Health vs Weight It is widely believed that smaller Yorkies have more health problems. But, YT owners of tinies seem to adamantly deny this is true of their babies. So, I thought I'd do a poll. BE HONEST! |
over 6 lbs, no problems as of yet, thank god |
No problems with my dogs...and they weight 5 1/2 lbs and around 6 1/4 lbs. |
I don't believe that because a dog is a tiny they automatically have a lot of health problems. I think it depends. Some people breed unhealthy tinies, which results in unhealthy, tiny puppies. But there are breeders who breed normal sized, healthy yorkies, who throw tiny, healthy puppies. Any yorkie can be unhealthy, regardless of size. |
Interesting poll by the way, I'm curious to see the results. Health is probably due more to genetics than size. Responsibly bred yorkies who turn out tiny or large are most likely more healthy than those from puppy mills, etc. Even that can't always hold true. Ginger is definitely over six lbs, lol, and did not come from the most reputable breeder (my mistake). She is generally healthy, but does suffer from a large number of allergies (both food and airborne) and has incredibly slow growing hair. It's not because she's large, although she's probably large because of irresponsible breeding practices. Bernie is also bigger than 6 lbs. I've only had him one day, but he has a clean bill of health other than the problems he has that came from being hit by a car. He, like Ginger is not an example of show quality breeding (since he's a rescue I don't actually know his origins) but seems to be healthy otherwise. We've got friends who's yorkies are 5 and 6 lbs and both seem to be incredibly healthy...BUT they came from a really top notch breeder. My shihtzu was 6 lbs, incredibly small for a shih. She lived a healthy 15 years before her little heart couldn't take it anymore. |
I think you've hit the nail on the head about the health of the dogs being more directly related to the quality of the breeder than the size of the dogs. Little Bit is 4# @ 9 months and so far, very healthy. :) |
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ytca believes this as well that is why they do not agree w breeders purposely breeding smaller yorkies. |
I have a 6 lb yorkie and a 10lb yorkie. The 6lb yorkie has never had any health problems. The 10 lb yorkie had a weakened immune system after an allergic reaction and got Mange. |
Well, I only answered for one of our dogs, but here is a rundown of their health history: * Trixie (7 lbs) -- ear infection once at about 7 months * Cody (7 lbs range) -- hypoglaucemia at about 11 wks (got him at 10 wks) * Abby (6 lb range) -- no problems * Kasey (2 lbs) -- lost baby teeth late, tripped over the step down into the living room about a month ago and knocked himself out cold, nothing broken, but limped and favored leg the following day Health wise, Kasey is fine, environmentally, we have to be much more cautious with him. |
Cali was 1 lb at 10 weeks and extremely ill for the first 6 months I had her. She is now 5 lbs and I always worry about her. She does have a mild liver shunt (MVD). I think tinies can be healthy and bigger ones can be sick but it is much more urgent when thye are soo small and more expensive. I really think a reputable breeder is the best way to go regardless of size. |
rocky is 4 pounds and trixie bell is 7 pound and none of them has ever been sick. |
Jo-Jo, 26 months old, normal weight is 4lbs. 4oz., no hypoglycemia ever, possible level 1 LP, had 2 retained baby teeth pulled when he was neutered at about 1 year of age. Jo may also have a food allergy or just oily skin from too much oil in his food so we're working on that right now. Riley, 20 months, normal weight is 4lbs. 2oz., no hypoglycemia ever, possible level 1 LP, had 4 retained baby teeth pulled when neutered at 9 months of age, recently had 2 more retained baby teeth removed. I also believe the health of a dog has more to do with breeding than size. Neither of my boyz has ever had a 'sick' day...they are healthy. As for the possible LP...because we moved and then had to find a new vet we've seen a few within the last 2 years and we've had conflicting reports. One vet says yes and the next will say no, so whatever it is it must be slight...we'll just see what happens as they age. However, neither of them have ever had a problem with their knees and may never have a problem. Now, my husband just had knee surgery but that doesn't mean I think any less of his parents for having him! ;) If only he was as healthy as my boyz! I want to ad that I feel for any of you dealing with health issues in your Yorkies. We had 12 years of bad health from a bad breeder with our first Yorkie Boog so I know how that feels. |
Both over 7 lbs, no problems as of yet. (Thankfully):aimeeyork |
Tia (3-4 lbs) -- Extremely healthy, never even had a cold Codie (8 lbs) -- Gets ear infections often and had LP in his rear left leg. He had LP surgery and is in great health now (although he still gets ear infections). Cali (1 lb, 2 ounces) -- Totally healthy, just extremely tiny. |
I answered for Sugar- 3 lbs. No problems. Gracie is 10 lbs and has LP. I do think it has more to do with the quality of breeder though and not the size in my case. Sugar came from a great breeder who does not breed for tiny dogs but Sugar just didn't grow as big as expected. Gracie came from an ignorant backyard breeder. Her brother probably also has LP and they both have severe reverse sneezing and vomit for no reason the vets can figure out. |
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