Yorkie Size
 

I know this will be another controversial subject but I would like some honest input. I have not been to many dog shows other than some in Texas and Louisiana. I have noticed that at some of the shows the Yorkies were on the larger size and some appeared to be over 7 lbs. For those of you that live in other areas, do you see many Yorkies in the show ring that appear to be over 7 lbs? Do you feel it is wrong to show a Yorkie that is say 7 to 8 lbs. I know that the standard says 'not over 7 lbs' but it does not list it as a disqualification. Wouldn't you just consider over 7 lbs a fault just like a bad topline, bad bite, bad front or straight stifles? A lot of times it is hard to tell how much a Yorkie weighs just by looking. I have seen some very tall fine boned Yorkies and then some shorter cobby bodied Yorkies and even those they are two totally different types I guess they both would be considered correct. A tall lean Yorkie that is kept underweight intentionally so it will be within standard would actually be a over standard size once he gains a little weight. It is so difficult in evaluating puppies for show when you think you might have a good one and then have to worry about if they go a little over 7 lbs.

size
 

I moved to south FLorida from Maryland 3 yrs ago. I realize many are showing a smaller Yorkie now in all areas...but the ones here are too small for me...not just weight, but a very refined frame, tiny heads and faces..not my type ring dog..a pet id different. I like a good 6 to 7 pounder..but that is what I am used to seeing. Lots of leg and neck, tons of flowing coat and furnishings...coat growing doesn't seem to be that important now...unless it is NY or a Specials...
I do not like a lean, lanky Yorkie...I had an 8 pound champion bitch who was very square, compact, not oversized to the eye..she could stand next to a 6 pounder and not look out of place..obiviously the judges did not care she was 8 pounds..infact she was probably closer to 8 1/2 when she was coming into heat.

People have always shown oversized and I guess as long as they win, they will continue, but for the most part I think size and color will revert back to what it was 25 yrs ago...a much shorter, compact, darker Yorkie. JMO

I'm glad to hear some talk on this subject -- good post.

I was wondering about how the shorter legs are showing and also how light the top knot hair can be. I have a pretty little female with shorter legs, but her top knot turned out to be almost silver. Can anyone tell me what they are seeing in the rings now?

Thanks :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa

Thank you, Pat, for your input. I also prefer Yorkies that are 6 to 7 lbs. It is not always easy to get the perfect size, coat and soundness in one package. I have a book I bought on Ebay called 'The Book Of The Yorkshire Terrier by Joan McDonald Brearley, published in 1984 and I love looking at the pictures of the eariler Yorkies.

How old is your female?

Bizzy Bee is about 14 months old. She has has a lovely straight back, good coat (although it has lightened up), pretty face, good ears and tail, great yorkie personality.....but her color is a concern... what do you think?:confused:

I would give her some more time to clear. My boy at 14 months still had a lot of gray in his head and he is now two years, 2 months old and his head is nearly all cleared and his gold is getting richer. Some just take longer. It is so frustrating waiting to see what the final outcome will be. I have a 9 month old female that was breaking really light and now her steel blue seems to be getting darker. I am still very much in learning mode. Breeders that have done this for years just know their bloodline and they know what to expect.

Thanks for the information. I wonder what people do who want to show their dogs but their color has not cleared yet?

You might want to post pictures of her and ask some that are currently showing if she is clear enough. Most judges are forgiving on a young dog and yours would be in the 12 to 18 months class so it might be okay.

silver
 

If her head is all silver, then it should turn gold in time..it is not sooty and that is a bonus...I think for the most part silver turns gold faster the soot clears...use a bright orange bow and see if it makes it look deeper..red might be too much of a contrast right now...

The most important thing to consider is if she is balanced. You said she had short legs. Is her back longer than her legs? A Yorkshire Terier should be square.

I prefer a larger yorkie in the ring though you definitely find judges who regularly put up small dark ones. I don't know if I'd say that it's wrong to show a dog that is closer to 8 pounds. If it is a bitch she could be coming into heat and would be heavier than normal or it could be a well muscled male. You really have to look at size, balance, proportion, and condition and correlate that to the weight. I don't think you should put a dog in the ring that is obviously oversized, course of bone, or fat in the ring but than again it's your money to waste.