[gemy]

I think that there are real health issues with Yt's; how-ever probably not at the level or rate we see here. Folks who google health issues in YT's will likely land here, and then read and or post their question.

How-ever it is true that the incidence of LP is quite pre-dominant in this breed, along with other issues. See Health concerns for Yorkies in our library here.

Using halters is great for walking and training, and a collar to put the rabies tag and identification tag on. When your dog is better trained you can start to intersperse collar with halter, particularly if you are doing formal obedience training with your dog.

The structure and thickness of Yorkie bones can be quite different across the different lines of Yorkies. Also regular exercise and good weight control is important for lots of reasons and btw for all breeds.

I believe that very large and very small breeds of dogs have their own unique needs and concerns.

I am aware and guard against my YT jumping from high heights, but not off a low stool.

If your boy is only 1.5lbs now at 9wks I do have to wonder how much he weighed when you got him? Usually breeders don't let the pups go under 2lbs particularly to new Yorkie owners and pretty close or at least approximately 12wks old. So I would make sure he is fed at least three times a day, and maybe a snack before bedtime - a doggy snack that is.

You can do a BATS test at 16wks and another at 6months old to see how his liver is functioning. In terms of LP the vet can assess at any time how "loose" his knees might be.

If you do not have money put aside for medical care and or emergencies there are some great pet insurance plans out there that will cover even genetic defects.