The AKC has set a "show" standard of 3.5 to 7 lbs. This should in no way be taken as the "ideal" weight for YOUR Dog. Breeders go to a lot of trouble, keeping their dogs weights down in that range. And frequently, that type control, results in animals which are not very healthy.
Just because your Dog creeps or blows by that 7 lb mark, in no way should be considered an excursion away from it's Pure Breeding.
In fact, the overall direction of the Yorkshire Breed is creeping upward in weight, and subsequent size. "I" believe the reason for this is...
That prospective owners, viewing a litter of Pups, will most always "see and want" the most active or gregarious. Frequently Pups demonstrated that energy by moving toward a Human, licking and jumping to get attention, with that activity paying off with a forever home for them.
That higher level of activity usually is carried forward, causing the Pup to exercise more, eat more, and grow more. But, on the other end of the litter, that "runt" appearing animal frequently is not taken, and may by many unscrupulous Breeders be put down, or forced to breed with an equally as diminutive female, causing the problems stated at the start of my post.
This smaller Dog, through publicity and an unreasonable weight standard set, can cause a lot of income for a Breeder. Maybe the good part about that is the people who can afford a $1500-$2000 dog, can also afford to take care of some very expensive health care issues as well.
But, they have a dog who is within the AKC weight standard.
