Why is my Yorkie so big

Why is my Yorkie so big

How big does a Yorkie get

The normally expected size of a Yorkshire Terrier is

Weight 4 to 7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kilograms)

Height 8-9 inches (22-22 centimeters) to their shoulder.

However, as we will discuss below Yorkie size can vary and is not consistent. They can be either smaller or larger than this.

Why are some Yorkies bigger than others

Many Yorkie owners become concerned that their Yorkie is either bigger or smaller than other Yorkies they have come across. This leads them to start to question if there are any health concerns or even if their Yorkie is a pure breed.

Yorkshire Terrier terrier size is really inconsistent. This is the result of some breeders breeding down the size of pups to appeal to people wanting handbag dogs as a fashion statement. Often this type of breeding can lead to sick dogs with serious health issues. This is not always the case as often these tiny Yorkies can be quite healthy.

What are the different sizes of Yorkies

You will probably have heard of different size Yorkies referred to by different names. These different labels for various size Yorkies are not official and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

However, we will look at each of these size types to give you an indication of what they are referring to.

The most common size references are Teacup Yorkie, Mini Yorkie, and Stand Yorkie sometimes referred to as a Toy Yorkie and Giant Yorkie.

Teacup and Mini Yorkies weigh under 4 pounds as adults. The breeding off Yorkies this small can be quite controversial. This practice can attract breeders who are looking to make money. Teacup and Mini Yorkies can sell for a lot of money.

These extremely small dogs are prone to health issues, can pick up illnesses easily, and dont handle the cold well. If you are thinking of getting a Teacup or Mini Yorkie research the breeder and the health of the parents thoroughly.

Potential health issues include;

• Fragile bones
• Weakened immune system
• Greater chances of neck, hip, and knee injury
• Shorter life span
• Collapsed trachea
• Intolerance to temperature both hot and cold.

Toy or Standard Yorkies weigh 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kilograms) and measure 8-9 inches (22-22 centimeters) to their shoulder.

Giant Yorkies are any Yorkie over 7 pounds (3.2 kilograms). The general range for these dogs is 8 to 10 pounds.. (3.62 to 4.53 kilograms). There is nothing wrong with a bigger Yorkie and in fact, they are generally more robust. These bigger Yorkies tend to have a larger bone structure.

Just because a Yorkie is over 7 pounds doesnt necessarily mean it is a Giant Yorkie. Ensure that your Yorkie is not just overweight. For a guide to calculate if your dog is overweight see here.

In some cases, a Yorkshire Terrier can be dramatically larger reaching upward of 10 or even 15 pounds. This is most likely due to another larger breed somewhere within the bloodlines. Genes can go back 5 generations or more.

Does this mean that they are not purebred? Not necessarily. When registering a purebred with the relevant kennel club, they will usually only go back three generations.

There is also the possibility that the female has been impregnated by more than one dog. In that case, the eggs fertilized by the Yorkie male are purebred. The other puppies will be a mixed breed.

Yorkie is larger due to being overweight

If your Yorkie is over 7 pounds it doesnt mean that it is necessarily a big Yorkie. Weight and height should be in proportion. Check with your vet to see if this is the case.

The Yorkshire Terrier is not a breed that is prone to obesity but it can happen. This is often the result of too many treats and insufficient exercise and activity. The steps to take to help reduce weight are

Reduce calorie intake

This can be achieved by stopping excessive treat giving or use healthy low-calorie dog treats. A change in the type of food you use will also benefit this process. We recommend Wellness Complete Small Breed Healthy Weight formula.

Increase exercise

Exercise is crucial for your Yorkie not only to manage weight. It will keep their body strong and healthy, boost the immune system, and provide psychological benefits. For a guide to how to exercise a Yorkie see here.

Because of their small size, Yorkies are treated like lapdogs. They are actually terriers and are energetic and active.

In Summary

Whether you feel your Yorkie is too small or too big is not the most important thing. Ultimately it doesnt matter as long as they are healthy, happy, and much loved.

More Yorkshire Terrier related posts

How to exercise a Yorkie

The best type of toys for Yorkies

Why Is My Yorkie So Big?

Last Updated on January 31, 2022 by Sam

Yorkies are a big breed of dogs. They make great companions and theyre often described as being easy to train. Yorkie owners will tell you that their dog is the best, but some factors can contribute to your pets large size including its heritage or genetics.

The giant yorkie for sale is a question that has been asked many times. There are a few different reasons why your Yorkie might be so big. Some of the causes include genetics, diet, and health issues.

Why is my Yorkie so fat?

A: Yorkies are a breed of dogs that have been bred to be small and fluffy. They were originally bred in England as ratters, but they became popular as companion animals in the United States during the 1800s.

The dogs that look like yorkies is a question that has been asked many times. This article will explain why your Yorkie might be so big.

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Why Is My Yorkie So BIG? (Fat Yorkie Guide)

It happens so fast: one day, you bring home a brand new, tiny Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Then, seemingly overnight, he turns into a fully-grown, adult dog and you find yourself wondering where your baby went.

But when your dog keeps growing past its expected size, you might be asking a different question: why is my Yorkie so big?

The Yorkshire Terrier is considered a small dog breed, so anyone who adopts one is correct to expect their dog to be a particular size. As a dog from the Toy Group, there are certain expectations in place.

