Buying a Yorkie - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Pam19 · 07-30-2004, 05:22 AM

Hello !

We have ben researching Yorkies for about 2 months and have decided that this is the dog for us. We have found one that has captured our hearts but he is 3 lbs at 8 weeks. We do not want a tiny dog due to having minaiture donkeys in the back field but does anyone know if a 9-10 pound Yorkie full grown is abnormal??????

Please help, every other one I have seen has been so small......

Thanks!!!!

Pam

Higgin's Mom · 07-30-2004, 06:10 AM

Hi Pam....Welcome to Yorkie Talk!

Here is a link to the AKC Yorkshire Breed Standard which states that Yorkie should not be over 7 pounds at maturity.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/york.cfm

Many pups do grow to be larger, but most stay under 10 pounds. The vet feels that my own Higgins will probably top out around 8 pounds when he is fully matured.

Higgins weighed 1.5 lbs at 8 weeks old. In my opinion (and I'm NOT an expert), a puppy that weighs 3 pounds at 8 weeks will probably grow to over 10 pounds at maturity. Could this pup possibly be a Silky Terrier? They are larger dogs than Yorkies, look very similar, and many breeders breed both breeds....so accidents happen. Iif you are being asked to pay a steep price for a top quality Yorkie, I would be wary about buying this pup.

Hey, in the final analysis, if this pup has captured your heart and he is healthy and reasonably priced, then welcome him into your family. We knew that our Higgins was strictly pet quality who would probably not meet the breed standard, but since we were not breeding or showing, we opted for just having that great Yorkshire personality -- willful and delightfully rebellious.

yorkiegal719 · 07-30-2004, 06:11 AM

Hi Pam, I new here so this is my first reply. I don't think that you have too much to worry about, if you've fallen in love. It just depends on the breeding. I personally think that he'll be a little bigger than most, but I've had 4 yorkies in my life and my first one topped out at 12lbs, and he was just great. They are a little sturdier, but you still have to be careful with them. Just go with your heart and you'll be happy...Theresa & The Boys

Pam19 · 07-30-2004, 06:17 AM

yes, he has captured our hearts but I didn't want to make a big mistake. he is $1,500 and that a big chunk of change for us. I wish there were more breeders in our area to compare to.

thanks for the help!

red98vett · 07-30-2004, 06:41 AM

Ny baby Chanel tops off at 9.5 and she is my tiny little girl!!! Active, healthy and funny - Hi - by the way - I am a YD transplant!!!

Fran42478 · 07-30-2004, 06:43 AM

Sammi weighs in at a whopping 8 lbs, she is still 8 months old...Oink Oink!! I love it

Fran...also a YD transplant!

Chelsie1978 · 07-30-2004, 06:57 AM

My youngest yorkie (jessie) is 3lb´s at 3 months,and I love her being so big

I wanted a bigger yorkie after Lady,who at 8 months old only weighs 1lb 12 ounces.Lady is wonderful and we love her to peices,but shes also very fragile and tiny,so we dont let our kids play with her and have to shut her in the kitchen when we have visitors etc.But jess is very different,at 3 months old she can jump on and off of the couch,play with my kids and is big enough not to step on

I think 9-10lb´s is a good size

p.s Im also a YD transplant

jer_lin · 07-30-2004, 08:40 PM

pam ;
the 3 lb pup shouldn't be more than $600.00.
his adult weight will be around 9 lb.or more.
if you have fallen in love all else doesn't matter.
good luck
jer_lin

lily · 07-30-2004, 08:59 PM

Hi I'm a left over from yd too! I agree with rest of them here ! top out about 10lbs! I do think 1500 is bit much! What state you from? lily

Gypsy Rose · 07-31-2004, 02:06 PM

Gypsy Rose at 8lbs is (to us!) our smallest most delicate yorkie - the breeder does not believe in breeding too small. She is , again to us, the ideal size and not too delicate! Personally I feel that any yorkie any size is just perfect!! Ana xx

YorkieRose · 07-31-2004, 02:50 PM

YD transplant also..thanks for welcoming us.

