I do have a book from the early 1900s showing a champion at 14 pounds and another weighing 11 pounds. And- as I said my 1951 AKC book has no weight standards for the Yorkie at all.
From all the reading I have done- it appears to be common knowledge that Yorkies used to be larger than most of them are today.
A 1 1/4 pound champion from the early 1900s really does surprise me. Even with today's smaller Yorkies -- these are too small to be shown today.
Personally - I would love to see at two different classes---
4-7 pounds -- and 7-14 pounds.....something like this. I wouldn't want to encourage the breeding of little Yorkies smaller than 4 pounds. This is why I wouldn't include these smaller weights.
I have seen many larger Yorkies (larger than 7 pounds) that are purebreds that are beautiful dogs. I would certainly endorse their being able to be shown.
***** Can you image a dog show with a 2-pound Yorkie competing against a 14-pound Yorkie...... wouldn't this be the cat's meow - right?
I think being able to show and breed the larger Yorkies would give them the status and respect that they deserve. After all, they are purebreds and they are beautiful and, of course, they are delightful pets.
**** I think - just out of curiosity - I will write the AKC and see why they have never allowed for the variation in the Yorkies' size.
Carol Jean |