Too big...
 

Well after taking Wookie to the vet today for his 12 week checkup, I decided to prepare to neuter him when he comes to age. He is 3.8 lbs and I'm thinking he is going to be too big to show. Any insight?

I also started taping his ears, after one day they stood up for a little bit :D I'm going to continue to tape them!

Taping - That was so cool that you came on and posted this. We are good at these things after many years of experience. I know it is hard to hear what you do not want to do - taping at such a young age, you said was so hard. I will even tape my pups ears when very young - 6 weeks if I need too. I also start clipping the hair off their ears when I start to see the hair growing on them enough to clip. I have never had a pup's ear not stand in 25 years.

That is great that you are having him neutered. You are doing what is right. :thumbup: Kudos to you!

It all depends on the bloodline
 

First, at 3.8 pounds, which is normally 3 pounds, 8 oz, and not a decimal place (vets are the only ones who do this), a lot depends upon whether you have a fat puppy or a slim puppy. A fat puppy won't likely more than double in size at a proper adult weight, so be honest about what the weight is you are seeing. Some smaller pups will continue to grow until about 18 months of age. I've seen 2 pounders end up at 5-1/2 pounds because they grew slowly. 3.8 pounds would typically translate into about a 7 pound dog. I've finished a number of dogs that size. You just have to be smart about the judges you show to. The reality of the final size has a lot to do with the bloodline and how quickly the dogs mature.

If this boy puppy is everything you want in a Yorkie and a future stud dog, and his attitude says he loves people and loves to go places, he may be a great dog to learn with. On the other hand, if both parents are very large, and he seems to be following in their foot steps, you may be right in saying he needs to become a pet. What I find the larger dogs contribute to my breeding program is movement, as they typically have greater reach and drive, and bone density--toothpick legs are not highly desireable.

:thumbup::thumbup:Thanks for you input on this.

So true! :thumbup: Thanks Roseanne for mentioning this. You should have seen the first dog I started showing with. (She was a cute little girl of 5 - 5 1/2 pounds and nice compact, but not the right coat texture. Her coat was never going to make it to the floor.) I loved her just the same, but it got me going in the right direction and I learned so much. Each time I went to a show or club meeting and talked with ones more experience I learned more. It takes time, but you have to start somewhere and just getting out there and get started is the first step. Best of luck!

P.S. With yorkies - it takes a long time to know if they have what it will take to becoming a champion.

Thank you so much for your input everyone! The vet says he is at a perfect weight right now in proportion to his body. His Mom was 6 1/2 lbs and his Dad was around 6. I will continue to monitor him, especially because he won't be neutered until he is 6 months. His hair is growing so much! I can see the blue coming already :)

I'm going to give him a bath today and see if his ears will remain standing.

Absolutely true, especially with the lines your dogs and mine come from. Some tend to grow up front in the first 5 to 6 months of their lives and you think you're gonna have a huge dog......but, most of them usually just stop. A fat puppy will become more and more active, begin to run outside and the body fat will normalize.

My Tahlulah was 5 pounds and 4 months of age......then slowly gained, she's now at 3 years of age 6 pounds.

3.8 pounds at 12 weeks of age is pretty much where I like my pups to be......

Oh wow, I was thinking double his weight now. Thank you for the big glimmer of hope :)

I'm going to post some pics in the Picture section, I just gave him his bath and his ears are still standing! So cute! hehe

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/my-...ml#post2918601

Here's his link :)

Three and one half pounds at 12 weeks is tricky. I go by frame more then weight. I have had a 5 pounder at 5 months grow to 5 1/2 fully mature..I remember my Gator son was 2 3/4 at 8 weeks and he only grew to 4 1/2..some lines do not grow, others won't stop..best wishes