Is 4 pounds too small? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Cookie_Cupcake · 03-06-2011, 04:00 PM

Hi, I have a 5 year old 13 pound Yorkie and I'm considering getting another Yorkie. The particular puppy I'm looking at from this breeder is charting out to be about 4-5 pounds full grown. She said its current measurements are 13 inches long and 7 inches tall at 18 wks. I'm not sure how much it weighs but I think I recall her saying almost 3 pounds. That might not be right.

The problem is is that I've been searching and searching and I can't find any reputable breeders near to where I live. This particular lady I found is 4 hours away from me. She offered to drive the whole four hours to me since I'm afraid to get on the highways and I don't like the idea of having a puppy shipped. The thing is, if she makes a 4 hour trip down here I'm going to feel obligated to pick a puppy. She has sent me many pics of the pup, but I can't tell how small the dog is now and will be full grown. I don't want anything too small and fragile, but I don't want anything too big that hurts to carry like my 13 pound guy. I love him dearly but he is a little too big. I'm also worried if 4 pounds is too small and might get trampled by my big guy.

So I guess my question is, is that even though the parents of the dog are 4 and 5 pounds, can the pup still grow larger? And if so, is there any (safe) way I can induce the dog the grow larger if I realize it's too small? Maybe if you have a 4-5 pound Yorkie could you tell me it's measurements (length and height)? Just any help at all would be appreciated!!!

Thanks.

MaddiesMommie · 03-06-2011, 04:12 PM

First, do not feel obligated at all to take a puppy from her. Be honest and upfront, letting her know you are very interested but will not purchase if you are not sure. I think anyone should respect that and not certainly not want you to buy a pup out of obligation.
Second, you may be able to get an idea of weight but no certain answer until the pup is grown. My Maddie is 11 lbs., she was a small pup until about the 9 mo mark and she hit a growth spurt. Her parents were 6 and 7 lbs.

We recently introduced a medium breed dog into our family. He will be 55-65 lbs fully grown. We are constantly supervising their play and interaction making sure to correct any rough play. I think you can definitely make this work but you have to be willing to ensure the older dog knows how to interact with the smaller one.

MaddiesMommie · 03-06-2011, 04:12 PM

Oh, and WELCOME to YT

my2boyz · 03-06-2011, 04:22 PM

Welcome to YT!

You will get many opinions on this subject but let me tell you what just happened here.

I have 2 females that are about 13 and 15 pounds and a little male that is right around 5 pounds...the girls are 3 and my male is 2 1/2. About 2 weeks ago we came home and little Peanut was limping and we don't know what happened. He may have slipped on the hardwood floors but he may have been hurt while playing with my girls...they can and do play rough.

We always supervise their playtime when we are home but when we left the house we left them all out since they are so well trained and never really thought about him getting hurt. Since Peanut got hurt we put him in his kennel at night and when we leave just in case.

Turns out he had only twisted or sprained something and he is better now but it scares me to think of what could have happened.

If I only had Peanut I wouldn't worry but having him here with my girls makes me nervous now.

If I were looking to ad another to my home I would prefer one similar in size to the one I already had...but...that's just my opinion.

Cookie_Cupcake · 03-06-2011, 04:35 PM

Thanks for the advice and the warm welcome! It helps to know that your pup turned out to be 11 pounds with her parents being that small! I know I should not be obligated to get the pup, but I feel a little uneasy about her driving 4 hours down here.

BTW, I attached a picture of the pup I'm most interested in, if anyone wants to give an opinion on her.

