[QUOTE=SweetCuteness]I'm not trying to start anything, but I think your response here is kind of harsh. She was just asking a question - if you're offended by it, don't respond, and move on to another thread. If you really want to get specific, the original Yorkshire Terrier was 12-14lbs and the standard size has grown smaller as the years have passed.QUOTE]
I don't think I was harsh at all -- I only meant if someone questioned the motivation for someone owning a large Yorkie, wouldn't some think it a negative thing?
Not sure where you got the idea that the Yorkshire Terrier used to be 12-14 pounds -- do you mean the standard or that there was once a Yorkie that large. I don't doubt the latter but it was
not the standard. I did not make up the
under 5 pound and over 5 pound classifications -- it is a part of Yorkshire Terrier history. It just is not true that they started out as large dogs and only became little recently in the U.S.. Read the
Yorkshire Terrier History. After explaining the breed origins, it goes on to explain: QUOTE FROM YTCA.org: "
Almost all of the classes were divided by weight. The classes were for Broken Haired or Rough Scotch Terriers less than 5 lbs. or 6 lbs. and under; Toy Terriers 4 lbs. and under, or 5 lbs. not exceeding 7 lbs., or 6 lbs. and over; or Blue Scotch Terriers under 7 lbs. or 7 lbs. not exceeding 9 lbs. The largest weight class in which they were reported to have been shown was for Broken Haired Scotch Terrier 9 lbs. not exceeding 12 lbs. This record should prove that although there were larger Yorkshires they were not being shown at the dog shows. The record proves that the small size was available for breeding from early days." ........AND.... "The Yorkshire standard of 1890 says"
"Weight divided into two classes, under five pounds and over five pounds, but not to exceed twelve pounds."
."
http://ytca.org/history.html Now one breed that went into the MIX to make a Yorkie was larger -- the Clydesdale -- but the Clydesdale was only part of the Yorkshire makeup.
No doubt there were some biggies then as now -- but the standard is now "
not to exceed 7 pounds" and that should be what is strived for in breeding. No matter how careful a breeder is, there are bound to be some that wind up over the standard, just as some will have floppy ears, soft coats, and mismarked colors....and
we love them all.
But many (including me) want a dog that will remain in standard and be a good representation of the breed itself. I think because there is a standard, and some do not fall within it, there is some sort of inclination for some (only some) to want to negate the standard -- but it is there to keep the breed what it is and not let it become the same as a Silky or the same as a Skye terrier, etc.....
I would never question the motivation of someone for owning a large Yorkie. Of course we all love the ones we have -- and thank God for each one of them! Peace......