The temperament of Yorkshire terriers is highly valued despite their small size. A common inquiry among novice Yorkie owners concerns the eventual size of their pet.
Yorkie size is not solely determined by one factor. Genetics, diet, and health all contribute to the variations in their size.
Although it is impossible to accurately determine a Yorkie puppy’s growth, there are several approaches that can be taken to estimate its eventual size. In this guide, you will find a Yorkie weight chart to monitor your puppy’s progress, as well as details on the average weight for a Yorkie.
Yorkie weight chart & general rules to calculate how big your Yorkie will get
What is the method for determining the size of a Yorkie puppy? It’s difficult to predict puppy growth since Yorkies come in various sizes. However, there are techniques to estimate your tiny companion’s eventual size. Here are two approaches.
Yorkie weight chart
Although a Yorkie growth chart may not be completely accurate in predicting the weight of a Yorkshire Terrier, especially if you tend to indulge your puppy with extra treats, it can still provide you with a reliable approximation of its eventual size.
Puppy weight & paw size: General rules to calculate Yorkie weight
Similar to the previous approach, this equation is not precise, but it can provide a reasonable estimation of your particular pup’s full-grown size. Multiply their weight at the age of three months by two and then include half a pound. Here is what the formula would seem like:
To estimate the adult weight of a Yorkie in pounds, add half of the puppy’s weight at 12 weeks to twice that weight.
Having this information will provide you with an estimated weight of your puppy in the future. For instance, if your puppy weighs three pounds when it is three months old, it will probably weigh approximately six and a half pounds once it reaches adulthood. Although not completely precise, this approximation usually falls within a pound or so of accuracy.
While not a hard and fast rule, larger paws on puppies can often be a rough estimate of their eventual adult weight.
Do not rely too much on the measurement of paw size as larger dogs may also have smaller paws.
Yorkie puppy size: How much do Yorkies weigh?
Categorized under the AKC Toy Group, Yorkies belong to the group of miniature breeds. Generally, these dogs stand at 7 to 8 inches in height and weigh around 4 to 7 pounds on average.
The AKC standard permits Yorkies to weigh a maximum of 7 pounds, but it is often possible to come across Yorkies that weigh a few pounds above this limit. Provided that their additional weight comes from natural causes rather than an unhealthy diet, these larger Yorkies are just as delightful and friendly as their smaller counterparts.
If you intend to exhibit your dog, the only justification for avoiding a large Yorkshire Terrier is apparent.
Teacup Yorkies: Are small Yorkies healthy?
Breeders are striving to produce diminutive Yorkies due to the trend for “micro breeds.” Regrettably, these tiny Yorkies are vulnerable to significant health concerns typically associated with Yorkies. ‘Teacup’ Yorkies, as they are known, are more prone to issues such as a collapsed trachea and digestive problems. Moreover, their life expectancy is shorter compared to full-grown Yorkies.
It is important to prioritize the health of your Teacup Yorkie, and it is advised to refrain from supporting breeders who focus on selling Teacup Yorkies when looking for a new puppy.
When does a Yorkie puppy stop growing?
While Yorkie puppies may be initially tiny, like other dogs, they experience significant growth during their early developmental phases. A Yorkie puppy typically follows a growth trajectory as follows:
Newborn: Birth to two weeks
Yorkie puppies are born weighing three to five ounces. However, they grow at a fast pace and often exceed one pound in weight by the time they hit four weeks old.
The newborns move by dragging their stomachs on the ground as they explore for their mother’s milk. They convey their discomfort to their mother through soft meowing noises.
Infancy: two weeks to eight weeks
From two to eight weeks, the puppies undergo a transformation as their eyes open and they evolve from being helpless to becoming curious explorers. Initially, their movements are unsteady and unsure, but before long, they’re venturing out of their bedding and getting a feel for their surroundings.
At this point, puppy play between siblings has started, and it will be common to see them tugging on ears and roughhousing in their clumsy, tumbling way.
As they start drinking liquids by themselves, you can gradually introduce them to solid foods.
Puppy time: eight weeks to six months
During the eight-week-to-six-month phase, puppies enter into a full-blown puppy mode. This means that their vocalization increases since their little voices are developing, and they will readily communicate with you if they require something.
As your puppy advances in this stage, you will observe an improvement in their confidence and an expansion of their stride. They will move more swiftly and, when socialized correctly, become more sociable with other canines and individuals.
As this period draws to a close, you will likely observe your Yorkie’s ears beginning to stand erect and their deciduous teeth starting to shed.
During these months, a Yorkie puppy’s personality develops and they are highly receptive to new experiences, so it is important to provide them with nourishing food and plenty of opportunities to explore.
Yorkie adulthood: two years to 10 years
When a Yorkie reaches the age of two, their growth is complete and their weight should remain stable as long as they are provided with a well-balanced and uniform diet. During this period, the Yorkie will have established their habits and preferences, which will enable you to better gauge their temperament, activity level, and preferences.
