Originally Posted by PennysMum (Post 2620893)

I agree that there should be a bottom weight. I work in an animal hospital, and we just see way too many issues in the super-tiny dogs. For the AKC to validate that by putting no lower limit on weight is really irresponsible.

In my opinion, whenever somebody breeds a dog to a standard that does not allow them to live healthy lives in a way that dogs are designed to live, there is something ethically wrong with what they are doing. They are animals, not toys, and we shouldn't feel like we can warp them in whatever way we feel like when what we are doing does not allow them the vitality that they need to live the life of a dog. Breeding dogs too tiny is just one example. Humans have bred English Bulldogs such that they can't even deliver a litter of pups without a c-section. Humans bred for a sloping back in German Shepherds because we thought that it looked nice, and produced generations of dogs with serious hip and spinal issues. Humans thought pugs looked cute with deeply wrinkled, squished-up faces, and wound up with some little dogs who can barely breathe, and will sometimes die because of it when placed in "extreme" conditions that more hardy dogs can handle without blinking, and that develop painful skin infections in the folds in their face.

Just because the breed standard says something doesn't mean that it is OK.

Originally Posted by yorkie mad (Post 2620936)

My furbaby is 5lb 5oz and that seems tiny, I want her to grow bigger as she seems delicate.Shes almost 11 months old and the vet seems to think that shes done growing. How can they tell! Hopefully she will put on another 1lb or 2 and then :animal-paI wont keep treading on her.

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 2622122)

Jackson was about 4 1/2 pounds when I brought him home at 9 weeks and I remember thinking he was SO tiny! I had to watch him so closely. I could easily just pick him up with one hand and carry him around. I couldn't imagine having to do that for the rest of his life with constant worrying about him, if he was going to get hurt, etc. I still have those worries like I would even if I had a 40 pound dog lol but it's different. At his 12 week appt, he was 6 pounds and was SO small to me so I really can't imagine having one much smaller for it's whole life. Jackson is a very study little guy, he can jump up and down my bed, the couches, etc and he's absolutely fine. He can easily play with the neighbors Bulldog, the Golden Retriever next door, etc. I don't know, it's just hard for me to imagine caring for a 2 or 3 pound dog for the rest of it's life.

Originally Posted by westieboy (Post 2619868)

I've been looking for a yorkie, a standard 6-7 lb one. It seems that most breeders I've seen produce ones that are less than 5 lbs. I thought the AKC standard was right at 7 lbs or less but with most show dogs right at the weight limit. Is the standard changing or people here just prefer them a lot smaller?

Originally Posted by QuickSilver (Post 2633346)

I saw somewhere else that your westie is 11 pounds? I would recommend getting a larger yorkie so they can play together with any worries on your part. A 6 pound yorkie would be half the size of your westie. Look for a teapot. :)

Originally Posted by QuickSilver (Post 2633618)

Well, I don't know much about your area. I imagine that a 7+ lb yorkie will be cheaper since most people want the small ones nowadays. Have you contacted breeders in your area? I would imagine that they'll be happy to give you one that seems to be oversized. Maybe some of the people who have teapots can help with input on how they got their larger dogs. It seems like it's usually an accident, but if some people looked specifically for a sturdier one, maybe they can help.

Originally Posted by spina (Post 2633629)

:confused: OK... I don't understand. I read all of the posts (or at least tried to). I don't understand the difference between a teacup and a teapot? We got our Mia when she was 8 weeks old. I took her to the vet the next day for a check up. She weighed 2#15oz. When she was 16 weeks she weighed 7#4oz. the vet says she will probably get to be 10#. She is still a purebred right? I am new at all of this. I never wanted a itty bitty pocket puppy. Just a small little cuddlebug (under 60 pounds preferably). WE wouldn't trade her for the world. But what dos it mean when you have a 7-10# yorkie? Their just not showable? Breedable? Not purebred? Whats the difference? :confused:

Originally Posted by PennysMum (Post 2620893)

I agree that there should be a bottom weight. I work in an animal hospital, and we just see way too many issues in the super-tiny dogs. For the AKC to validate that by putting no lower limit on weight is really irresponsible.

Originally Posted by spina (Post 2633666)

oh Ok I think I understand. My little Mia came form Oklahoma. I haven't any information on her parents. She is registered with American Pets Registry. I understand that this institution isn't tha same as AKC. She is going to be a little bit larger girl. But thats ok. She plays just fine with her 60 furbrother. I like the term "teapot", Thanks I have never heard of that before....:D

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 2620809)

I agree with having a bottom weight. The Maltese standard is also under seven pounds, but it states that 4-6 is preferred. I wish the YTCA would follow their lead.

There is too much emphasis on breeding the super tiny ones. They are at such a high risk of injury when they are that small. My vet told me one of her super tiny Yorkie patients was killed when he was accidentally slammed in the door. She said they see too many tragic accidents with the tiny ones.

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 2633684)

If Mia came from Oklahoma, she very likely came from one of the many puppy mills in that state.

Have you checked the USDA "puppymill" list for her breeder's name?

http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/webs...ists/lista.pdf

Originally Posted by QuickSilver (Post 2633710)

Now I'm confused too. I thought the YTCA DID state that 4-7 pounds is preferred, though the standard is 7 lbs and under.

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 2633739)

This is taken directly from the YTCA website:

Weight

Must not exceed seven pounds.

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America

Maybe you are thinking of the Maltese standard? It states:

Size - Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Overall quality is to be favored over size.

American Maltese Association

Originally Posted by QuickSilver (Post 2633770)

I am positive it was about yorkies. I've seen it repeatedly on this site. Maybe it's in the breeder ethics?

Again, I know the standard states 7 lbs and under, but I could have sworn that 4-7 was stated as preferred somewhere.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 2634053)

Maybe you've read it in the Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ] Post 2.

Originally Posted by yorkiepuppie (Post 2634070)

so yorkietalk FAQ answer is incorrect right? because according to the AKC website, there is no lower limit for a standard yorkie.

Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 2634124)

The YTCA gives the AKC the standard, and their words are "must not exceed 7 pounds", I think Yorkietalk uses the same words that are found on the AKC website. However, if you look further besides just reading the standard on the YTCA website, it says.


The reason smaller dogs aren't seen in the show ring is not because they aren't standard, but the goal of the show ring, is producing a dog that will be a good breeder. That is also why dogs who are neutered are not shown, they may be perfect examples of the breed, but what's the point?

Originally Posted by spina (Post 2633726)

I checked the USDA puppy mills.Thanks for the link that really helped. The name of the breeder was no there. Although on the Registration papers, I have a USDA #. What does that mean?:confused:

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 2634152)

That means she came from a USDA licensed commercial kennel, what we call "puppy mills".

If the breeder has a USDA number, she is on the list somewhere.

Originally Posted by QuickSilver (Post 2634156)

I know we're starting to get off track here... but I'm wondering, are ALL commercial kennels genuine puppy mills? I would think they would not be as good as a small breeder, but surely some of them must have reasonable standards. ?

Originally Posted by QuickSilver (Post 2633770)

I am positive it was about yorkies. I've seen it repeatedly on this site. Maybe it's in the breeder ethics?

Again, I know the standard states 7 lbs and under, but I could have sworn that 4-7 was stated as preferred somewhere.

Originally Posted by nanahas3 (Post 2634294)

Am I wrong I was under the impression that in some states anyone who sells puppies to the public had to be licensed through the usda Missouri being one. I may have misunderstood what I read though so please correct me if I am wrong.:p