Hi, I really don't think you have to worry at all about tiny Yorkie not living as long (unless like the OP said-that they were purposely bred to be tiny and could have health defects). I have a 3 lb girl named Belle who will be 14 in November and she is doing well, she has lost a few teeth, has some mild cataracts, and is a little hard of hearing but she is very healthy and happy. Belle was the largest girl in a litter of 6 puppies from 2 5-6 lb parents and I didn't intend on getting a Yorkie this small but that is how she grew up. In fact she lived longer than my Boxer who died last June at 10 years old.
Teresa |