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.

Understanding Hypoglycemia in Yorkie Puppies and How to Prevent It

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common concern for Yorkshire Terrier puppies due to their small size and fast metabolisms. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the causes, symptoms, and prevention of hypoglycemia, so you can keep your Yorkie puppy safe and healthy.

What is Hypoglycemia in Yorkie Puppies?

Hypoglycemia occurs when a Yorkie’s blood sugar drops below normal levels, which can lead to serious health issues if not addressed quickly. Yorkshire Terrier puppies are especially susceptible to hypoglycemia because of their small size, rapid metabolism, and need for frequent meals.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Yorkie Puppies

It’s important to recognize the early signs of hypoglycemia so that you can act quickly. Symptoms include:

• Lethargy or weakness

• Trembling or shaking

• Pale gums

• Disorientation or unsteady walking

• Seizures in severe cases

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should act immediately by providing a quick source of sugar, such as honey or corn syrup, and contacting your vet.

Causes of Hypoglycemia in Yorkie Puppies

Hypoglycemia can be caused by several factors, including:

1. Missed Meals – Skipping meals or not eating enough can quickly cause blood sugar levels to drop.

2. Stress – Stressful situations, such as traveling or meeting new people, can affect a Yorkie’s energy levels.

3. Illness – Infections or other health issues can increase your puppy’s energy needs, making it harder to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

4. Over-exercise – Playing or exercising too much without a break can deplete their blood sugar.

How to Prevent Hypoglycemia in Yorkie Puppies

Prevention is key when it comes to hypoglycemia, especially for vulnerable Yorkie puppies. Here are a few ways to help avoid low blood sugar episodes:

1. Frequent Meals
   Ensure that your Yorkie puppy eats small, regular meals throughout the day to keep their blood sugar levels stable. Puppies under 12 weeks old should eat 4 to 6 times a day.

2. High-Quality Food
   Feed your Yorkie puppy a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet that provides the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to fuel their energy needs.

3. Supplements
   If your Yorkie puppy is particularly prone to hypoglycemia, your vet may recommend supplements or adding a little honey to their food for an extra sugar boost.

4. Monitor Stress Levels
   Avoid overly stressful situations and provide a calm, comfortable environment for your puppy. Gradually introduce new experiences to minimize anxiety.

5. Hydration
   Dehydration can exacerbate hypoglycemia, so make sure your puppy always has access to fresh water.

What to Do in Case of a Hypoglycemic Episode

If you suspect your Yorkie puppy is having a hypoglycemic episode, here’s what you should do:

1. Give Sugar – Administer a small amount of honey or corn syrup to raise their blood sugar quickly.

2. Keep Them Warm – Wrap your puppy in a blanket to prevent further shock to their system.

3. Visit the Vet – Even after symptoms improve, take your puppy to the vet for a full checkup and advice on long-term management.

Preparing Your Puppy for Lifelong Health

At Essence of Grace Yorkies, we understand how important it is to care for your Yorkie puppy’s health from the start. Our puppies are raised with careful attention to nutrition and regular feedings to help avoid hypoglycemia. By the time they go home at 12 weeks old, they are well-adjusted to meal routines and ready for their new families.