The golden years: 10 years and on
When Yorkies reach the age of 10 to 12 years old, they transition into their elderly years, which results in a decrease in speed and a slight alteration in their dietary requirements.
At this age, it is common for Yorkies to experience arthritis, as well as a decline in their sense of smell and vision. Due to this, they may require additional assistance when jumping onto or off of furniture that they could previously conquer in a single bound.
It is observable that they prefer lounging and might take longer and more frequent naps. It is important to prioritize their comfort and consult with your veterinarian regarding potential supplements that can aid them during their senior years.
BONUS: How to Train a Dog That Is Not Food Motivated
Both dog trainers and dog owners frequently utilize dog food and treats to train their dogs. It is an uncomplicated method of positive reinforcement that usually yields speedy outcomes.
Both animal behaviorists and dog trainers concur that positive reinforcement is the optimal method for training a dog, however, it is not mandatory to utilize edibles as the positive reinforcement. Demonstrating affection and kind treatment can also instill the desired behavior in your furry friend.
The majority of individuals who possess dogs resort to providing food incentives as they are generally successful. But what if your canine doesn’t respond to food rewards? What steps should you take in such a situation? Here are a few dog training recommendations to consider.
How to Train a Dog Who’s Not Interested in Food Rewards
In case your dog does not respond to food/treats utilized in positive reinforcement training, there are various alternatives available. Let us explore some of the possibilities.
Try Different Foods
Begin by experimenting with various types of food. Use the foods that entice your dog as a means of food motivation. Similar to people, dogs have their own preferences when it comes to taste and may favor certain foods over others.
Therefore, you have the opportunity to test various food incentives to determine which is the most effective. This will serve as your dog’s preferred treat, which can be utilized for their training. Additionally, it may be beneficial to try out any unfamiliar foods.
Small amounts of safe and delicious foods such as peanut butter, hot dogs, and others that your dog is not accustomed to can become a reward for them. However, it’s essential to give them tiny pieces or quantities of the treats and avoid brands containing xylitol in their ingredients.
Make Sure Your Dog has Plenty of Water
It is possible that your dog’s reluctance towards the treat is not due to dislike, but rather thirst. Similar to humans, when feeling thirsty, consuming food could further dehydrate the mouth.
Ensure that your canine companion has access to water, or provide some for them. Afterward, you may proceed with the food-based training.
Make Sure Your Dog Isn’t Distracted
Your dog could be easily sidetracked, such as during a training session where he may be preoccupied with meeting new dogs or people, making it difficult for him to react to food incentives.
A possible rephrased text: Instead of using training treats, consider having him sit far away and allowing him to greet other dogs and people as a substitute.
To avoid distracting your dog during training sessions, avoid scheduling them during meal times when your furry friend will be occupied.
Praise Your Dog Too
In addition to providing your dog with a food reward when he behaves well, it is vital to also offer him verbal praise. Praising your dog is a crucial element of positive reinforcement training and holds the same level of significance as the physical reward.
Offer your dog abundant admiration regardless of whether you provide him with a treat. Praising your dog is crucial and serves as an excellent alternative to food to encourage positive behavior and associations.
It May Be Time to Stop
Observing your dog’s behaviors such as scratching, yawning, sneezing, and refusal of food may indicate it’s time to take a break from the training session as these are signs that your dog is tired and needs a rest.
If your dog is requesting a break, it is crucial that you grant it to avoid creating an adverse link with their training session.
Use Alternatives to Food for Positive Reinforcement
In place of food rewards, you could consider trying other incentives. A lot of individuals find that pairing clicker instruction with non-food rewards, such as verbal commendation or a brief period of play with your pup’s preferred toy, is an effective training approach.
The moment when your dog does what you want him to do is marked by the clicker, and then you provide him with his reward without any delay. Clicker training can involve the use of food as a reward, but it is also effective with rewards other than food.
The Thing About Food Training
Regarding food training, let me share a story from years ago when I had the opportunity to work for Marine World/Africa USA during one summer. Back then, this park was well-known for allowing visitors to interact with the animals by touching them. Additionally, they had a number of shows featuring wild animals that had been trained. I am uncertain about their current practices.
Their primary notability stemmed from their utilization of love to train animals. As part of this philosophy, they rejected the notion of food training altogether. They contended that rewarding with food would compel the animal to respond solely for the sake of acquiring food, rather than out of a genuine connection with the trainer. Essentially, they aimed to foster a robust, optimistic relationship between trainers and animals that would serve as a motivator for the animals to comply with their requests.
Naturally, since they were untamed creatures, offering food as a reward to the trainer might provoke aggressive conduct, but there are others who consider food-based training unsuitable for all animals. They contend that the relationship between you and the animal should serve as the driving force, rather than the promise of food.
It is important to include love and praise as part of the reward when training your dog, regardless of whether or not food is used. This will ensure that your praise is just as motivating as food, in case food is not available during training.
