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I have one of each as well. My shih tzu is a little pistol, and makes me laugh every day! He's 12 lbs and a little sturdier than my 6 lb yorkie, but neither one is really fragile. Oliver is the first shih tzu that I've ever actually known, but according to his breeder (who is also a friend of mine) he acts a lot like his Mama. He is very smart, very stubborn, and he is such a love. I also think that shih tzu tend to be more of a lap dog than yorkies, they were originally bred hundreds of years ago for the sole purpose of being companion dogs in China.

Belle is my yorkie. She has a true terrier personality. She's also very smart, but not quite as stubborn. She loves to learn new commands, loves to chase birds, squirrels, our cats, and her toys. She loves to cuddle, but if something catches her attention she's off like a flash to investigate it. Yorkies have always been my favorite breed and I will always have at least one.

If you go through a rescue, you'll have no trouble finding a larger yorkie. I've seen plenty of them who are 8 lbs or more. Good luck in your search for your new family member. You can't go wrong with either breed. They are both wonderful dogs!



This is off topic, but I just wanted to add, it really bothers me when I see people refer to shih tzu as "s**tzu". It seems mean and degrading. They are sweet, loving dogs, and just because they aren't your breed of choice doesn't mean you should insult them.

:thumbup::thumbup: I TOTALLY AGREE.
I KNOW THIS IS A YORKIE TALK SITE BUT THERE IS NO CALL FOR SOMEONE TO BASH OTHER BREEDS..
OSCAR AND MY SHIH TZU , KAIAH, LOVE EACH OTHER. KAIAH IS 13 LBS
AND OSCAR IS 7 POUNDS AND THEY WRESTLE AND ROUGHHOUSE.
OSCAR HOLDS HIS OWN FOR SURE , CRACKS ME UP..

I like yorkies at any size except what some call 'teacup' I've had two yorkies that lived to a very old age, one was 5 1/2 lbs and the other 6 lbs. I am not saying their weight had anything to do with their health but if too tiny it makes any type of emergency more dangerous.

yorkies come in all shapes and sizes and they all have huge personalities. IMO you can't go wrong with a yorkie

People are spelling it Shi tzu but with one word and that's how it comes out. YorkieTalk's server thinks that's a bad word and automatically put in the asterisks. I know some Shih Tzu owners who spell it that way, so I don’t think it’s always meant to be disrespectful.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

If you getting an adult and going through a rescue, you would have a good chance of getting a larger Yorkie. Sadly, many people get Yorkies with the whole purse puppy, accessory thing in mind. When they get bigger than "purse size" or the owner realizes that Yorkies are real dogs the novelty wears off and they end up in shelters. I think you could do very well getting a rescued Yorkie.

I'm sure you will have no problem finding a larger adult through a rescue or a shelter. Good luck in your search!

Yorkies win in my book!!!!
 

I've had several different breeds throughout my life and there is NO comparing a Yorkie to any other breed! Rylee Belle is 6 pounds of pure joy. Very smart and very loyal! I have a Chihuahua also that I adore but everything has to be on his terms. Rylee Belle is by far the very best dog I have ever owned! Yorkies have very unique personalities (kind of human like). :rolleyes: I don't think you would be sorry if you got a Yorkie!!!! :p

In defense of "tiny" Yorkies...My Logan is 3 years old and 6 pounds but is NOT a purse dog! He might be "only" 6 pounds but he is a HUGE character! He might be tiny, but he is most certainly NOT frail! He is also the most snuggly, playful, energetic dog I have ever encountered.

No matter which rescue dog you choose, look at it this way: they BOTH need a home! Go with your "gut", follow your intuition, and you'll make the right choice!

Welcome to Yorkie Talk Logan's Daddy, can't wait to see a picture as soon as you get used to this home of Yorkie owners.

I think 6 lbs is the perfect size but I do not consider it a tiny. Small in comparison to many breeds but some end up much smaller. My 6 pounder lived to be 14 years old and what a fun loving dog she was and just like full of energy.

Here on Yorkie Talk and the Yorkshire Terrier Club of American, we do not believe in breeding for the 'tiny' so call Teacup since so many more health concerns arise. The standard calls for seven pounds or under but that doesn't mean 3 lbs. I have seen many over the seven pounds that are wonderful dogs but cannot be shown if one is looking for that.

On the blue line above, you will see FAQ that will help you get acclimated.

I have a male yorkie who is 10 lbs on the nose and I know he is a yorkie because i saw him with both of his parents his mother is 4.5 lbs. and his dad is 4 lbs. and he is a very sturdy and stocky boy and he loves to play rough and has never had any health issues yet and he is exceptionaly good with little kids. Thats great that you are going to get a rescue, you can find alot of rescue yorkies it seems in the bigger size more now.

Why not can get one of each...a Yorkie and a Shih Tzu? Then you won't have to choose! :p

I have a 13lb teapot Yorkie. He's heavy, sturdy, curious, playful and a total cuddle bug (at night). His brother whom I also have is a 6lb little tiny fragile dog believe it or not. He's not THAT fragile but when I feel his little legs to me they feel like toothpicks. His little head is tiny compared to my other boy. He's way more of a cuddle bug with me, a total mommas boy. If I'm sitting down that is where he is, whereas my other boy is more curious about everything and not ready to settle down until bedtime.
Both my boys chase frogs, crickets, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, dig up moles, etc outside, both run up & down stairs, both jump off or on the couch, bed, etc... (I get nervous when my little guy does it, but after almost 7 years of trying to train them to not do it, I had to give it up), both play with each other and other dogs. The only thing that's different is I feel my bigger guy can walk on the ground and hold his own more with other dogs than my smaller guy whom I tend to carry more often.
Ive seen really sweet Shih Tzus and more standoffish/aggressive ones. My mom has a female who will not let you take anything out of her mouth, has gotten a bit more grumpy in her older age, very stubborn and independent, not cuddly at all, but loves belly rubs and has a lot of fun energy to run and play (even at 9 years old). But the same could be said for Yorkies also. My bigger guy gets grumpy around children. If he feels uncomfortable he comes to me. If a child comes near him while he's on my lap, he will lunge and bark and snap even. My little guy is soooo passive, you can do anything to him at anytime and he will just love the attention!

Thank you all for your information and advice! What a wonderful forum, to get to ask questions and learn from experienced Yorkie owners! We are going to get a dog from a rescue group for sure - as we want an adult (not interested in the puppy thing) - and want to give a good home to a (yes, we're leaning towards) a Yorkie who needs a good home.