Question about Size, and a What would you do? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ellykay72 · 02-15-2009, 01:33 PM

I know everyone asks how big their Yorkie is going to be, and there is no exact science. But, I am sitting here shocked. When I posted earlier about her legs, we were out of town getting our puppy. We have just returned, and I weighed her. She is 3 lbs. and will only be 8 weeks tomorrow. Other than the very long legs, she seems awfully tiny. Very small face and features. But, 3 lbs. is huge. She doesn't seem anywhere close to that, but I've double and triple check with different scales. That means she could be around 9 lbs. full grown, right?

The breeder was one of the only ones I liked. I kept running into puppy mills where Yorkies were kept in cages, one on top of the other, even ones with a good AKC history. It was nice to find someone who I could actually tell loved the dogs. And, honestly, we chose not to pay $1,000 considering the economy. The breeder told me that dad is 3.5 lbs. and mom is 5.5 lbs. I did not see them because we worked out an arrangement to meet at a more convenient town. I know that was a mistake. But, it was a gift for one of my children. And, I KNEW we would be leaving with a Yorkie, regardless of where we went to see her or what she looked like.

Would you call the breeder? There is nothing to do now, other than let her know that I am surprised and disappointed in her weight. We already love her and will keep her forever regardless. She is a real sweetheart. But, we have wanted a Yorkie for a long time, and I finally thought I found 'the one'. I did not want a tiny Yorkie, but I did want one within the standard of 7 lbs. or less.

Karrie · 02-15-2009, 01:45 PM

Having already decided to keep her, then calling the breeder will just bring on unwanted anxiety. Now is the time to direct all your attention and positive energy to the new baby!!! Welcome to YT - we're glad to have ya!!!

Good luck!!!

bella_mia_hairy · 02-15-2009, 01:49 PM

If you wanted a yorkie for a pet and had no plans to breed or show her having her not be within standard should be okay.

You can not always go by what a breeder says, thru correspondance. It is always better to see the sire and dam with your own eyes, in person so that way you know what to expect in your puppy. You could have asked for the breeder to bring them along.

When I deel with perspective buyers I prefer that they come to my home to meet the puppies and the parents to let them see how they interact with people and they are also welcome to bring their other pets along if they choose. If they want to meet half way I bring the parents along also.

Ladymom · 02-15-2009, 01:51 PM

$1,000 is the minimum price you should expect to pay for a well bred Yorkie from a reputable breeder, more for a female. Since you bought a "bargain" puppy, you shouldn't expect to get one that is a good representative of the Yorkie standard in looks or temperament. She will most likely be at least ten pounds full grown.

chachi · 02-15-2009, 01:51 PM

From someone who has 2 yorkies that outgrew their estimation of weight by quite a bit I can understand your frustration. However I have grown to love mine for everything they are including their weight. I wouldnt focus on her weight anymore. Also even if she does get to 9 lbs that is still a very small dog when compared to other breeds. I dont know if you have children but I have found my Chachi who is 11 lbs is a good size for children

bildio · 02-15-2009, 01:56 PM

Are you sure you got a correct weight, i.e., she is indeed 3 lbs? What kind of a scale did you use?

ellykay72 · 02-15-2009, 02:03 PM

I know each of you is right. And, I asked every person I corresponded with to send me pictures of the parents. Some did; some didn't. I let my guard down with this one because I liked her, and she said the right things on the phone when so many before her didn't. But, I do not think she intentionally misled me. I may be naive in that, but I really don't think so.

Yes, the larger size will be great for our children, and I definitely didn't want a really small one. I wanted one that my children can get down and play with. But, I also wanted her small enough to carry around and be representative of her breed......or we would have picked something else, if that makes sense.

Around here, most AKC Yorkie females sell for around $700 or $850. There are some that are offered for $500, but they are usually older, and there are some for $1,500 that are really tiny.

