Dulce is 2.6 lbs and is 10 months old. She has already lost all of her baby teeth. So, chances are, she won't get any bigger.
This is my second yorkie. My first yorkie was even smaller. She was 2.2 lbs when she died. It happened almost two months ago. Manya was only 7 months old.
She died from acute aspiration pneumonia, which means that she got a sudden case of pneumonia out of nowhere. She was a house pet, who was almost never outside. I can also tell you that I was the best care taker for her. No expenses spared. She had the best of the best of everything. I can also tell you that she was COMPLETELY healthy when I got her. No genetic defects.
I had a friend that owns a maltese. Also a small dog, approximately 8 lbs. This maltese had a pneumonia, which it survived. I am absolutely positive that had she been bigger, she would have survived as well.
Having said all that, I still got a smaller dog because first of all, I wanted somebody that can remind me of Manya. Secondly, I wanted somebody that could fit into my very urban lifestyle.
Ideally, 3-4 lbs, as you said, gives you the best of both worlds. It is still a tiny dog, yet is much sturdier than a 2 lber. The breeder that I got two of my dogs from does not sell her puppies for less than $ 2,000. At the same time, you can try to bargain. I can't say enough good things about her and her dogs. She is a well respected breeder on this forum as well. If you need her info, let me know.
The best quality that I was looking for in the dog and that my breeder's dogs have is personality. They are incredibly smart, easy to train, and full of energy.
Again, what size to get is ultimately your own decision. However, if you decide to get a smaller one, please time your adoption closer to summer and spring, when it is nice and warm outside. That way, your puppy will get bigger and stronger by the time winter approaches. |