How Much Does A Miniature Yorkie Weigh

If you have been shopping for a Yorkshire terrier, also called a Yorkie, then you may have seen the terms “toy” and “teacup” used to describe the size that puppies will mature to. It is important that you know what you are looking for specifically when you go shopping for a Yorkie puppy because some of the terminology used to describe these dogs can be misleading or inaccurate.

However, while it isn’t possible to predict a Yorkie puppy’s growth perfectly, there are a couple of methods you can use to estimate your dog’s future size. This guide includes a Yorkie weight chart, so you can track your puppy’s growth, as well as information on what the average Yorkie weight should be.

According to the AKC, Yorkshire Terriers should measure between 7 and 8 inches (17.8 – 20.3 cm) to the withers (the ridge at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades) and should weigh 7 pounds (3.18 kg) or less. However, not all Yorkies fall within these limits.

What Is A Teacup Yorkie?

A teacup Yorkie is a Yorkshire Terrier bred to be significantly smaller than the standard for the breed. Yorkies should weigh no more than seven pounds.

Many pet Yorkies weigh a bit more than the standard but are still, relatively speaking, tiny dogs. When an already small toy breed like the Yorkshire Terrier is miniaturized, it becomes a very small dog indeed.

Why Call Them Teacup Yorkies?

Some mini Yorkies are so small that they can fit inside of a teacup, which is where the term comes from. These dogs are likely to weigh between two and four pounds.

The Teacup Yorkie are not a recognized breed on their own but are usually pedigree Yorkshire Terriers bred to be much smaller than average.

What Are The Different Sizes Of Yorkies?

Yorkies are fun, spunky dogs with big personalities and characterized by their glossy black and tan coat with gray highlights, prick ears, and straight fur. They originated in Yorkshire, England (in the 19th century), and have even been used to develop other popular breeds such as the ever-famous Silky Terrier. These dogs are loyal to their owner(s) and well-known for being rather “yappy” at times.

Few people realize that this breed comes in multiple sizes. You might be wondering what the breed standard is and what additional sizes of puppies are available. Here are the three Yorkshire Terrier breed sizes that most breeders have available:

  • Giant (Big/Large)
  • Standard
  • Teacup (Small)

How Big Is The Mini Yorkie?

These miniature (mini Yorkie) dogs only weigh around 2-3 pounds when fully grown (usually between 12-18 months of age), compared to the standard Yorkshire Terrier, which is between 4-7 pounds. If you’re not very familiar with Yorkies (or other dogs belonging in the toy group), then you might be surprised to learn that Yorkshire Terriers do not have a “teacup” classification, although many unskilled—and usually unethical—breeders would have you believe otherwise.

What Is The Average Size Of A Yorkie?

Fully grown Yorkshire Terriers are typically 7 to 8 inches (17.8 – 20.3 cm) tall when measuring the distance between the ground and the ridge between their shoulder blades.

The length of a Yorkie (measured from the base of the neck to the base of their tail) should be of equal proportion to their height approximately.

Yorkie sizes can and do vary though. It is not uncommon, even for siblings to differ greatly in size. Size differences can be determined by birth weight, nutrition, or genetic deposition.
Is A Large Yorkie Still Healthy?

Even large Yorkies are still small when compared to other types of dogs. If your Yorkie weighs over 9 pounds, but they don’t look overweight, and your vet isn’t concerned, then you don’t need to worry too much.

The weight of a Yorkie depends on their bone structure as much as their diet. Dogs that are taller and longer will weigh more as well. Their stature and muscle mass will play a role in how much they weigh.

Any dog is capable of carrying excess weight. Yorkshire Terriers over 10 lbs should be examined to see if there is a need for weight loss or any health issues from excess fat.

What If My Yorkie Is Overweight?

Yorkshire Terriers can quickly become overweight if they aren’t exercising regularly or eating the right food. Once a dog begins gaining a few extra pounds, it becomes harder for them to lose weight and usually leads to even more weight gain.

There are health concerns when dealing with an overweight Yorkie. Obesity in your dog puts more strain on their heart and can even cause depression.

How Long Do Teacup Yorkies Live?

