YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post

MyFairLacy · 12-29-2007, 07:34 PM

Genetics can be quite complicated and tricky...just like people can vary in size, so can our yorkies. The standard is set to 7lbs and under, but there are a lot of yorkies that grow larger than that. Not necessarily because they are overweight (and yes, being overweight is unhealthy) but they just genetically have a larger frame and therefor weigh more than a dog with a smaller frame would. Yorkies were originally larger than they are now and were bred down to the size they currently are. Sometimes there will be an puppy in a litter that will grow to be larger or smaller than desiered..that's just genetics. However, a good breeder that knows their lines well and knows the sizes of their dogs and their pedigrees should be able to predict what size the puppies should end up being...but even then a puppy may surprise you...you really can never be 100% sure what size a puppy will grow to be...can only make a good guess. Stay away from breeders that do not breed to the standard..when oversized dogs are bred, then they usually have oversized puppies. Take your time and find a reputable breeder. www.ytca.org is a great place to look for reputable breeders. Reputable breeders do not let their puppies go until at least 12 weeks of age - 8 weeks is too young. But in regards to your size question - some people will say triple the puppy's weight at 8 weeks or double the weight at 12 weeks to get an estimate of the adult weight. It has been true for some but untrue for others...it's just a decent estimate.

Welcome to YT and good luck in your puppy search!

12-29-2007, 07:34 PM	#2
MyFairLacy Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 11,003	Genetics can be quite complicated and tricky...just like people can vary in size, so can our yorkies. The standard is set to 7lbs and under, but there are a lot of yorkies that grow larger than that. Not necessarily because they are overweight (and yes, being overweight is unhealthy) but they just genetically have a larger frame and therefor weigh more than a dog with a smaller frame would. Yorkies were originally larger than they are now and were bred down to the size they currently are. Sometimes there will be an puppy in a litter that will grow to be larger or smaller than desiered..that's just genetics. However, a good breeder that knows their lines well and knows the sizes of their dogs and their pedigrees should be able to predict what size the puppies should end up being...but even then a puppy may surprise you...you really can never be 100% sure what size a puppy will grow to be...can only make a good guess. Stay away from breeders that do not breed to the standard..when oversized dogs are bred, then they usually have oversized puppies. Take your time and find a reputable breeder. www.ytca.org is a great place to look for reputable breeders. Reputable breeders do not let their puppies go until at least 12 weeks of age - 8 weeks is too young. But in regards to your size question - some people will say triple the puppy's weight at 8 weeks or double the weight at 12 weeks to get an estimate of the adult weight. It has been true for some but untrue for others...it's just a decent estimate. Welcome to YT and good luck in your puppy search! __________________ ~Magnifique Yorkies~ Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs. Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.