[Nikki+2]

I, like must of us here, just love yorkies- regardless of size, ears, coloring, etc. It is certainly true that irresponsible breeders who breed strictly for tinies end up with unhealthy tinies. The flip side of that is there are plenty of backyard breeders who are turning out larger than standard yorkies. These breeders are not knowledgeable and may not be taking health into consideration- just how many puppies they can turn out. Many, many of us here have yorkies that we bought from these unknowledgable backyard breeders before we ourselves knew any better. Responsible breeders breed to the standard and for health. Yes, they will occasionally end up with pups larger or smaller than they expect. My point I guess is that larger does not mean healthier. Responsible breeders do not consistently turn out large yorkies. My 3 lb dog is healthier than my 10 lb dog. He also has a much sweeter personality and just has more of that yorkie personality that draws most of us to the breed to begin with. I bought my 10 lb dog from a very unknowledgeable backyard breeder before I knew any better. My 3 lb dog came from a breeder who's yorkies average 5 lbs. he just happened to turn out smaller. If a breeder consistantly turns out yorkies that are over standard or if they consistantly turn out yorkies that are extra tiny they are not a good breeder.