Sunnie · 03-06-2011, 04:37 PM

It is really hard for a breeder to give exact adult weights for a puppy that young, but according to the "standard" charts, if the puppy is close to 3 pounds at 18 weeks, it will likely be between 4 to 6 lbs full grown. BUT that being said, they can be even much larger than that if they get a growth spurt. I have 3 that are approx. 5 lbs and one over 8 lbs and one 16 pounds and have not had a problem with them hurting each other. also, even at 8 pounds, that is a lot of weight to carry for long. shoot, even my 5 pounders end up putting my arm to sleep if I am holding them too long. lol

the thing to remember is honestly, you do NOT need to feel obligated to take a puppy if you do not feel like it is the proper fit into your home. And if the breeder is reputable at all, she will NOT want to place it in your home if you have any doubts at all. A reputable breeder will want to be sure YOU are the right person for her puppy and will agree to accept the puppy back at any time.

Presto · 03-06-2011, 04:39 PM

OMG such a cute little face

presto is around 3.9 lbs at 8 mos and i don't think he will grow much. he's the smallest one amongst his litter.

Britster · 03-06-2011, 04:42 PM

I don't think it's an issue necessarily about size- moreso dogs personality. Jackson loveslovesloves his best little Yorkie girlfriend who is 6lbs and he is 16lbs. They play fine together and can get pretty rough, but she handles it really well and loves every minute of it. However my friends 4lb male is more of a "wimp" and doesn't really get involved in the rough play (though he holds his own!) and doesn't really play that way with Jackson, it's just not his personality. Jackson played with a YT member's foster Chihuahua's who were pretty rough and he loved them! They played great. So I think it's more about finding a personality that fits with your current dog.

YouTube - 3 Yorkies: 1 Car.... Adventure to the...

YouTube - Jackson (13lb Yorkie) playing with Nala...

MaddiesMommie · 03-06-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunnie

It is really hard for a breeder to give exact adult weights for a puppy that young, but according to the "standard" charts, if the puppy is close to 3 pounds at 18 weeks, it will likely be between 4 to 6 lbs full grown. BUT that being said, they can be even much larger than that if they get a growth spurt. I have 3 that are approx. 5 lbs and one over 8 lbs and one 16 pounds and have not had a problem with them hurting each other. also, even at 8 pounds, that is a lot of weight to carry for long. shoot, even my 5 pounders end up putting my arm to sleep if I am holding them too long. lol

the thing to remember is honestly, you do NOT need to feel obligated to take a puppy if you do not feel like it is the proper fit into your home. And if the breeder is reputable at all, she will NOT want to place it in your home if you have any doubts at all. A reputable breeder will want to be sure YOU are the right person for her puppy and will agree to accept the puppy back at any time.

said much better than me

She is so adorable.

Brister's Jackson is a wonderful example of a pup who can properly interact with dogs of smaller size. You can make it work if you are willing to work at it.

Cookie_Cupcake · 03-06-2011, 04:49 PM

my2boyz, I understand what you are saying. My Cookie was pretty rowdy until he got older and now he has calmed down a lot. I would be able to supervise them constantly as I am home all day and do not work, and when I would leave the pup would be going into its crate. But, that is one of my main worries, about it being too fragile. If I could find more breeders in my area I would look for one a little bit larger.

Wabbit · 03-06-2011, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookie_Cupcake

So I guess my question is, is that even though the parents of the dog are 4 and 5 pounds, can the pup still grow larger? And if so, is there any (safe) way I can induce the dog the grow larger if I realize it's too small? Maybe if you have a 4-5 pound Yorkie could you tell me it's measurements (length and height)? Just any help at all would be appreciated!!!

Thanks.

I have a 100 lb mix dog and 3 yorkies....my smallest being 4lbs. Dakota has never hurt Tulip....they get along fabulously! But when I leave the house for whatever reason....I do NOT leave Dakota with the little ones..it's just a precaution....

As far as trying to get the dog to grow larger safely.. A dogs weight is determined by genetics.....and unless you want to make it "overweight" then the answer is No....But since your other dog is only 13lbs...I don't think that's a big deal at all! If you're nervous leaving them alone....just separate them when you're gone until you know how they do together. I would do that anyhow since the puppy is small right now. That's if you decide to get it.

