How Much Do Yorkies Weigh Full Grown

Yorkies are fun, spunky dogs with big personalities and characterized by their glossy black and tan coat with gray highlights, prick ears, and straight fur. They originated in Yorkshire, England (in the 19th century), and have even been used to develop other popular breeds such as the ever-famous Silky Terrier. These dogs are loyal to their owner(s) and well-known for being rather “yappy” at times.

Small in size but big in personality, the Yorkshire Terrier makes a feisty but loving companion. The most popular toy dog breed in the United States, the “Yorkie” has won many fans with their devotion to their owners, their elegant looks, and their suitability to apartment living.

These miniature (mini Yorkie) dogs only weigh around 2-3 pounds when fully grown (usually between 12-18 months of age), compared to the standard Yorkshire Terrier, which is between 4-7 pounds. If you’re not very familiar with Yorkies (or other dogs belonging in the toy group), then you might be surprised to learn that Yorkshire Terriers do not have a “teacup” classification, although many unskilled—and usually unethical—breeders would have you believe otherwise.

General Features Of Yorkies

  • Yorkshire Terriers are known for being difficult to housetrain. Crate-training is recommended.
  • Yorkshire Terriers don’t like the cold and are prone to chills, especially if they’re damp or in damp areas.
  • Because of their small size, delicate structure, and terrier personality, Yorkshire Terrier generally aren’t recommended for households with toddlers or small children.
  • Some Yorkshire Terriers can be “yappy,” barking at every sound they hear. Early and consistent training can help. If you don’t feel qualified to provide this training, consult a professional dog trainer.
  • Yorkshire Terriers can have delicate digestive systems and may be picky eaters. Eating problems can occur if your Yorkie has teeth or gum problems as well. If your Yorkie is showing discomfort when eating or after eating, take him to the vet for a checkup.
  • Yorkshire Terriers think they are big dogs and will try to pick a fight with a big dog if allowed. Be sure to keep your Yorkie under control. Even better, try to socialize your Yorkie at an early age by taking him to obedience classes.
  • Yorkies tend to retain their puppy teeth, especially the canines. When your puppy is around five months old, check his teeth often. If you notice that an adult tooth is trying to come in but the baby tooth is still there, take him to your vet. Retained baby teeth can cause the adult teeth to come in unevenly, which may contribute to tooth decay in later years.

How Long Do Teacup Yorkies Live?

When you’re getting a dog as a companion, you have to consider how long they will live. The average lifespan varies for every dog breed. For Teacup Yorkies, the standard lifetime is around 7 to 10 years. However, your Miniature Yorkie may live as long as 12 or even 14 years. The shortest lifespan for this dog is three years, but the specifics depend on genetic factors.

Often illnesses are transmitted to a puppy from its parents. Depending on the breeding techniques used in consecutive litters, these genetic dispositions may worsen. And ultimately lead to shorter lifespans in your dog. That is why it is vital to know how long your breeder has been in the business and the effort they put into researching medical history and genetics.

Are Small Yorkies Healthy?  

The popularity of “micro breeds” has resulted in some breeders attempting to breed increasingly smaller Yorkies. Unfortunately, these tiny Yorkies often suffer from serious Yorkie health problems. So-called ‘Teacup’ Yorkies are often more susceptible to collapsed trachea, digestive issues, and other serious health risks. In fact, Teacup Yorkies have a shorter life expectancy than their full-sized counterparts.

If you have a Teacup Yorkie, pay special attention to their health. And if you’re considering getting a new Yorkie puppy, please don’t support breeders specifically marketing a Teacup breed.

Is A Large Yorkie Still Healthy?

Even large Yorkies are still small when compared to other types of dogs. If your Yorkie weighs over 9 pounds, but they don’t look overweight, and your vet isn’t concerned, then you don’t need to worry too much.

The weight of a Yorkie depends on their bone structure as much as their diet. Dogs that are taller and longer will weigh more as well. Their stature and muscle mass will play a role in how much they weigh. Any dog is capable of carrying excess weight. Yorkshire Terriers over 10 lbs should be examined to see if there is a need for weight loss or any health issues from excess fat.

When Do Yorkies Stop Growing?

Yorkies grow quickly (although they don’t grow very much). Many Yorkies are fully grown by the time they’re 6 or 8 months old, although some take until they turn a year old to reach physical maturity. As a general rule, though, if your Yorkie is still adding weight after they’ve turned 1, it’s time for a diet.

They also mature quickly from a mental standpoint. You can start training a Yorkie earlier than you would a larger-breed dog, and they’ll have the attention span and intelligence to handle advanced techniques by the time they’re 6 months old.

How Does Neutering/Spaying Affect My Dog’s Growth?

Since Yorkies mature so quickly, spaying or neutering them has little effect on their growth. By the time they’re old enough for the procedure, they’ll likely be close to their final size.

However, allowing your female Yorkie to become pregnant before they’re fully mature can stunt their growth a bit, as the nutrients that they need to continue growing will go to their puppies instead. If you’re planning on breeding your dog, we’d recommend waiting until they’re fully mature to do so.

How Big Do Yorkies Get Full-Grown?

Yorkies are small lap dogs. They typically are around 8-9 inches at the withers. A Yorkie will weight around 4-6 pounds. They are truly tiny dogs!

However, there is no guarantee that your Yorkie will be especially tiny. Size is a physical trait that can see a lot of variations within a breed. It is less predictable than e.g. coat color or length. Even within one and the same litter there can be differences between the littermates in size and weight!

How Big Do Teacup Yorkies Get?

In every dog breed there is the demand for unusual sizes. In large breeds such as the German Shepherd this might be the demand for especially large dogs (which lead to the creation of the King Shepherd), and in small breeds this leads to “teacup” type dogs.

While you might be able to acquire a Yorkie that will be 3 pounds or less, but the associated health problems are not worth it. Some Teacup Yorkies will be as tiny as 2 pounds fully-grown, but they are likely to suffer from a variety of health conditions such as patella luxation, hip dysplasia or hypoglycemia.

How Long Are Yorkies Pregnant?

If you’re in luck and your Yorkie is going to have pups, then you’ll need to know a few things before your grandparenthood begins! First off, it’s important to know that the average gestation period for a Yorkie will typically be between 58 to 68 days. If your Yorkie mom-to-be still hasn’t delivered on day 67, then you should definitely get in touch with your veterinarian!

Whether you’re aware of your dog’s medical history or not, a canine pregnancy calendar can be helpful when preparing for a dog to deliver.

How Many Puppies Do Yorkies Have? 

If your Yorkie has been presenting pregnancy signs and symptoms like enlarged nipples, a firmer or enlarged stomach, an increase in appetite, and weight gain, then congratulations—you’re going to be a dog grandparent The labor symptoms of a Yorkie will start within 24 hours of delivery, where her body temperature will start to drop.

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