how do you tell when a puppy is going to be a mini?
 

Can you tell at the age of 6 to 8 weeks, by what the puppy weighs, if they are going to be tiny dogs or not? Dad is tiny, mom is around 9 lbs though. I'd like to keep one if it might end up being around 5 or 6 lbs.

I thought you said the Dad is 7 pounds? 7 lbs isn't "tiny"

Here is a link to a Yorkie growth chart, but keep in mid, this should only be used as a guide and can only give you an estimation of how much your baby will weigh.

Yorkshire Terrier - Yorkie Puppy Growth/Weight Chart - watch us grow

First off, not sure why a difference of a couple of pounds would determine whether or not you keep a pup. Second, if that is an absolute deciding factor, then DON'T keep one, as there is no guarantee of size; the growth charts and even mom/dad size are just an estimate of what the pup will be when grown.

Theoretically speaking, what if you expected the pup to be 6 lbs but he ended up being 10lbs? What would you do?

I don't think I will keep one. I don't need another. But just the thought. I have seen some small adults and they are just adorable. If I did keep one, and it got bigger, yes I know they can end up whatever size they want to, but I'd still love him just like I do the rest of my dogs. What do you think I would do? Beat him to death for growing bigger? lol...

Well, I think 7 lbs is quite small for a dog. He was supposed to be smaller due to the size of his parents but it didn't work out that way. These yorkies at 2 or 3 lbs, I haven't seen it, but I can't imagine.. My guess would be that these dogs would be a bit unhealthy and probably not fed too well in the process.

I would never want a small one that I would buy one in that shape or do one that way. I give my dogs some table food with their kibbles for it isn't enough to fill them up. Just like chicken and scrambled eggs sometimes.

Now if one was just naturally that size, that would be great. I would buy one if that was the case.

You are sort of talking in circles....I do that too -- some days more than others :) but this is too important of a decision to be so undecided.
First you say you "would like to keep one "if it might end up being around 5 or 6 lbs."
Then you say "I don't think I will keep one. I don't need another. "
Then you say, "I would never want a small one that I would buy one in that shape or do one that way. "
and then... you say, "Now if one was just naturally that size, that would be great. I would buy one if that was the case."

You are also making some faulty assumptions about the size of the dog and that meaning they had to be mistreated or starved. That might happen but certainly is not always the case. Genetics is the biggest factor in the size of the dog. A 9 pound Yorkie should not be bred as that is way over the breed standard. They are meant to be small dogs, under 7 pounds. When only dogs under 7 pounds are bred, then there are occasionally very healthy tiny pups. A 2-3 pound yorkie is not uncommon and can be very healthy -- but they do need extra vigilance as they tend to be more fragile.

A 5-6 pound yorkie is actually AVERAGE sized for this breed. So, it is not a tiny yorkie but a tiny dog. It is not usually a good sign when a person's main concern about their dog is the size. They are wonderful, personable dogs that win your heart over and over. There are a million reasons to love them! If you were coming to me for a pup, I would have to turn you away for now and tell you to think about this for a year or so and really decide WHY you want a yorkie and what is important to you about that decision. I would also want you to do some research into the breed and know more about them. This is a large investment, not just financial, but emotional, time wise, and they will become a part of your family. So, it is important to be sure of what you are doing and WHY! If a dog being a pound or two larger than you plan is going to disappoint you or would be a reason for NOT getting a dog, then it is probably not the right decision.

Not at all what I was thinking. I was thinking more like give him away if he grows too big. Sorry, but you seem overly obsessive with what size the pup will be.

It's really not possible to tell at such a young age, because so much depends on genetics. A good breeder might be able to make an estimate because they know the history of their lines - not just the sire/dam, but also the grand sires/dams, great grand sires/dams, etc. Without that information and experience, you'll just have to wait to see how your puppies turn out. I'm sure they're just precious.

I think a 7 pound dog is a small dog. I believe its sad when people get caught up on the size . I would prefer my pets to be within breed standards. I just want an average size healthy puppy. Hearing the words tiny and teacup are upsetting. Some breeders even charge more for the smaller puppies. But sadly my fellow members think about it , we do that with humans too. Tiny people are considered more attractive. I want just my furkids to be a healthy weight not too small and not obese. Som

I am probably talking in circles for I was just considering keeping one but decided not to. When my daughter moves out and takes hers with her, I will likely get another one and I would like a small standard size pup. Not obsessed with anything. If he grows bigger, I would love him all the same. My female put on weight from having pups. She was smaller before that. And sure I know the responsibility of a dog. I have a few you know. Well, I think it's up to CKC for the standards of whether you can breed your dogs or not and her pups are healthy. My family has 2 and I know they are fine.

Well I looked up some breeders online with these pups and they looked a bit sickly. And I know what I said some of them do, starve them, that is what they do. It's sick. No, I'm sure not everyone does. I have seen really healthy tiny adults.

I don't know why anyone here is getting in their heads that I would not care about the health of one of my dogs, excuse me, but you don't have a clue what your talking about. So lay off.

I am not caught up on size. I have yorkies that are a good healthy size. I'm not sending them away because they aren't. I just think a smaller one is so adorable but I guess it's an awful thing to think that. Whatever.

I was just making a joke. I'm sure you didn't think that. But no way at all. It doesn't take long after you've had a pup to seriously get attached. I think of my dogs like they are my own kids. Well they act like kids. Little rotten personalities. One of my dogs, if you talk to him, he tries to talk back, it's so cute. I will post up some pictures when I get the free time.

From my experiance with my 4 furkids, even the charts arent usually very helpful! Mack was "charting" to be 8-9 pounds...he is right at 5...Bevo was "charting" to be 3 pounds...he is now 6.3...Bryleigh has charted right so far.....and our newest Jaxon is WAYYYY off the charts, so we have no clue what to expect...but who cares!! We love them big or small!

[QUOTE=maryalice40;3795031Well, I think it's up to CKC for the standards of whether you can breed your dogs or not and her pups are healthy. My family has 2 and I know they are fine.
QUOTE]
CKC seriously!!

Looks like I may keep one for my daughter is begging pretty hard. She suggested keeping all 6 but I don't think so. lol..

I must admit to being somewhat confused. I thought you lived in the US? Of course in Canada the CKC The Canadian Kennel Club is responsible for publishing the standards which are safeguarded and protected through the National Yorkshire Terrier Club of Canada. Just like the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America safeguards and protects the standards in the US. That is the YTCA, the CKC in the US has no authority at all in this regard.

I am of the understanding that ckc in US is not a reputable registry at all.

So tell me what are the health checks mandated by this ckc? What pre breeding tests?