Is your 13 lber fixed? It would be very dangerous if you get a female and have her around an intact male...esp. 13 lbs.

Cookie_Cupcake · 03-06-2011, 04:59 PM

Britster, thanks for the videos! That really helped me to kind of get an idea about the size differences. They are adorable!

Sunnie, thanks for the advice, it's great to hear that they've had no problems. My Cookie is really very well behaved, I just hope he doesn't get jealous!

Wabbit, yes, my Cookie is neutered and we would be getting the little girl spayed as well. Thanks for the advice!

Cookie_Cupcake · 03-06-2011, 05:05 PM

I definitely do not want to make the dog overweight, i just wanted to know if, for example, feeding it a little more would help.

Wabbit · 03-06-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookie_Cupcake

Britster, thanks for the videos! That really helped me to kind of get an idea about the size differences. They are adorable!

Sunnie, thanks for the advice, it's great to hear that they've had no problems. My Cookie is really very well behaved, I just hope he doesn't get jealous!

Wabbit, yes, my Cookie is neutered and we would be getting the little girl spayed as well. Thanks for the advice!

good!! I personally wouldn't go running to get her spayed until she's mature...esp. since Cookie is already neutered!!
She "could" be 4-5 lbs..she could be closer to 6...if Cookie has a good disposition...I wouldn't worry one bit about the little girl's size!

Good luck!

Cookie_Cupcake · 03-06-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wabbit

good!! I personally wouldn't go running to get her spayed until she's mature...esp. since Cookie is already neutered!!
She "could" be 4-5 lbs..she could be closer to 6...if Cookie has a good disposition...I wouldn't worry one bit about the little girl's size!

Good luck!

I didn't plan on getting her spayed for a while, but when would you suggest to do it?

03-06-2011, 04:00 PM	#1
Cookie_Cupcake Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Everywhere! Posts: 17	Is 4 pounds too small? Hi, I have a 5 year old 13 pound Yorkie and I'm considering getting another Yorkie. The particular puppy I'm looking at from this breeder is charting out to be about 4-5 pounds full grown. She said its current measurements are 13 inches long and 7 inches tall at 18 wks. I'm not sure how much it weighs but I think I recall her saying almost 3 pounds. That might not be right. The problem is is that I've been searching and searching and I can't find any reputable breeders near to where I live. This particular lady I found is 4 hours away from me. She offered to drive the whole four hours to me since I'm afraid to get on the highways and I don't like the idea of having a puppy shipped. The thing is, if she makes a 4 hour trip down here I'm going to feel obligated to pick a puppy. She has sent me many pics of the pup, but I can't tell how small the dog is now and will be full grown. I don't want anything too small and fragile, but I don't want anything too big that hurts to carry like my 13 pound guy. I love him dearly but he is a little too big. I'm also worried if 4 pounds is too small and might get trampled by my big guy. So I guess my question is, is that even though the parents of the dog are 4 and 5 pounds, can the pup still grow larger? And if so, is there any (safe) way I can induce the dog the grow larger if I realize it's too small? Maybe if you have a 4-5 pound Yorkie could you tell me it's measurements (length and height)? Just any help at all would be appreciated!!! Thanks.

03-06-2011, 04:22 PM	#4
my2boyz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my house :) Posts: 5,219	Welcome to YT! You will get many opinions on this subject but let me tell you what just happened here. I have 2 females that are about 13 and 15 pounds and a little male that is right around 5 pounds...the girls are 3 and my male is 2 1/2. About 2 weeks ago we came home and little Peanut was limping and we don't know what happened. He may have slipped on the hardwood floors but he may have been hurt while playing with my girls...they can and do play rough. We always supervise their playtime when we are home but when we left the house we left them all out since they are so well trained and never really thought about him getting hurt. Since Peanut got hurt we put him in his kennel at night and when we leave just in case. Turns out he had only twisted or sprained something and he is better now but it scares me to think of what could have happened. If I only had Peanut I wouldn't worry but having him here with my girls makes me nervous now. If I were looking to ad another to my home I would prefer one similar in size to the one I already had...but...that's just my opinion. Last edited by my2boyz; 03-06-2011 at 04:23 PM.