When you’re getting a dog as a companion, you have to consider how long they will live. The average lifespan varies for every dog breed. For Teacup Yorkies, the standard lifetime is around 7 to 10 years. However, your Miniature Yorkie may live as long as 12 or even 14 years. The shortest lifespan for this dog is three years, but the specifics depend on genetic factors.

Often illnesses are transmitted to a puppy from its parents. Depending on the breeding techniques used in consecutive litters, these genetic dispositions may worsen. And ultimately lead to shorter lifespans in your dog. That is why it is vital to know how long your breeder has been in the business and the effort they put into researching medical history and genetics.

Why Do Teacup Yorkies (mini Yorkies) Require Special Care?

Now that we’ve established that Teacup Yorkies are fragile and need extra care, it’s important to understand what you can do to help them. When you bring your tiny dog home, you can’t leave them alone in an open and unusual space. The Teacup Yorkie will quickly become overwhelmed and anxious. Unsure of what to do or how to proceed, they will start barking incessantly.

As a dog parent, it is your job to remain calm and patiently help them move past this phase. The worst thing you can do at this point is to get frustrated or angry. Instead, show them love and affection. One strategy to make the transition easier for your Teacup Yorkie is to design a small and cozy space it can fit into. Like children, smaller dogs prefer spaces that don’t intimidate them. The height and size of the bed should allow easy access for your puppy.

Do You Have An Undersized Or An Oversized Teacup Yorkie?

People often want to know, “how big do Yorkies grow”? Even with a Teacup Yorkie, there are specific size standards your dog should meet. If you overfeed your pet or they don’t get enough exercise, they can become overweight. On the other hand, an undersized Teacup Yorkie may not be getting enough nutrition.

In either case, you should take your Miniature Yorkie to a competent vet who will recommend appropriate changes to its diet and exercise. If you have an undersized or an oversized Teacup Yorkie, there is no need to panic. Small lifestyle changes can help you get back on track.

What If Your Teacup Yorkie Or Yorkie Is Underweight?

There are many reasons why your Yorkie may be underweight. It isn’t always a case of nutrition. In some cases, the weight can indicate underlying health concerns. When breeders make bad selections in parent Yorkies, it can lead to seizures, low blood pressure, heart problems, dental issues, and luxating patella.

The worse a Teacup Yorkie’s health is, the lower their life expectancy becomes. However, most of these problems can be treated with the right medical help. You’ll need a good vet and will have to spend quite a bit on this dog breed. Part of the reason Teacup Yorkies are regarded as an expensive dog breed is because of repeat medical treatments that can be costly.

How Big Is A Full Grown Teacup Yorkie?

Teacup Yorkies, just as the name implies, are a miniature version of Yorkshire Terriers. They are popular among pet owners who are fond of small dogs or the so-called “toy” breed due to their cuteness.

Since teacups are very small, they can easily fit in your hand or a very small dog bag. These canines barely grow over 7 inches! Many Teacup Yorkies are only 5 to 7 inches tall, which makes them so easy to place in your palm! Some owners would even spend a fortune on grooming these little pooches so that they look like teddy bears.

Unlike the Biewer and the Parti Yorkie that have some genetic differences from the traditional Yorkie, the Teacup Yorkies are precisely the traditional Yorkie, but a smaller version of it. Breeders usually undergo selective breeding among the smallest of Yorkies to achieve this small body size. Often, their tails are also docked to complement their cuteness.

Can Teacup Yorkies Have Babies?

With the increasing popularity of Teacup Yorkies, it is interesting to know how a baby Teacup is born.

Miniature Yorkies or Teacups do have babies.

But because of their delicate bodies and fragile bones, they only give birth to a few puppies per litter. In fact, it can be dangerous for them to have several babies due to their physical structure.

This probably explains why they are encouraged to be spayed to prevent them from getting into heat once they are sold.

As with miniature dog breeds, selective breeding is applied to obtain smaller puppies. Breeders usually combine the genes of two smaller Yorkies. This is why their puppies turn out to be smaller than the parents.

But the whole experience with a female Teacup’s pregnancy and giving birth is very tricky. This is true with all micro dogs.

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