What area are you in? Price is a bit high for an oversized Yorkie, but areas are so different. Nothing at all wrong in one who will be bigger, sounds like it suits your family. Have you checked out Breed.net and Shooterdog.com. I know a number of reputable friends advert on both.
Best wishes

Gypsy Rose · 07-31-2004, 05:48 PM

Re price - I know we are not in dollars but sure most of you will be better at maths than I am (even the average 2 year old is lol) - Gypsy Rose cost £250 a year ago and Gizzie will be £275 which makes me believe that yorkies are much cheaper over here!! That is an average sort of price for a yorkie with papers. One from prize winning stock would be anything from £450 upwards. Saw Gizzie 2day and she is just beautiful, due home in 6 weeks!! Ana xxx

bettyeanne · 07-31-2004, 07:05 PM

I think when buying any dog is just depends on the dog and your circumstances! Whether it be a purebred or a mutt. When you see that baby you just know. Personally, my husband wanted me to have the dog that I had always wanted! Money was no object ... the perfect baby was! He searched the entire country for our Toto and we are so happy with her we just don't have words to describe it!

She is exactly what I had always wanted ... 4 lbs., baby doll face, beautiful coat and the sweetest personality I have ever seen in a dog! Did I mention that she is so smart, it's scarry?!! I don't care to tell what we paid but I will say that I could've had a new car!!

She is an absolute joy!! I feel, from everything that I have read, that we are certainly one of the lucky ones! Found a very good breeder through an excellent vet whose specialty is Yorkies!!

YorkieRose · 08-01-2004, 04:57 AM

Betty Anne, I agree with you. We have had the same discussions on YD. A Yorkie, or anything else is worth what you want to pay for it. The reputation of the breeder is upmost before going to see any puppy. In most cases you are "buying" so to speak a life time contact, someone you can call or visit with questions and help. Health is a key factor, a good line, with a one year genetic guarantee...so much is involved beside the price.
Did you get your locally? I am not into shipping for a buyer..too many frauds out there..many people get ripped off. You Toto sounds like a wonderful Yorkie.

bettyeanne · 08-01-2004, 05:59 AM

Thank you, YorkiRose! I heard a breeder story that made me sick ... while we were still searching for our Toto ... I was in a beauty salon in Missouri, a lady said "We always try to sell them by the time they are 6-8 weeks old, while they are still cute ... after that it's harder to get rid of them"!! Can you believe that? I had the overwhelming urge to slap her silly ... had I not been sitting in the chair of a large beautician with scissors in her hand and obviously a friend of the "so called breeder", I would have said something to her! She just sounded like they just crank out puppies for the fee!!

Our breeder [in Marietta, GA] told us everything about health, etc. and actually began to sound like she was discouraging us because of all the time and expense involved in making a forever home for one of her babies!!

Our life is always topsy turvey because of our work and we are constantly traveling ... she just didn't know us then! Our life totally changed from the day we brought Toto home! And it revolves around her! She sees now that she knows us that she also made a wise decision by placing her with us!

Now when we are working in a new location, the first thing we do is find the closest airport and figure out how long it takes to get to Dr. Lucy from there!!

The only way I would allow any other vet to touch her would be if it was an absolute emergency and I had first discussed it with Lucy by phone and she told me to!! We are thankful that we have been so fortunate in our Yorkie decision and my heart just breaks for all those who have problems with theirs. Toto is our joy!!

07-30-2004, 05:22 AM	#1
Pam19 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2	Buying a Yorkie Hello ! We have ben researching Yorkies for about 2 months and have decided that this is the dog for us. We have found one that has captured our hearts but he is 3 lbs at 8 weeks. We do not want a tiny dog due to having minaiture donkeys in the back field but does anyone know if a 9-10 pound Yorkie full grown is abnormal?????? Please help, every other one I have seen has been so small...... Thanks!!!! Pam

07-30-2004, 06:17 AM	#4
Pam19 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2	thanks yes, he has captured our hearts but I didn't want to make a big mistake. he is $1,500 and that a big chunk of change for us. I wish there were more breeders in our area to compare to. thanks for the help!

