Some breeders purposely create litters of puppies, intending to produce more miniature puppies than usual. You probably have a lot of questions regarding your Yorkie as a Yorkie owner. One of the most common questions is, “what size is a toy Yorkshire terrier?”
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What Size Is a Toy Yorkshire Terrier?
During the first 12 weeks of growth, a toy Yorkie will gain 1 to 2 pounds and 2 to 3 inches, then 2 to 4 pounds and 5 to 6 inches by week 24. A full-grown toy Yorkie weighs 2 to 4 pounds and stands 5 to 7 inches tall.
When buying a teacup Yorkie, or toy Yorkie, you should do your homework on the breeder. Inbreeding can cause various health problems and be costly and inconvenient for you and your dog in the long run. A breeder should prioritize health over appearances when breeding.
Characteristics of Toy Yorkshire Terriers
There’s nothing wrong with having a more miniature Yorkie if the breeder followed ethical breeding techniques. Some dogs are born very little for no apparent reason, and they grab your heart because they are in desperate need of love and care.
On the other hand, unscrupulous and unethical breeders purposefully try to breed small dogs and label them “Teacup” Yorkies, leading naïve customers to assume that Teacups are genuine Yorkshire Terrier breed varieties. However, any breeder that claims to “specialize” in Teacup Yorkies should be avoided.
Below are the reasons why:
- No such thing as a Teacup Yorkie exists. The American Kennel Club does not recognize a Teacup Yorkie as a breed. It’s far too little to be considered a true Yorkshire Terrier. Anyone who tells you (or indicates) otherwise is lying or doesn’t understand what they are saying.
- A Yorkie that weighs less than 3 pounds sometimes needs particular attention. Extra-tiny Yorkies are more prone to significant health issues and birth anomalies that you won’t notice until later. Some of these health issues are;
- low blood sugar
- heart disease
- breathing problems
- sliding kneecaps
- liver shunts
- Even though extra-small Yorkies are infrequently born, no ethical breeder breeds for this characteristic. Because the breed standard specifies a weight range of 4 to 7 pounds, competent breeders should only produce puppies in this weight range. The mothers are at risk when tiny puppies are bred.
- The fact that these dogs are small does not make them less valued. A healthy, normal-sized Yorkie should not cost more than a tiny Yorkie. It should cost less because it does not meet the breed criteria. Yorkie breeders should also sell them after they have been neutered or spayed.
Traits of Toy Yorkshire Terrier
| Traits | Level |
|---|---|
| Friendliness | Friendly |
| Sociability | Not sociable |
| Ease of Care | Somewhat easy to care |
| Trainability | Trainable |
| Exercise Requirements | Requires minimal exercise |
Different Yorkie Sizes
You might be curious to know the different sizes of Yorkshire Terriers available. There are three sizes of Yorkshire Terriers available, and they include:
- Giant size Yorkies – These are Yorkies that are over 9 inches tall and weigh around 7 pounds. They are referred to as “Giant Yorkies.” Some owners report healthy, physically slim 14-pound dogs.
- Although this is not the breed standard, these dogs are generally healthy and may even be more nutritious than their smaller relatives.
- Standard size Yorkies – Standard Yorkshire Terriers should be 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh no more than seven pounds, preferably four to six pounds.
- Small size Yorkies – Also known as Teacups or toy Yorkies, this breed falls below the expected standards of a Yorkshire terrier as they weigh only two to four pounds. Some Yorkies are not tiny naturally instead due to health complications that come with the small size.
Related Questions
How Can I Tell if My Yorkshire Terrier Is a Toy Yorkie?
The unique weight, two to three pounds, will help you know if your Yorkie is a standard one or a toy Yorkie. Toy dogs are smaller versions of their standard-sized counterparts, weighing five pounds or less when fully grown.
Can a Toy Yorkshire Terrier Have Puppies?
Yes, teacup puppies are sometimes the outcome of breeding two tiny dogs of the same breed and can have puppies. Teacup puppy breeding is exceedingly risky for both the offspring and the mother, and because the mother is so tiny, it can only have a few puppies at a time.
Are Toy Yorkshire Terriers Good Dogs?
Yes, like many other toy breeds, Yorkies make terrific pets for people; they’re perfect for seniors, those with medical concerns, and anyone concerned about a giant dog’s size and power.
They’re affectionate, caring, and devoted, which makes them excellent personal companions and family pets.
Conclusion
Yorkie size is a very crucial decision when choosing the type of Yorkie to have at home. Giant Yorkies, and Standard Yorkies are excellent companions. However, toy Yorkies can be quite a headache to maintain due to their tiny stature. A standard Yorkie should be considered instead.