03-06-2011, 04:35 PM	#5
Cookie_Cupcake Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Everywhere! Posts: 17	Thanks for the advice and the warm welcome! It helps to know that your pup turned out to be 11 pounds with her parents being that small! I know I should not be obligated to get the pup, but I feel a little uneasy about her driving 4 hours down here. BTW, I attached a picture of the pup I'm most interested in, if anyone wants to give an opinion on her. Attached Thumbnails

03-06-2011, 04:37 PM	#6
Sunnie Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: So. California Posts: 4,057	It is really hard for a breeder to give exact adult weights for a puppy that young, but according to the "standard" charts, if the puppy is close to 3 pounds at 18 weeks, it will likely be between 4 to 6 lbs full grown. BUT that being said, they can be even much larger than that if they get a growth spurt. I have 3 that are approx. 5 lbs and one over 8 lbs and one 16 pounds and have not had a problem with them hurting each other. also, even at 8 pounds, that is a lot of weight to carry for long. shoot, even my 5 pounders end up putting my arm to sleep if I am holding them too long. lol the thing to remember is honestly, you do NOT need to feel obligated to take a puppy if you do not feel like it is the proper fit into your home. And if the breeder is reputable at all, she will NOT want to place it in your home if you have any doubts at all. A reputable breeder will want to be sure YOU are the right person for her puppy and will agree to accept the puppy back at any time. __________________ Sonya, Owned by Ladybug, Tilly, Sunshine, Beamer, Rainbow, Sonny and Righteous RIP Sunnie (11/12/2003-7/31/2009)

03-06-2011, 04:59 PM	#12
Cookie_Cupcake Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Everywhere! Posts: 17	Britster, thanks for the videos! That really helped me to kind of get an idea about the size differences. They are adorable! Sunnie, thanks for the advice, it's great to hear that they've had no problems. My Cookie is really very well behaved, I just hope he doesn't get jealous! Wabbit, yes, my Cookie is neutered and we would be getting the little girl spayed as well. Thanks for the advice! Last edited by Cookie_Cupcake; 03-06-2011 at 05:01 PM.

03-06-2011, 04:12 PM	#2
MaddiesMommie LoveMy2 Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 4,060	First, do not feel obligated at all to take a puppy from her. Be honest and upfront, letting her know you are very interested but will not purchase if you are not sure. I think anyone should respect that and not certainly not want you to buy a pup out of obligation. Second, you may be able to get an idea of weight but no certain answer until the pup is grown. My Maddie is 11 lbs., she was a small pup until about the 9 mo mark and she hit a growth spurt. Her parents were 6 and 7 lbs. We recently introduced a medium breed dog into our family. He will be 55-65 lbs fully grown. We are constantly supervising their play and interaction making sure to correct any rough play. I think you can definitely make this work but you have to be willing to ensure the older dog knows how to interact with the smaller one.

03-06-2011, 04:39 PM	#7
Presto Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wilmington, MA Posts: 370	OMG such a cute little face presto is around 3.9 lbs at 8 mos and i don't think he will grow much. he's the smallest one amongst his litter.

03-06-2011, 04:49 PM	#10
Cookie_Cupcake Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Everywhere! Posts: 17	my2boyz, I understand what you are saying. My Cookie was pretty rowdy until he got older and now he has calmed down a lot. I would be able to supervise them constantly as I am home all day and do not work, and when I would leave the pup would be going into its crate. But, that is one of my main worries, about it being too fragile. If I could find more breeders in my area I would look for one a little bit larger.

03-06-2011, 05:05 PM	#13
Cookie_Cupcake Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Everywhere! Posts: 17	I definitely do not want to make the dog overweight, i just wanted to know if, for example, feeding it a little more would help.