Alice White
Puppies are born with closed eyes, deaf, they look very tiny, fragile, and defenseless. At birth, Yorkie puppies usually weigh only 70 grams.
It is important to monitor the weight of the babies. Being underweight indicates a lack of food. If puppies are not getting enough milk, they may develop hypoglycemia (a rapid drop in blood sugar levels), which is manifested by weakness.
Until 2-3 weeks of age, the eyes of Yorkshire Terrier puppies remain closed. Babies have soft short hair of brown and dark brown hairs. Some babies look almost black, with sparse brown streaks or specks. By the second year of life, the color of the coat changes, it becomes lighter. The black hairs take on a characteristic blue (silvery blue). It is noteworthy that hormonal changes affect the color of the coat, for example, in females during estrus, the coat becomes lighter. With age, the coat becomes long and silky. In show dogs, the coat falls down to the ground. Most pet owners choose to have their fur trimmed to make it easier to care for the pet.
From 3 weeks old, newborn Yorkshire Terrier puppies become more active, their eyes open completely, babies begin to walk on their own, exploring the space around them. They develop a sense of smell, thanks to which they begin to orient themselves, find their way to their mother. They actively interact with brothers and sisters, trying to bark, show interest in toys. During this period, the puppies’ teeth erupt. At 3 weeks of age, babies are given deworming.
Up to 4 weeks, the main care for babies lies with the mother, who feeds and cleans them. Newborn Yorkshire Terrier puppies sleep a lot – about 15-18 hours a day. During the first 7 weeks, babies grow rapidly and gain weight quickly. By the way, babies gain weight unevenly. By the time of full maturity, puppies raised under the same conditions may have different weights and heights. One litter pet can weigh 1.5 kg, while the other will weigh 2.5 kg. Yorkies are small dogs, the height of an adult is 15-23 cm, weight is 1.8-3 kg. Although the weight of some individuals may be below these values. Despite their small stature, Yorkshire Terriers are not as fragile as they seem. They can jump, run, play active games without any consequences for their health.
Weaning begins at 4 weeks of age, with small amounts of solid food. However, babies stay with their mothers until at least 8 weeks of age. Feeding Yorkshire Terrier puppies is the same as feeding other breeds of puppies, with the exception of serving size. It is important to feed newborn Yorkshire Terrier puppies often, up to three months of age access to food is unlimited. They switch to feeding according to the schedule from 12 weeks. A well-balanced diet is the foundation of good health.
From 5 weeks it’s time to start teaching babies to the litter box, to respond to their own name. Puppies show affection for their brothers and sisters, mother, place. The intensity of the increase in body weight decreases.
At 6-week-old Yorkshire Terrier puppies, vision and hearing are already fully developed, and hair growth is gradually observed. They are incredibly curious, and their research interest is growing. Some toddlers are beginning to demonstrate their independence. In the period from 6 to 7 weeks, the first vaccinations against plague, hepatitis, and other diseases are given.
From three months, babies begin to experience fear, during this period it is important to start socialization (to acquaint with the world around them – sounds, smells, people, new situations, impressions). In the period from 4 to 7 months, the milk teeth change.
From 8 to 12 months, Yorkshire Terrier puppies develop habits. Therefore, it is important to start training on time, teaching simple commands, accustoming to walking on a leash. Animals begin to show dominance, independence, and non-sterilized and non-neutered individuals – gender behavior. They willingly interact with strangers. At this age, breeders give puppies to new families.
From 2 years of age, Yorkshire Terriers are considered adult dogs. Animals already show caution with strangers, are more restrained, show a defensive reaction to external factors. Individual behavioral traits begin to take hold.
