Originally Posted by gemy (Post 4277396)

This is a good question. But what I feel is more important than overall height/size/weight, is the density of the bone, and the integrity of the joints.

Now some of all this is related to each other of course.

It probably is true, if you have a taller Yorkie, that they will naturally weigh more, but are their bones dense enough? Of course as we know in humans, larger bones do not automatically equal denser bones.

But in Yorkies as in other breeds we do associate the "thickness of the bone" to approximate the density of the bone. Which of course does not answer the question at the joint (s), are they articulated well.

So I would look to the thickness of the bones as more of an indicator of fragility. Although lets face it a 3-4 lb Yorkie can have challenges irrespective of bone width/density.

"Matchstick type legs" at any age are of a concern, And puppies by definition all have growing bones, and ligaments that are soft. Their structure is very plastic in youth.

I remember picking up one Yorkie that "looked" to the eye, a "normal sized female", and then I felt her bones. Oh dear, so narrow, so tiny. And she was quite light in weight. In her case I thought she'd be weighing in at about 5 -5.5 lbs.

Then we compared her to a visually "smaller" female. And she was shorter than the first. But so lovely in bone structure. I thought I was going to be picking up a light 4lber or so. I was so surprised. A very solid lass. Not an inch of fat on her, and she weighed in at 5.5 lbs. Her bones were very solid.

But the standard doesn't and the very old "illustrated standard" doesn't talk about bone width at all.

In our breed to get an idea about "good bone" which is one of the criterias we breed for, we actually do measurements at the ankle joint, when they are pups. We also do chest measurements, for breadth of chest.

Originally Posted by ShowGirlLola (Post 4277799)

The yorkie I grew up with was 5lbs and crazy. When he was old and senile he walked between the bars of the deck and landed in the recycling bin. Luckily he didn't get hurt.

Originally Posted by Faboosh (Post 4277806)

OMG and they say only cats have 9 lives?! :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by lynzy420 (Post 4277817)

Heres my take on it...we all get a little baby Yorkie (most of us) we bring them home they are small and cute and so gosh darn puppy breathish and then they start to grow and so do our hearts, more and more every day...wether they stay small or get big...we love them...I've yet to meet someone who didn't fall in love with their Yorkie...so we love whatever we get.....!!!!

Rescues and adoptions....awww that's just love at first sight, you may go in thinking you want a big guy, or a little girl, but once your in there it just happens...you just know...big or small that is your baby....

So how can anyone ask if we prefer big or small....we prefer the pup we have, how could we answer otherwise?? Its all about puppy love honey....

Originally Posted by lynzy420 (Post 4277817)

So how can anyone ask if we prefer big or small....we prefer the pup we have, how could we answer otherwise?? Its all about puppy love honey....

Originally Posted by Faboosh (Post 4277827)

I agree with all the points you made, but with all due respect, I think the question is more with regard to convenience/preference. I don't think size = lovability, at all. I've seen some wonderful bull mastiffs and some hateful lil chihuahuas (those buggers!) LOL

My little girl is pretty small and will likely stay small. I thought tiny was what I wanted, but given how "mighty" her personality and attitude is, and I'm constantly watching for her, I would prefer her to gain an extra pound or two. She'd still be small, just not so small. Regardless of her size, she's my baby and the love of my life and I honestly couldn't imagine having any other puppy than her. She's just perfect to me!

Originally Posted by lovespandp (Post 4277822)

:thumbup: So very true, most of the time you fall in love with something you weren't looking for..

I wanted a girl- however I fell in love with a boy, from the moment I saw him- I knew he was mine.

Originally Posted by Maximo (Post 4278097)

Same thing happened to me. I was looking for a little girl when Max's picture popped up. I knew he was the one.

Originally Posted by gemy (Post 4277396)

This is a good question. But what I feel is more important than overall height/size/weight, is the density of the bone, and the integrity of the joints.
...
So I would look to the thickness of the bones as more of an indicator of fragility. Although lets face it a 3-4 lb Yorkie can have challenges irrespective of bone width/density.

"Matchstick type legs" at any age are of a concern, And puppies by definition all have growing bones, and ligaments that are soft. Their structure is very plastic in youth.
...
In our breed to get an idea about "good bone" which is one of the criterias we breed for, we actually do measurements at the ankle joint, when they are pups. We also do chest measurements, for breadth of chest.

Originally Posted by lovespandp (Post 4278110)

That's how you know :D

Originally Posted by HKFandora (Post 4278151)

In my situation I wont get that option. My baby will be shipped in. I cant go and fall in love with my baby so I have to ask many questions before hand. Local breeders dont have any available.