And, no, she will not be bred. She will be spayed.

mscat · 02-15-2009, 02:13 PM

Hi there and welcome to YT !
I need to tell you that i brought my Suzi home when she was going on 9 weeks old. I took her to the vet two days later, she was 3lbs too. She was tiny and so adorable, It did not dawn on me at all about her weight.
Suzi is 11 months old and she is a 7lber. no kidding. my point is that it is hard to tell what there weight will be full grown! Suzi is happy, healthy and full of energy. If she were even bigger I'd love her just as much! She is a great eater and into everything!

artie merlino · 02-15-2009, 03:11 PM

Take it from me, I have 3 Yorkies and I have the pleasure of owning one that is small @ 5 lbs., Abigail medium @ 7 lbs. and Artie large @ 10 lbs. Size does not matter I LOVE each one of them to Death, regardless of their "Size or Weight". I can definetely understand your Frustration though.....Breeders say what you want to hear. Even if you saw the so-called "Parents"? How could you even be sure that they were it's Parents? As a matter of fact one of my Breeders that I am still Friends with recently went to Florida for the Holidays.
While she was down there she purchased a Yorkie Puppy for $700.00 and re-sold it here (South Carolina) for $1,200.00, strictly to make a profit! I've heard so may stories and I personally had a bad experience w/purchasing a Yorkie from the Internet. Basically there is nothing that you could do? Except
enjoy your New member of your Family!

bchgirl · 02-15-2009, 03:19 PM

A lot of times....a puppy longer in the leg usually means a bigger dog as an adult. Genetically... size goes beyond just the sire and dam.

I don't really see any reason to contact the breeder unless you want to return the dog.

QuickSilver · 02-15-2009, 03:20 PM

Was the breeder aware that you wanted a dog that would grow to < 7 lbs as an adult? Did she tell you that your dog unlikely to be > 7 lbs?

Basically, if you feel that you were explicitly misled, I would call the breeder or write her a letter to express your disappointment. I think it's always better to complain (does that say something about my personality?

) because maybe this person will think twice before pulling a fast one next time.

I can understand that you may feel a bit of "buyers remorse" because these puppies are so expensive. It's a big purchase, and commitment. However, I think everyone is right that you will end up adoring her even if she ends up weighing TWENTY pounds.

ellykay72 · 02-15-2009, 03:41 PM

We don't have buyer's remorse.

And, I don't expect it to come. I do have disappointment because I have researched this breed and put it off for a long time to find the 'right' puppy. And, yes, the breeder knew what I was looking for. I made it very clear.

I guess you could say I'm upset with myself. I had just run into MANY puppy-mill type operations and jumped when I found someone with knowledge about the breed (and the truth about registries, the so-called teacup, etc.) who didn't have 10 dames and 3 sires of five different breeds.

grandmatoall · 02-15-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellykay72

We don't have buyer's remorse.

And, I don't expect it to come. I do have disappointment because I have researched this breed and put it off for a long time to find the 'right' puppy. And, yes, the breeder knew what I was looking for. I made it very clear.

I guess you could say I'm upset with myself. I had just run into MANY puppy-mill type operations and jumped when I found someone with knowledge about the breed (and the truth about registries, the so-called teacup, etc.) who didn't have 10 dames and 3 sires of five different breeds.

No matter how big your baby gets.. you will have a baby full of love. It is amazing how much love these babies have in their hearts..... and they just keep giving and giving.

TJ's mom was 4.3lbs and his dad was 3.4lbs. None of their babies in prior litters reached more than 5lbs. But my little TJ is now between 7-8 lbs. He is 14 months old and I love him so much. He is just the right size for me. I don't know if it was because he was an only baby or what. But to me he is perfect. He is healthy, happy and loves everyone. Be happy with your wonderful little gift. Hugs to you, Bobbi

Yorkieville200 · 02-15-2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellykay72

We don't have buyer's remorse.

And, I don't expect it to come. I do have disappointment because I have researched this breed and put it off for a long time to find the 'right' puppy. And, yes, the breeder knew what I was looking for. I made it very clear.

I guess you could say I'm upset with myself. I had just run into MANY puppy-mill type operations and jumped when I found someone with knowledge about the breed (and the truth about registries, the so-called teacup, etc.) who didn't have 10 dames and 3 sires of five different breeds.

I'm glad you don't have "Buyers Remorse". I think your puppy found a great home.

Please don't be upset with yourself. I think, you trusted this breeder. I can understand, why, after all your previous experiences with millers.
If you ever get another Yorkie, please, visit the breeders home, see both Sire and Dam. It's the only way, to truly ascertain, that you are not buying from a BYB.

Unless, of course, you are buying from a reputable, (emphasis) on 'reputable', show breeder.

Even though your puppy is 3#s right now, she may not get beyond breed standard. Some lines stop growing at different ages.

If you are interested in knowing if this breeders lines do stop growing early, maybe give the breeder a call, and politely mention that you were surprised to weigh your puppy and find that she is 3#s already, and ask her, if her lines stop growing at a certain age.

