[yorkiemini]

I aggressive that the smaller Yokies has to be more protected, like I said before, mostly against larger and aggressive dogs and other critters.

My first Yorkie was 3.5 pounds. My current Caliis 3 pounds 14 ounces (we usually say 4 pounds).

Both were not breed to be "teacups" just turned out that way. My current Cali was a confirmation show dog, however, no good breeder will breed a bitch smaller than 5 pounds, and it becMe evident as Cali was being shown that she was not make the 5 pounds. That is when I got her. I finished her, with no intention of breeding her, and we started obedience. She gets CHIC tested routinely (and has her #). What that means is that her patellas are I great shape and tight.

She is I great shape! Muscular and has a lot of energy. She competes in agility, tracking, barn hunt, and earth dog trials. She has titled in obedience, agility and tracking. Most athletes tend to be I good shape - and Cali definitely in great shape. We just recently had her joints X-rays for validation of no problems.

I believe keeping her active is doing her a favor and as long as she is eager and enthusiastic we will continue to do so.

Did you see the Yorkie that competed in the Masters Agility today at Westminster - gee she was good! I think she placed second or third.

Cali came to me with a stellar breeding background by a breeder who breeds to improve the breed -- ii strongly believe that although she is considered tiny that he breeding and active life has been, as it is for all dogs, the reason for her healthy life.

Having had several small or tiny Yorkies does not mean I advocate breeding small Yorkies - NO - but it doesn't mean they need to be overly pampered lap dogs either. Cali gets her lap time, cuz she is rotten, but it is a joy to see her tear up an agility course and turn in faster times than those big dogs.

My vet believes the only reason Cali survived the hawk attack was because mod her active, healthy and athletically challenging life. Didn't mean to make this so long -- keeping this little dogs challenged and active is good for their minds and bodies even though they are diminutive. I believe good breeding is the key!