The nightmare of owning a "tiny":

[red98vett]

Oh wow ! What a bad scare and I'm so glad she's ok !!

While I didn't look for a tiny yorkie ....no one can convince me that they aren't more fragile. I see people say how tough they are - but to be honest -any animal that small is bound to be more fragile than their larger counterparts. I remember when I started my search for a yorkie... I had gone to my vet first hoping he could steer me to a breeder and his only warning to me was 'be very careful of the extra small yorkies'....

JiggityJig....thanks for posting this - I agree with you that many people who want tinies don't fully comprehend the special care involved to keep them safe and healthy. I don't blame people for wanting one - but I sure do blame those so called 'breeders' intentionally breeding for tiny and charging outrageous prices. The ethical breeders out there would never put a tiny female thru a pregnancy.

[alaskayorkie]

This is a great post. Thanks!

[magnolia]

Thank you for taking the time to share your story with us. I wish more people who come to this site for education and research would take the time to do a search on tinies - they'd find so much about the dangers of owning one and the major responsibility of raising one. Hat's off to you for providing Mazzie with a loving home - accidents happen, I'm glad this one had a happy ending for you. If your story reaches just one person looking for a tiny, then it was so worth posting. to you and Mazzie!

[BamaFan121s]

Oh I know that must have been so scary for both you and Maize! Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is a great example of how fragile these little ones are.
I understand exactly where you are coming from regarding taking extra precaution with a tiny one--SOO different from one, say over 5 lbs or so. It is like walking on eggshells. I know that sometimes at the end of the day you feel just exhausted!
To look at a little one, it blows my mind that the thought of breeding a female could even cross someone's mind. Seems like to ANYONE it should be painfully obvious just by looking that is is NOT a good idea to chance it!

Hugs to you both!

[LuvMySissy]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm glad that Mazie is okay. What a scare you must have had.

I was very uneducated when I was original looking for a baby and wanted a small one. Sissy has reached the 4 lb mark, and although she is sturdy, she is very tiny - she still scares me especailly when she jumps off furniture. I eventually would like to get another pup and am worried that one too big will hurt Sissy, but I definitely don't want one under 4 lbs.

[julieg]

BRAVO to you for having the courage to share your story. Thanks and I hope it helps those who haven't yet purchased their babies to think twice about how "cute" the tiny babies are.

[yorkieusa]

This is from the YTCA website:

An Important Message About “Teacup” Yorkies
If you are interested in purchasing a tiny Yorkie, sometimes called a Teacup,
Micro Mini, Teenie, or any other name that means “extra small”, there are
several things you should consider. The YTCA’s Code of Ethics precludes the
use of the words “teacup”, “tiny specialists”, doll faced, or similar terminology
by its members, and for good reason.
.
All breeders may occasionally have an unusually small Yorkie (hopefully healthy),
though no responsible breeder breeds for this trait. Many breeders prefer a
general weight range of 4-7 four pounds believing that size retains desired Toy
qualities while maintaining optimum health. The Yorkie Standard states weight
"must not exceed seven pounds" and as a prospective pet owner you should
realize that even at 7 pounds, the Yorkie is still a small dog. (Females weighing
less than 5 pounds are considered by most breeders to be unsuitable for breeding.)
.
Special circumstances often come with extra tiny dogs. They are extremely
susceptible to both hereditary and non-hereditary health problems, including
birth defects that may go undetected for a long time. Other common
problems may include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, vomiting, along with
extra and expensive tests prior to routine teeth cleanings and surgeries.
Small ones are more likely to have poor reactions to anesthesia and die from
it. Tiny dogs are more easily injured by falls, being stepped on and being
attacked by other dogs. These health problems nearly always result in
large veterinary bills.
.
Please take this into consideration and make purchasing a healthy pet your top
priority, not size. The “novelty” is certainly not worth the pain, heartbreak, or
extra expense. Remember, all Yorkies are comparatively small. The most
important thing is finding a healthy puppy that will grow into a healthy adult,
especially since you looking at an 11 to 15 year commitment with your Yorkie.

http://www.ytca.org/faq.html

[Susanbee51]

I am glad that your little Mazie is doing fine. What a scare. Give me a healthy 5-7 lb yorkie anytime. I would even go up in the weight, definately not lower. I worry enough with my little girl that weighs 6 lbs. I cannot imagine one smaller nor would I want that constant worry.

[JiggityJig]

Thanks for the supportive comments!

I especially appreciate those of you who HAVE tinies chiming in with your perspective. Yes, they are adorable babies, but it seems like so many of the scary and bizarre accidents/illnesses/deaths we hear about involve these littlest ones.

And actually, I'M grateful to all those before who have shared their stories, because if they hadn't, I might not have been as alert and sensitive to the dangerous possibilities at that moment...and I might not have noticed anything was really wrong, until it was too late!!!

[Jaspermom]

Originally Posted by JiggityJig

But I have to admit, it has bothered me at times to see YTers here, as much information as we have been exposed to, say that they are PLANNING for their "next yorkie to be a tiny". Indulge me please in cautioning you to PLEASE THINK TWICE before taking this step, and definitely PLEASE do not express interest to breeders who are deliberately breeding for these smaller sizes.

A four or five pound dog is a VERY SMALL DOG. I really don't personally think that there is any justifiable reason for breeding them any smaller, when it is so detrimental to their health and safety, on so many levels.

So, this is my story, and my caution, and my plea. I hope I haven't offended anyone with it, but maybe our nightmare experience will justify me speaking out at this time.

God bless all the 'cups, 'pots, and in-betweens, and keep them safe!!!

Wonderful post, intelligently written, and this caution should most definitly be heeded. Thank you for sharing. AND thank goodness your pup is OK.

[yougetthesmiles]

I think that was a much needed post! I'm just glad Mazie is ok, I sure hope all is well for her! Bless her little heart! I know what you mean, we are always having to look out for Lillie, when someone gets up, we say "where Lillie?" or "Lillie is right by you" it makes me so nervous, I'm so scared that something could happen to her, she is almost 5 months and only weighs 1lb 13 oz, my vet says she doubts she will even reach 3 lbs.
I hope others read your story and realizes that a tiny is not always the best!

[YorkieGuru]

I have to agree... maybe people will wake up and see that having a small one isnt worth all the headache of worrying about them all the time.

[LuvMySissy]

Originally Posted by yougetthesmiles

I think that was a much needed post! I'm just glad Mazie is ok, I sure hope all is well for her! Bless her little heart! I know what you mean, we are always having to look out for Lillie, when someone gets up, we say "where Lillie?" or "Lillie is right by you" it makes me so nervous, I'm so scared that something could happen to her, she is almost 5 months and only weighs 1lb 13 oz, my vet says she doubts she will even reach 3 lbs.
I hope others read your story and realizes that a tiny is not always the best!

YIKES - she is sooooo tiny!! I know you are a great mom, but please take extra special care of her!!!!!

[Lola Calhoun]

great post!! Thank you so much for sharing your story

[JRosal]

well put and thanks for sharing. Luckily Mazie is ok. We have a 4.5 lb girl and my friend wants an even smaller one which I think is rediclous. I keep sending her articles like these...they're cute and small but they're way too fragile. my 4.5 lb is small and worries me enough with her fragailty.

Jennie