Our Breeding Philosophy at Essence of Grace Yorkies
At Essence of Grace Yorkies, our breeding philosophy is grounded in health, purpose, and preservation. We’re proud to be a small, in-home program focused on maintaining the traditional Yorkshire Terrier as outlined by the AKC standard. We don’t just breed to produce puppies—we breed with intention, with love, and with long-term impact in mind.
Commitment to the AKC Standard and Traditional Colors
We breed only traditional Yorkshire Terriers—blue and gold or steel blue and tan. Occasionally, we may have a puppy whose coat remains black instead of turning blue. While this is a rare trait and not permitted in the show ring, those puppies are placed in loving pet homes. We do not breed for parti, merle, chocolate, or other non-standard colors.
We understand some buyers pass on our puppies because they don’t come in flashy colors. But our mission is to protect the integrity of this breed—not cater to fleeting trends.
Health & Genetic Screening
We prioritize long-term health. Our breeding dogs are Embark genetically tested and evaluated for patellar health and eye conditions. We aim to reduce the risk of hereditary issues like luxating patella, eye anomalies, and liver shunts.
Our Dogs Live In Our Home—Not Outside Buildings
We raise our dogs inside our home, not in a separate kennel building or outdoor facility. They’re part of our daily lives and routines, not tucked away or isolated.
They sleep in our bedrooms, follow us around the house, and enjoy free roam time when safe. At night or when we’re away, they are responsibly crated for their safety.
Why We Use Crates and Playpens
We understand there's a stigma around crates and playpens—but safety and structure matter. Puppies are naturally curious and can get into things they shouldn’t. Responsible confinement:
Keeps them from swallowing dangerous items
Builds early independence and structure
Prepares them for dog shows where crates are standard
Crate and rotate is also used during heat cycles to prevent accidental breeding. Adult dogs are never crated all day—only at night or when absolutely necessary.
Most of our adult dogs sleep in bed with us unless they prefer their crate!
Choosing the Right Pairings — Not Just Any Stud Will Do
We carefully evaluate every breeding pair. Sometimes, our in-house male isn't the right fit for a particular female—so we use an outside stud that better complements her strengths.
Buyers often request “short faces” or “cobby bodies.” While we sometimes produce those, we do not breed for extremes. Our goal is to preserve a structurally sound, show-worthy Yorkie—not just produce a “cute face.”
Yes, Breeding Is Expensive
Responsible breeding includes:
Health testing
High-quality food
Prenatal care and ultrasounds
Whelping supplies
Emergency or elective C-sections
Veterinary-assisted breeding
Some females don’t conceive naturally, so we invest in vet-assisted artificial insemination when needed.
We do not breed females under 5 lbs, and we never lease our males to small females because of the high risk of loss during whelping or surgery.
Too many people pair two dogs without understanding the costs—or the dangers.
Retirement with Dignity, Not Hoarding
We love every dog we bring into this world, and that includes our retired adults. Once a female has finished her breeding career (which is never rushed), she is:
Spayed
Lovingly placed in a new home
Given the chance to be someone’s only dog, spoiled and pampered
We’ve only retired one female so far, but we will retire our second soon. It’s never easy—in fact, our process to place a retired dog is even more rigorous than for a puppy.
We don’t believe in keeping every dog “just to have them.” Too many dogs in one home leads to stress, unsanitary conditions, and a loss of quality attention.
Our stud dogs are typically retained for life and may remain active into their senior years depending on health and fertility.
Not All Dogs Are Meant to Be Bred—And That’s Okay
We believe that only the best of the best should be bred. Many pet-quality puppies are still amazing companions—but they’re not meant to pass on their genes. We place them as pets, not breeding dogs.
Our breeding program is not about quantity—it’s about quality, integrity, and preserving the Yorkshire Terrier for future generations.