’t the cheapest, and here’s why: we put significant resources, time, and love into every step of our breeding process. From health testing to high-quality diets, we make sure our puppies have the best possible start in life.

Why Our Yorkie Puppies Aren’t Cheap – Quality Comes First

Raising a Yorkshire Terrier puppy responsibly requires more than just time; it’s a commitment to excellence that involves comprehensive health care, precise timing, and continuous attention. Below, we share some of the essential components of our breeding process and the investments we make to ensure that each puppy is healthy, happy, and ready for their new home.

1. Health Testing and Genetic Screening

Health testing is fundamental to our breeding program. We go beyond standard requirements to ensure our breeding dogs are healthy and free from genetic issues.

• Embark Genetic Testing: Every parent undergoes a $130 Embark genetic screening to ensure they are clear of any hereditary diseases that could affect their puppies.

• OFA Patella Certification: Each dog receives an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) patella evaluation for $80 to prevent issues with knee stability.

• OFA CAER Eye Certification: We also complete an OFA eye exam, which costs $50, to confirm our dogs have healthy, well-functioning eyes.

2. Progesterone Testing for Optimal Breeding Timing

Breeding at the right time is essential to producing healthy puppies. We run at least three progesterone tests for each dam during her heat cycle at $63 each to identify the optimal breeding day. This careful timing increases the chance of a successful, healthy litter.

3. Stud Services for Quality Bloodlines

To maintain the high standards of our program, we sometimes use outside studs. This can cost up to $1,500 but allows us to introduce new genetics into our lines while maintaining our focus on health, conformation, and temperament.

4. High-Quality Diet and Supplementation

A healthy dam produces healthy puppies, which is why our mothers are given a top-notch diet and supplements.

• Premium Dog Food: We feed our dogs a high-quality diet, costing $70 per bag, to ensure they receive all the essential nutrients for strong bones, coat health, and energy.

• Folic Acid: We supplement with folic acid at $30 per regimen, which promotes healthy fetal development.

• Deworming: Both moms and puppies are dewormed to ensure they are free from parasites, costing $35 per cycle.

5. Veterinary Care During Pregnancy and Whelping

Throughout pregnancy, our dams receive exceptional veterinary care to monitor the health and development of the puppies.

• Ultrasounds: We perform an ultrasound around day 30 of pregnancy ($65) to confirm pregnancy and check on the puppies’ development.

• X-rays: Around day 55, we do an x-ray ($163) to determine the number of puppies and anticipate any potential complications during whelping.

• C-Section (if needed): If a C-section is necessary, the cost can range from $700 to $7,000, depending on the timing and circumstances. Our primary goal is always to ensure the safety of both the mother and her puppies.

6. Care for Puppies After Birth

Once the puppies are born, we continue to provide comprehensive care to set them up for success.

• Vaccinations and Vet Checks: By the time our puppies go to their forever homes, they will have received their first vaccines and undergone regular health checks, totaling around $600.

• Socialization and Preparation: During the first 12 weeks, we work on socializing our puppies to ensure they are comfortable around people and other dogs. This makes the transition into their new homes smoother and helps create well-rounded adult dogs.

7. Ongoing Investment Beyond the Basics

Our expenses don’t stop with these essentials. We continually invest in each litter, from specialized supplies to extra vet visits if needed. We don’t cut corners; every puppy receives top-quality care, and we go above and beyond to ensure their health and happiness.

Join Our Waitlist for Future Litters

While we don’t currently have puppies available, we encourage potential owners to join our waitlist for upcoming litters. When you choose Essence Of Grace Yorkies, you’re not just buying a puppy—you’re investing in a healthy, well-adjusted family member raised with dedication and compassion. We’re excited to connect with future owners who appreciate our commitment to quality and want a Yorkshire Terrier puppy that reflects the best of the breed.