Our Dogs

Probably the most asked question regarding Yorkie puppies is this: How big will it get? There are many factors that play into this, but for starters--what size are the parents? Large parents rarely make for small offspring. A general rule of thumb is to take the weight of an eight week old pup and triple it or the weight of a twelve week old pup and double it.

Below is a growth chart illustrating the estimated size a puppy will grow to based on it's size as a baby. While there is never a guarantee, the chart is pretty accurate. All my puppies have been within 1/2 pound of their predicted size. The key is to have a scale that measures weight in ounces and know the true age of the puppy being weighed. Remember that you must convert the weight to ounces and 16 ounces is a pound. I chart my puppies from birth and track their size as they grow. If a breeder is ever unwilling to weigh a puppy in front of you, they may be unscrupulous.

A Brief History

The Yorkshire Terrier (also called a "Yorkie") originated in Yorkshire (and the adjoining Lancashire), a region in northern England.In the mid-19th century, workers from Scotland came to Yorkshire in search of work and brought with them several different varieties of small terriers.

The Yorkshire Terrier was introduced in North America in 1872, and the first Yorkshire Terrier was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. During the Victorian era, the Yorkshire Terrier was a popular pet and show dog in England, and as Americans embraced Victorian customs, so too did they embrace the Yorkshire Terrier. The breed's popularity dipped in the 1940s, when the percentage of small breed dogs registered fell to an all-time low of 18% of total registrations. Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier and famous war dog from World War II, is credited with beginning a renewal of interest in the breed. TheAmerican Kennel Club ranked the Yorkshire Terrier as the 6th most popular pure-breed in the United States of America in 2012 and 2013.

SIZE

AKC Breed Standard states that they not exceed seven pounds. This means that any adult dog weighing 7 pounds or less is a correct size dog. There is no such thing as a "standard size" Yorkie, versus a "toy size" Yorkie. It is either correct, or it is over sized. "Teacup" is a term used to identify puppies that will MATURE to 3 pounds or less.

Coat

The typical fine, straight, and silky Yorkshire Terrier coat has also been listed by many popular dog information websites as being hypoallergenic. In comparison with many other breeds, Yorkies do not shed to the same degree, only losing small amounts when bathed or brushed. The Yorkshire Terrier is a tan dog with a blue saddle, though some Yorkshire Terriers are liver or a chocolate brown color. The AKC registration form for Yorkshire Terriers allows for four choices: blue and tan, blue and gold, black and tan, black and gold.

Temperament

Though small, the Yorkshire Terrier is active, very protective, curious, and make great companions. Yorkshire Terriers are an easy dog breed to train. This results from their own nature to work without human assistance, and because they were developed as a working breed. Yorkies are easily adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for many homes. Due to their small size, they require limited exercise, but need daily interaction with people.