Sheila

MollysMum54 · 02-16-2009, 10:42 AM

As the proud owner of a 14lbs yorkie,can i reassure you that is still quite small, and hopefully in time, you will be glad you had a slightly bigger pup.
When big dogs come running up to us, i am worried anyway, but would be a nervous wreck if Molly was smaller. Even at 14lbs, i can still carry her when i need to, but she can walk for miles and plays for ages which would probably be good as you have children.
Its a shame if you were mislead, but i wouldnt spend too much time thinking about it now.
I look forward to seeing lots of photos of your little one.

02-15-2009, 01:33 PM	#1
ellykay72 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: TX Posts: 41	Question about Size, and a What would you do? I know everyone asks how big their Yorkie is going to be, and there is no exact science. But, I am sitting here shocked. When I posted earlier about her legs, we were out of town getting our puppy. We have just returned, and I weighed her. She is 3 lbs. and will only be 8 weeks tomorrow. Other than the very long legs, she seems awfully tiny. Very small face and features. But, 3 lbs. is huge. She doesn't seem anywhere close to that, but I've double and triple check with different scales. That means she could be around 9 lbs. full grown, right? The breeder was one of the only ones I liked. I kept running into puppy mills where Yorkies were kept in cages, one on top of the other, even ones with a good AKC history. It was nice to find someone who I could actually tell loved the dogs. And, honestly, we chose not to pay $1,000 considering the economy. The breeder told me that dad is 3.5 lbs. and mom is 5.5 lbs. I did not see them because we worked out an arrangement to meet at a more convenient town. I know that was a mistake. But, it was a gift for one of my children. And, I KNEW we would be leaving with a Yorkie, regardless of where we went to see her or what she looked like. Would you call the breeder? There is nothing to do now, other than let her know that I am surprised and disappointed in her weight. We already love her and will keep her forever regardless. She is a real sweetheart. But, we have wanted a Yorkie for a long time, and I finally thought I found 'the one'. I did not want a tiny Yorkie, but I did want one within the standard of 7 lbs. or less.

02-15-2009, 01:45 PM	#2
Karrie Donating YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 903	Having already decided to keep her, then calling the breeder will just bring on unwanted anxiety. Now is the time to direct all your attention and positive energy to the new baby!!! Welcome to YT - we're glad to have ya!!! Good luck!!! __________________ This is Bailey's world and we just live in it!

02-15-2009, 01:49 PM	#3
bella_mia_hairy YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: IN Posts: 507	If you wanted a yorkie for a pet and had no plans to breed or show her having her not be within standard should be okay. You can not always go by what a breeder says, thru correspondance. It is always better to see the sire and dam with your own eyes, in person so that way you know what to expect in your puppy. You could have asked for the breeder to bring them along. When I deel with perspective buyers I prefer that they come to my home to meet the puppies and the parents to let them see how they interact with people and they are also welcome to bring their other pets along if they choose. If they want to meet half way I bring the parents along also. __________________ *Proud Momma* to Isabella: Mia Francesca Hairy Winston Prince Lorenzo Chloe Poopette Sheik Rudolfo Valentino

02-15-2009, 01:51 PM	#4
Ladymom Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 8,317	$1,000 is the minimum price you should expect to pay for a well bred Yorkie from a reputable breeder, more for a female. Since you bought a "bargain" puppy, you shouldn't expect to get one that is a good representative of the Yorkie standard in looks or temperament. She will most likely be at least ten pounds full grown. __________________ http://www.myladysdogbows.com/ http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref...6213341?ref=nf

02-15-2009, 01:51 PM	#5
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	From someone who has 2 yorkies that outgrew their estimation of weight by quite a bit I can understand your frustration. However I have grown to love mine for everything they are including their weight. I wouldnt focus on her weight anymore. Also even if she does get to 9 lbs that is still a very small dog when compared to other breeds. I dont know if you have children but I have found my Chachi who is 11 lbs is a good size for children __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

02-15-2009, 01:56 PM	#6
bildio Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Havre de Grace, MD Posts: 1,536	Are you sure you got a correct weight, i.e., she is indeed 3 lbs? What kind of a scale did you use? __________________ *Niko (3 yrs) Gus (5 yrs)* *Squirt (17 yrs - RIP)* Last edited by bildio; 02-15-2009 at 02:00 PM.

