What is a dog's stamp and why is it placed. Chipping.

Yorkshire Terriers: The Importance of Identification

Yorkshire Terrier Identification: Application Process

It is essential to monitor the quality of the breed when breeding purebred dogs. A special mark that confirms belonging to a high-quality litter in Yorkshire Terriers is called a "клеймо." This mark also confirms the breed at dog shows.

This is a special tattoo applied to the skin of the groin or ear of a young animal. Typically, it includes:

• three letters representing the kennel or breeder;
• numbers, fractions indicating the individual dog's number.

All abbreviations are permanently recorded in the RKF system under the kennels. The marking is usually done by:

• pen;
• forceps.

The procedure itself takes from 2 to 5 minutes, but much depends on the puppy's calmness and the veterinarian's experience. It is preferable to do this immediately after leaving the kennel or shortly before it.

This is done between the ages of 1.5 to 6 months. An earlier procedure is too traumatic for the pet, and during growth, the pattern on the skin will stretch and become illegible.

The area should be cared for like a small wound - rinsed with chlorhexidine and applied healing ointment. The care routine is familiar to those with tattoos. Quality care significantly increases the chances of a durable and readable mark at any age.

Why Yorkshire Terriers Need Identification

There are several significant reasons to mark a puppy:

• The assigned number is recorded in the animal's passport, proving its pedigree for breeding, export abroad, etc.;
• The owner of a lost pet can be identified through the number read from the database;
• To verify the pedigree with the breeder.

Over time, the inscription fades and stretches, so a pale mark is evidence of the breed's authenticity. A too fresh drawing on an adult dog should raise suspicions: it may have been recently done to deceive the buyer.

Many owners hesitate to undergo the procedure because they fear pain for their beloved pet. However, modern tools are almost painless, and it is essential to choose a good veterinary clinic. Sometimes novocaine is added to the ink to reduce pain, or the marking is done under general anesthesia. All procedures are carried out only after consulting with a veterinarian.

Is There an Alternative?

A worthy alternative to marking is microchipping. This involves implanting a microchip under the skin containing the pet's passport information: date of birth, name, pedigree, vaccinations.

Unfortunately, the downside for show dogs is the lack of devices to read the chip.

The advantages lie in speed, painlessness, and convenience. The chip is not felt under the skin and does not harm the pet's health. However, it costs several times more than applying a mark.

Therefore, marking on the skin remains a popular and familiar choice. While the pet may experience some stress during this procedure, it simplifies the search in case of loss and proves belonging to a high-quality litter at dog shows. Unfortunately, even there, devices for reading microchips are often absent, despite their quicker and less painful application.

It is still considered mandatory for all purebred animals to have a mark.