Yorkie weight and size

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Britster

I hate when people post with a face about being "bigger". You are STILL going to have a "small" dog and I'd hope you loved them regardless. An 8lb dog is still SMALL.

I agree with you, heck I think mine at 16 pounds is still small

[Ashley V]

Originally Posted by RoccoZ

I am a new Yorkie owner. I have owned a Maltese in the past, but Rocco is our first Yorkie. I think he's going to be pretty big . His dad is about 3 pounds and his mom is about 7 pounds. We thought he would weigh in somewhere in the middle. But, at his 8 week check up, he already weighed 2.8 pounds!!!!! Anyone have a guess as to how big he will be as an adult?

Chip was 2.6 lbs at 7 weeks, so he was about that size or a few ounces bigger at 8 weeks and is now about 7 lbs... still a pretty small dog.

[Dianab28]

Captain Jack...I love that name it's creative and cute

[Dianab28]

I have the opposite issue Two of my dogs seem underweight to me. The vet says they're not as underweight as I seem to think and they're healthy (which I guess is the important thing) but they don't seem to be putting on weight. I free feed them good quality dog food but keep treats to a minumum (makes them gassy).

[ArmaniMan]

Originally Posted by Dianab28

I have the opposite issue Two of my dogs seem underweight to me. The vet says they're not as underweight as I seem to think and they're healthy (which I guess is the important thing) but they don't seem to be putting on weight. I free feed them good quality dog food but keep treats to a minumum (makes them gassy).

As a society we are so used to seeing overweight dogs, that lean dogs often appear underweight- if they are eating a good quality food and the vet is pleased with their weight I wouldn't worry. It is much healthier for a dog to be on the lean side.

[CaptainJacksmom]

OK, Im still a bit confused. CaptainJack is my first Yorkie. The weight issue has always been about health, not looks for me. He is my companion, BFF, and I could not love him more. At 12 weeks, he weighed 2.5 lbs. If you double that it is 5 lbs which is what the first vet said he should not be more than. However, I admit, I was allowing him to eat people food and even tastes of icecream for awhile. My vet of 4 years now was concerned about this weight based on how he looked and felt and had me stop the people food snacks except for lean chicken. He had peacked at 8 lbs...He is now 7.2 and she says he looks and is healthy. I still feel I nice tummy so with more exercise, which I started today for him and for me, I think he may lose a little more. So, would you all say I am on the right track. Again he will 5 next April. Oh, I have cats and he gets a workout with them each evening running and chasing in the house and in my yard. I only want to do what is right for him but have been concerned about the weight issue mainly because of the first vets prediction.

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by CaptainJacksmom

OK, Im still a bit confused. CaptainJack is my first Yorkie. The weight issue has always been about health, not looks for me. He is my companion, BFF, and I could not love him more. At 12 weeks, he weighed 2.5 lbs. If you double that it is 5 lbs which is what the first vet said he should not be more than. However, I admit, I was allowing him to eat people food and even tastes of icecream for awhile. My vet of 4 years now was concerned about this weight based on how he looked and felt and had me stop the people food snacks except for lean chicken. He had peacked at 8 lbs...He is now 7.2 and she says he looks and is healthy. I still feel I nice tummy so with more exercise, which I started today for him and for me, I think he may lose a little more. So, would you all say I am on the right track. Again he will 5 next April. Oh, I have cats and he gets a workout with them each evening running and chasing in the house and in my yard. I only want to do what is right for him but have been concerned about the weight issue mainly because of the first vets prediction.

You are on the right track. We walk two miles a day during the week. On the weekends, weather permitting, we go for two walks a day and walk four miles a day.

You can give him some vegetables and fruits as well. Raw baby carrots make a good snack.

Go read some of the stickies at the top of the Health and Diet section. You might want to read a few threads as well. Good luck!

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yorkie-health-diet/

[FlDebra]

I also notied you say he weighed 2.8 pounds at his 8 week check up. How early did you get this little guy? He should really be with mom & siblings until at least 12 weeks. Another month with mom & kids can do a world of good to their future temperment, social skills, and wellbeing.

You had been guessing the weight based on the parents. I used to think the same -- but it has more to do with all of the weight picture -- mom, dad, other puppies in previous litters, grandparents on both sides.

Good breeders do not let their puppies go at 8 weeks and they are careful to consider the entire history of their dogs before breeding. Then you don't usually get surprises in size and other traits.

I also just noticed this was your first post -- I am sorry your first post sort of went awry. You will find this a great place to learn about the Yorkie breed, their special health and safety challenges, as well as share the joy of yorkie ownership! I know I threw some unexpected things in the mix when you posted about your baby's size -- rest assured you are still very much welcomed here! I just want to encourage you to look beyond the size issue and love your little guy as he is. There is probably no worry --my experience is that a yorkie puppy can win anyone over, no matter what size or shape.

[LuvTaycieGirl]

At 9 weeks Taycie weighed 2.9 pounds, just an ounce bigger and only a week older. She is now almost 9 months old and weighs 5.13. I wouldn't worry about the size at all! I would love Taycie if she was 23 pounds! And the size charts is only a "guestimate". Her vet thinks she is as big as she is going to get, she said that she might reach 6 pounds but for her frame she can't see her getting past that to stay healthy.

I wouldn't worry about the size and 8 pounds is one tiny dog! That is the size of most newborn babies!

[helenprieto]

Many people measure future weight in many different ways but my vet thinks that once they get their permanent teeth the "plates close" and it should be no more than additional pound or so after that. Dont ask me what the plates are or how they got open!!