02-15-2009, 02:03 PM	#7
ellykay72 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: TX Posts: 41	I know each of you is right. And, I asked every person I corresponded with to send me pictures of the parents. Some did; some didn't. I let my guard down with this one because I liked her, and she said the right things on the phone when so many before her didn't. But, I do not think she intentionally misled me. I may be naive in that, but I really don't think so. Yes, the larger size will be great for our children, and I definitely didn't want a really small one. I wanted one that my children can get down and play with. But, I also wanted her small enough to carry around and be representative of her breed......or we would have picked something else, if that makes sense. Around here, most AKC Yorkie females sell for around $700 or $850. There are some that are offered for $500, but they are usually older, and there are some for $1,500 that are really tiny. And, no, she will not be bred. She will be spayed.

02-15-2009, 02:13 PM	#8
mscat YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 4,895	Hi there and welcome to YT ! I need to tell you that i brought my Suzi home when she was going on 9 weeks old. I took her to the vet two days later, she was 3lbs too. She was tiny and so adorable, It did not dawn on me at all about her weight. Suzi is 11 months old and she is a 7lber. no kidding. my point is that it is hard to tell what there weight will be full grown! Suzi is happy, healthy and full of energy. If she were even bigger I'd love her just as much! She is a great eater and into everything! __________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

02-15-2009, 03:11 PM	#9
artie merlino YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Myrtle Beach,SC Posts: 697	Small. Medium & Large Take it from me, I have 3 Yorkies and I have the pleasure of owning one that is small @ 5 lbs., Abigail medium @ 7 lbs. and Artie large @ 10 lbs. Size does not matter I LOVE each one of them to Death, regardless of their "Size or Weight". I can definetely understand your Frustration though.....Breeders say what you want to hear. Even if you saw the so-called "Parents"? How could you even be sure that they were it's Parents? As a matter of fact one of my Breeders that I am still Friends with recently went to Florida for the Holidays. While she was down there she purchased a Yorkie Puppy for $700.00 and re-sold it here (South Carolina) for $1,200.00, strictly to make a profit! I've heard so may stories and I personally had a bad experience w/purchasing a Yorkie from the Internet. Basically there is nothing that you could do? Except enjoy your New member of your Family! __________________ Aloha, Artie, Abigail & Pom Pom

02-15-2009, 03:19 PM	#10
bchgirl Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: at da beach Posts: 15,444 Blog Entries: 2	A lot of times....a puppy longer in the leg usually means a bigger dog as an adult. Genetically... size goes beyond just the sire and dam. I don't really see any reason to contact the breeder unless you want to return the dog. __________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com

02-15-2009, 03:20 PM	#11
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	Was the breeder aware that you wanted a dog that would grow to < 7 lbs as an adult? Did she tell you that your dog unlikely to be > 7 lbs? Basically, if you feel that you were explicitly misled, I would call the breeder or write her a letter to express your disappointment. I think it's always better to complain (does that say something about my personality? ) because maybe this person will think twice before pulling a fast one next time. I can understand that you may feel a bit of "buyers remorse" because these puppies are so expensive. It's a big purchase, and commitment. However, I think everyone is right that you will end up adoring her even if she ends up weighing TWENTY pounds.

02-15-2009, 03:41 PM	#12
ellykay72 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: TX Posts: 41	We don't have buyer's remorse. And, I don't expect it to come. I do have disappointment because I have researched this breed and put it off for a long time to find the 'right' puppy. And, yes, the breeder knew what I was looking for. I made it very clear. I guess you could say I'm upset with myself. I had just run into MANY puppy-mill type operations and jumped when I found someone with knowledge about the breed (and the truth about registries, the so-called teacup, etc.) who didn't have 10 dames and 3 sires of five different breeds. Last edited by ellykay72; 02-15-2009 at 03:43 PM.

02-16-2009, 10:42 AM	#15
MollysMum54 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: England,UK Posts: 1,176	As the proud owner of a 14lbs yorkie,can i reassure you that is still quite small, and hopefully in time, you will be glad you had a slightly bigger pup. When big dogs come running up to us, i am worried anyway, but would be a nervous wreck if Molly was smaller. Even at 14lbs, i can still carry her when i need to, but she can walk for miles and plays for ages which would probably be good as you have children. Its a shame if you were mislead, but i wouldnt spend too much time thinking about it now. I look forward to seeing lots of photos of your little one.