Two factors can interrupt these expectations and cause your little Yorkie to be a tad bigger than you thought hed be. The first has to do with the breeding practices it came from. The second factor directly relates to your dogs lifestyle.

If youre wondering why your Yorkie is so big, get into the details.

What Is the Standard Size of a Yorkshire Terrier?

First, its important to explore how big you should expect a standard Yorkshire Terrier to be. You may think your dog looks big, only to find out hes perfectly within breed standards.

Yorkies are official members of the Toy Group, meaning they are very small in stature. It also means that they display some of the common Toy Group characteristics, which include:

• Affectionate
• Low energy
• Good with adults and older children
• Timid of other dogs
• Okay with being alone

These companion dogs are all small, but each breed has its size standards according to the AKC. The Yorkie should weigh seven pounds or less, and at its mature age, it will be between 8 and 9 inches tall.

So, if your Yorkie exceeds those ranges, it may be considered a big Yorkie. But how did this happen?

Breeding Practices

Its tough to get breeding down to a perfect science. Many factors are out of a breeders control, including which genes a puppy picks up and which they leave behind. It can also be challenging to know the exact lineage from which a dog came.

Some Yorkies wind up bigger because there was another dog mixed into its lineage at some point down the line. A dog can pick up a gene from several generations back that other pups in the same litter dont get. This one gene can increase their size.

Yorkies that weigh over seven pounds may be considered Giant Yorkies. Some of the larger of this breed can reach as much as 15 pounds without being unhealthy. The cause is usually due to its bloodline.

But because kennel clubs only look back three generations, you can still register a Giant Yorkie as a purebred.

Teacup Yorkies

Some breeders purposefully try to impact a dogs size particularly in the Toy Group. Intentionally tiny Yorkies are called Teacup Yorkies or Mini Yorkies. They weigh four pounds at most and have the distinct honor of fitting inside a purse.

Due to the many health issues that tend to come with Teacup Yorkies, some people question the breeding practice. These dogs often get sick, have fragile bone structures, cant tolerate extreme temperatures, and have a shorter lifespan.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

The other (more common) answer to why is my Yorkie so big? is that its overweight. An unhealthy lifestyle can cause your dog to gain more weight than it should, which can lead to a myriad of problems.

But many factors can play a role in your dog being overweight. Lets take a look.

Too Much Food

The simplest cause for weight gain in a dog is that youre feeding it too much daily. Dogs will often eat whatever you give them; theyre not likely to stop eating because theyve had enough. They will finish whats in front of them.

Thats why you should know how many calories your dog should have.

Calorie needs will vary from breed to breed. Things like the size of your dog and how active it is will determine how much food is sufficient. Because Yorkies are small dogs, they dont need to eat a lot to be healthy and satisfied.

Also, keep in mind that puppies usually need more calories than adults. Puppies need extra fuel to sustain their growth. They also have more energy and therefore burn more calories regularly.

A Yorkie puppy needs about 55 calories per pound of body weight. This amount decreases to around 40 calories per pound for adults weighing between 4 and 8 pounds.

If you have questions about your dogs diet, you can always ask your veterinarian.

Too Many Treats

If you have spoken to your vet and it seems like your Yorkies diet is spot on with all the recommendations, its time to evaluate the extra food in your dogs life. Thats right: treats.

It doesnt matter if your dog is getting a healthy diet if youre over-feeding him treats. Treats contain calories just as their food does, so giving them too many treats throughout the day could be contributing to weight gain.

Treats include any food you share from your meals and snacks throughout the day. A little piece of carrot or steak here and there likely wont hurt, but making it a habit might.

Not Enough Activity

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs that dont require lots of exercise like other breeds, but they still need a little activity to stay mentally stimulated and physically in shape. Moderate activity is usually enough for this breed.

If your Yorkie spends its day eating meals and lounging on the couch, its not getting enough activity. This breed should get at least one walk per day but two is better. You can also toss in a 10 to 20-minute fetch game or other backyard activity.

Yorkies function best with short bursts of activity rather than long stretches, so stay away from hikes and keep toys around the house. These activities should be enough to burn those extra calories and keep weight at bay.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition found in humans but can also impact dogs. This condition happens when the thyroid gland isnt making enough hormones. The hormone imbalance that results in can cause issues with the metabolism, which affects weight.

A dog with hypothyroidism can show many symptoms, including:

• Hair loss or thinning
• Skin infections
• Thick skin
• Reduced activity
• Low tolerance for cold

But one of the most noticeable signs of hypothyroidism is weight gain. If your dog leads a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet and regular exercise, but is still gaining weight, ask your vet about hypothyroidism.

Your vet can conduct various tests for this condition. Treatment might include hormone replacement therapy, though there is no cure currently.

Old Age

Old age in dogs can cause physical issues that make them gain weight. For example, older dogs often have conditions like joint pain, diabetes, and chronic inflammation all of which can lead to weight gain.

For some older Yorkies, it may become more difficult to move. A decrease in activity like this can result in fewer calories burned. The less your dog moves, the more calories are stored in the body.

Final Thoughts

Most Yorkies will weigh no more than seven pounds. But if your Yorkie weighs more than that, theres a good chance its overweight. Talk to your vet about your options to ensure your dog is living the healthiest lifestyle possible.

Hopefully, youre now fully informed and have an answer to why is my Yorkie so big?