How Long Do Yorkies Stay in Heat? [What To Do!]

Yorkshire Terrier, commonly referred to as Yorkies, is a small dog breed that is known for being intelligent and bold.

They are one of the smallest dogs in the terrier category and are also cute and super adorable. Yorkies have silky smooth coats and continuously growing fur that will make you fall in love with them.

If you own a female Yorkshire Terrier, there are a number of things that you need to know because this will put you in a better position to give your furry friend the best care.

Most pet parents and dog breeders usually have a problem knowing when or how long Yorkies stay in the heat.

It can even be more difficult when dealing with a pup that has never gone through the heat cycle.

Since the dogs are so small, you can easily miss the obvious signs, and that is exactly why we are here to tell you a few things about Yorkshire Terriers, especially when they are in the heat cycle.

To kickstart the discussion, let’s answer the question that seems to be bothering most Yorkie parents;

How Long Do Yorkies Stay in Heat?

The heat cycle in female Yorkies is somewhat different compared to that in large breed dogs. Depending on the age and health condition of the dog, Yorkies can stay in heat for 2-4 weeks. This may, however, vary as the dog gets older, so the cycles will not always be consistent.

What does the heat cycle mean in Yorkies?

In a nutshell, this is a phase in which Yorkies have increased estrogen levels and are, therefore, more likely to conceive when they are bred.

However, the estrogen levels may drop after the egg has moved to the uterus as it awaits fertilization.

As already mentioned, the cycle may last for a couple of weeks depending on several factors. The cycle creates a window for pregnancy by increasing fertility.

Dealing with Yorkies in this phase can be a bit challenging because they tend to be stubborn. In addition to this, some Yorkies may also get aggressive when they are in heat.

Nonetheless, some pets may also isolate themselves by staying away from people and other dogs. They may nest and collect their favorite toys in their favorite sleeping areas.

This occurs as a result of hormonal fluctuations in the body, so it should not worry you because it will go away over time.

As such, you should know how to handle your pet when they are in the heat cycle to avoid other complications.

If it’s her first time going through the heat cycle, you should keep a close eye on your dog.

Can I breed my Yorkie in her first Heat Cycle?

The fact that your Yorkie is in heat does not mean that she is ready to take care of her pups.

Plus, studies have shown that dogs that get pregnant in their first cycle are more likely to have health complications in the future.

Additionally, this may also result in unpredictable behavioral changes that may change how you relate with your dog.

If you want your Yorkie to give you healthy puppies and for her to stay healthy after the birth process, you should not breed her in the first heat cycles.

You can even consider consulting your veterinarian to know the best time to breed your pet.

As a reminder, you should keep the male Yorkies away from your pet if you don’t plan on breeding her because they can easily sense that she is on heat.

Do Yorkies Bleed when they are in Heat?

During the estrus/heat cycle, there are a lot of changes that take place in your dog’s body.

As such, you may notice some blood coming out of your dog’s vagina as a result of the physiological changes that are taking place inside the uterus and other parts of the reproductive system.

So, you shouldn’t fret because this is a normal biological process that your dog will go through from time to time.

The good thing is that your dog won’t lose a lot of blood during this process. In fact, the bleeding only occurs during the proestrus stage, meaning that your dog won’t bleed all through the heat cycle.

Moreover, the blood comes out in trace amounts, so your dog will be just as she was before the estrus cycle.

Aside from the blood, other discharges may come out of the vagina as the dog goes through the various stages of the heat cycle.

After how long should I expect my Yorkie to be in heat?

This can range anywhere between five and eight months, meaning that your dog will go into estrus up to two times every year.

If you are keen, you may be able to predict exactly when the next heat cycle may occur, but this is very unlikely since the cycles are not as consistent compared to that of humans.

The best that you can do is to find an estimate that can help you plan on how you can find the perfect mate for your Yorkie, that is if you intend to breed her.

Do Yorkies lose their Appetite when they are in Heat?

Not really as this may vary from one Yorkie to another. Some may lose their appetite, while others may eat more.

It will all depend on how the hormones are affecting the pet, so you can expect either scenario.

Final Thoughts

With the help of this article, you will have an easier time caring for your furry friend when she is in heat.

We have covered some of the things that you should expect when a Yorkie is in heat, so we hope that you will be prepared when that time comes.

Additionally, ensure that you remember the dos and don’ts because the life of your pet depends on it. That said, you must know when or when not to breed your Yorkie.

Also, you need to know when to give your pet some space because they can get moody when they are in heat.