How big does a Yorkie get
The normally expected size of a Yorkshire Terrier is
Weight 4 to 7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kilograms)
Height 8-9 inches (22-22 centimeters) to their shoulder.
However, as we will discuss below Yorkie size can vary and is not consistent. They can be either smaller or larger than this.
Why are some Yorkies bigger than others
Many Yorkie owners become concerned that their Yorkie is either bigger or smaller than other Yorkies they have come across. This leads them to start to question if there are any health concerns or even if their Yorkie is a pure breed.
Yorkshire Terrier terrier size is really inconsistent. This is the result of some breeders breeding down the size of pups to appeal to people wanting “handbag dogs” as a fashion statement. Often this type of breeding can lead to sick dogs with serious health issues. This is not always the case as often these tiny Yorkies can be quite healthy.
What are the different sizes of Yorkies
You will probably have heard of different size Yorkies referred to by different names. These different labels for various size Yorkies are not official and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
However, we will look at each of these size types to give you an indication of what they are referring to.
The most common size references are Teacup Yorkie, Mini Yorkie, and Stand Yorkie sometimes referred to as a Toy Yorkie and Giant Yorkie.
Teacup and Mini Yorkies weigh under 4 pounds as adults. The breeding off Yorkies this small can be quite controversial. This practice can attract breeders who are looking to make money. Teacup and Mini Yorkies can sell for a lot of money.
These extremely small dogs are prone to health issues, can pick up illnesses easily, and don’t handle the cold well. If you are thinking of getting a Teacup or Mini Yorkie research the breeder and the health of the parents thoroughly.
Potential health issues include;
- Fragile bones
- Weakened immune system
- Greater chances of neck, hip, and knee injury
- Shorter life span
- Collapsed trachea
- Intolerance to temperature both hot and cold.
Toy or Standard Yorkies weigh 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kilograms) and measure 8-9 inches (22-22 centimeters) to their shoulder.
Giant Yorkies are any Yorkie over 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms). The general range for these dogs is 8 to 10 pounds.. (3.62 to 4.53 kilograms). There is nothing wrong with a bigger Yorkie and in fact, they are generally more robust. These bigger Yorkies tend to have a larger bone structure.
Just because a Yorkie is over 7 pounds doesn’t necessarily mean it is a Giant Yorkie. Ensure that your Yorkie is not just overweight. For a guide to calculate if your dog is overweight see here.
In some cases, a Yorkshire Terrier can be dramatically larger reaching upward of 10 or even 15 pounds. This is most likely due to another larger breed somewhere within the bloodlines. Genes can go back 5 generations or more.
Does this mean that they are not purebred? Not necessarily. When registering a purebred with the relevant kennel club, they will usually only go back three generations.
There is also the possibility that the female has been impregnated by more than one dog. In that case, the eggs fertilized by the Yorkie male are purebred. The other puppies will be a mixed breed.
Yorkie is larger due to being overweight
If your Yorkie is over 7 pounds it doesn’t mean that it is necessarily a big Yorkie. Weight and height should be in proportion. Check with your vet to see if this is the case.
The Yorkshire Terrier is not a breed that is prone to obesity but it can happen. This is often the result of too many treats and insufficient exercise and activity. The steps to take to help reduce weight are –
Reduce calorie intake
This can be achieved by stopping excessive treat giving or use healthy low-calorie dog treats. A change in the type of food you use will also benefit this process. We recommend Wellness Complete Small Breed Healthy Weight formula.
Increase exercise
Exercise is crucial for your Yorkie not only to manage weight. It will keep their body strong and healthy, boost the immune system, and provide psychological benefits. For a guide to how to exercise a Yorkie see here.
Because of their small size, Yorkies are treated like lapdogs. They are actually terriers and are energetic and active.
In Summary
Whether you feel your Yorkie is too small or too big is not the most important thing. Ultimately it doesn’t matter as long as they are healthy, happy, and much loved.
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