07-30-2004, 06:41 AM	#5
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	9 lb Yorkie Ny baby Chanel tops off at 9.5 and she is my tiny little girl!!! Active, healthy and funny - Hi - by the way - I am a YD transplant!!!

07-30-2004, 06:43 AM	#6
Fran42478 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 1,731	Sammi weighs in at a whopping 8 lbs, she is still 8 months old...Oink Oink!! I love it Fran...also a YD transplant! __________________ Fran, Sophia Rose and Jake We Miss You Always Sammi 11/29/03 - 8/20/06

07-31-2004, 02:06 PM	#10
Gypsy Rose Owned by Gyps and Gizz Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Wales Posts: 629	Buying a Yorkie Gypsy Rose at 8lbs is (to us!) our smallest most delicate yorkie - the breeder does not believe in breeding too small. She is , again to us, the ideal size and not too delicate! Personally I feel that any yorkie any size is just perfect!! Ana xx

07-30-2004, 06:10 AM	#2
Higgin's Mom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 852	Hi Pam....Welcome to Yorkie Talk! Here is a link to the AKC Yorkshire Breed Standard which states that Yorkie should not be over 7 pounds at maturity. http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/york.cfm Many pups do grow to be larger, but most stay under 10 pounds. The vet feels that my own Higgins will probably top out around 8 pounds when he is fully matured. Higgins weighed 1.5 lbs at 8 weeks old. In my opinion (and I'm NOT an expert), a puppy that weighs 3 pounds at 8 weeks will probably grow to over 10 pounds at maturity. Could this pup possibly be a Silky Terrier? They are larger dogs than Yorkies, look very similar, and many breeders breed both breeds....so accidents happen. Iif you are being asked to pay a steep price for a top quality Yorkie, I would be wary about buying this pup. Hey, in the final analysis, if this pup has captured your heart and he is healthy and reasonably priced, then welcome him into your family. We knew that our Higgins was strictly pet quality who would probably not meet the breed standard, but since we were not breeding or showing, we opted for just having that great Yorkshire personality -- willful and delightfully rebellious.

07-30-2004, 06:11 AM	#3
yorkiegal719 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 603	Hi Pam, I new here so this is my first reply. I don't think that you have too much to worry about, if you've fallen in love. It just depends on the breeding. I personally think that he'll be a little bigger than most, but I've had 4 yorkies in my life and my first one topped out at 12lbs, and he was just great. They are a little sturdier, but you still have to be careful with them. Just go with your heart and you'll be happy...Theresa & The Boys

07-30-2004, 06:57 AM	#7
Chelsie1978 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Mallorca-Spain Posts: 379	My youngest yorkie (jessie) is 3lb´s at 3 months,and I love her being so big I wanted a bigger yorkie after Lady,who at 8 months old only weighs 1lb 12 ounces.Lady is wonderful and we love her to peices,but shes also very fragile and tiny,so we dont let our kids play with her and have to shut her in the kitchen when we have visitors etc.But jess is very different,at 3 months old she can jump on and off of the couch,play with my kids and is big enough not to step on I think 9-10lb´s is a good size p.s Im also a YD transplant

07-30-2004, 08:40 PM	#8
jer_lin Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: s.c. Posts: 198	pam ; the 3 lb pup shouldn't be more than $600.00. his adult weight will be around 9 lb.or more. if you have fallen in love all else doesn't matter. good luck jer_lin

07-30-2004, 08:59 PM	#9
lily YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: paris crossing,indiana Posts: 377	Hi I'm a left over from yd too! I agree with rest of them here ! top out about 10lbs! I do think 1500 is bit much! What state you from? lily

07-31-2004, 02:50 PM	#11
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	Puppy YD transplant also..thanks for welcoming us. What area are you in? Price is a bit high for an oversized Yorkie, but areas are so different. Nothing at all wrong in one who will be bigger, sounds like it suits your family. Have you checked out Breed.net and Shooterdog.com. I know a number of reputable friends advert on both. Best wishes

07-31-2004, 05:48 PM	#12
Gypsy Rose Owned by Gyps and Gizz Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Wales Posts: 629	Buying a Yorkie Re price - I know we are not in dollars but sure most of you will be better at maths than I am (even the average 2 year old is lol) - Gypsy Rose cost £250 a year ago and Gizzie will be £275 which makes me believe that yorkies are much cheaper over here!! That is an average sort of price for a yorkie with papers. One from prize winning stock would be anything from £450 upwards. Saw Gizzie 2day and she is just beautiful, due home in 6 weeks!! Ana xxx

07-31-2004, 07:05 PM	#13
bettyeanne Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alabama, etc. Posts: 9,031	I think when buying any dog is just depends on the dog and your circumstances! Whether it be a purebred or a mutt. When you see that baby you just know. Personally, my husband wanted me to have the dog that I had always wanted! Money was no object ... the perfect baby was! He searched the entire country for our Toto and we are so happy with her we just don't have words to describe it! She is exactly what I had always wanted ... 4 lbs., baby doll face, beautiful coat and the sweetest personality I have ever seen in a dog! Did I mention that she is so smart, it's scarry?!! I don't care to tell what we paid but I will say that I could've had a new car!! She is an absolute joy!! I feel, from everything that I have read, that we are certainly one of the lucky ones! Found a very good breeder through an excellent vet whose specialty is Yorkies!! __________________ Toto's Mom - http://www.dogster.com/?206581 Yorkie Rescue Colorado - http://www.yorkierescuecolorado.com/ "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." -- Albert Einstein

08-01-2004, 04:57 AM	#14
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	puppy Betty Anne, I agree with you. We have had the same discussions on YD. A Yorkie, or anything else is worth what you want to pay for it. The reputation of the breeder is upmost before going to see any puppy. In most cases you are "buying" so to speak a life time contact, someone you can call or visit with questions and help. Health is a key factor, a good line, with a one year genetic guarantee...so much is involved beside the price. Did you get your locally? I am not into shipping for a buyer..too many frauds out there..many people get ripped off. You Toto sounds like a wonderful Yorkie.

08-01-2004, 05:59 AM	#15
bettyeanne Donating YT 7000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alabama, etc. Posts: 9,031	Thank you, YorkiRose! I heard a breeder story that made me sick ... while we were still searching for our Toto ... I was in a beauty salon in Missouri, a lady said "We always try to sell them by the time they are 6-8 weeks old, while they are still cute ... after that it's harder to get rid of them"!! Can you believe that? I had the overwhelming urge to slap her silly ... had I not been sitting in the chair of a large beautician with scissors in her hand and obviously a friend of the "so called breeder", I would have said something to her! She just sounded like they just crank out puppies for the fee!! Our breeder [in Marietta, GA] told us everything about health, etc. and actually began to sound like she was discouraging us because of all the time and expense involved in making a forever home for one of her babies!! Our life is always topsy turvey because of our work and we are constantly traveling ... she just didn't know us then! Our life totally changed from the day we brought Toto home! And it revolves around her! She sees now that she knows us that she also made a wise decision by placing her with us! Now when we are working in a new location, the first thing we do is find the closest airport and figure out how long it takes to get to Dr. Lucy from there!! The only way I would allow any other vet to touch her would be if it was an absolute emergency and I had first discussed it with Lucy by phone and she told me to!! We are thankful that we have been so fortunate in our Yorkie decision and my heart just breaks for all those who have problems with theirs. Toto is our joy!! __________________ Toto's Mom - http://www.dogster.com/?206581 Yorkie Rescue Colorado - http://www.yorkierescuecolorado.com/ "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits." -- Albert Einstein