Yorkie Growth & Weight Chart: Track Your Puppy's Size
Small Animal Relief Veterinarian
Yorkshire Terriers, commonly known as Yorkies, are a popular dog breed known for their small stature, silky coats, and energetic personality.
Like other small breeds, their growth trajectory is rapid in the early months and stabilizes by the time they reach their first birthday. Monitoring their growth is essential to ensure they are developing normally and maintaining a healthy weight.
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In this guide, we'll take a detailed look at Yorkie growth phases, ideal weight ranges at various stages, and factors that influence their development. We’ll also address common questions, such as how much to feed a puppy, and more helpful information.
Table of Contents:
Yorkie Weight Chart
This growth and weight chart provides a general guideline to help monitor your Yorkie's development:
Age | Expected Weight Range |
|---|---|
Birth | 2.5 - 5 oz |
4 weeks | 6 - 12 oz |
8 weeks | 10 - 15 oz |
12 weeks | 1.5 - 2.5 lbs |
6 months | 2.5 - 4.5 lbs |
1 year (Adult) | 4 - 7 lbs |
Note: Please note that our figures are estimates. For a more accurate evaluation of your pet’s health and future needs, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.
What are the different sizes of Yorkies?
1. Teacup Yorkies
ATeacup Yorkies, a smaller variation of the standard Yorkie, typically weigh less than four pounds at maturity. While they might seem desirable due to their tiny size, they are prone to health issues like bone fragility, hypoglycemia, and respiratory problems.
If you have a Teacup Yorkie, monitor their growth even more closely, as they are more delicate.
2. Mini Yorkies
Mini Yorkies are smaller than Teacup Yorkies, typically weighing four to seven pounds at maturity.
How big should a 6-month-old Yorkie be?
At around 6 months, Yorkies are considered adolescents. They continue to grow but at a slower rate. By 12 months, they will have attained full adult size, which ranges from 4 to 7 pounds. At this point, their height, measured at the shoulder, is around 7 to 8 inches.
During adolescence, it's common for Yorkies to "fill out," gaining muscle mass as they transition to their adult frame.
Even though they have reached their physical maturity, Yorkies remain mentally immature, often displaying puppy-like behaviors. It's crucial to keep up with training and provide ample mental and physical stimulation during this stage to prevent behavioral issues from arising.
What is the size of a full-grown Yorkie dog?
Once a Yorkie reaches 1 year of age, they are considered fully grown. An adult Yorkie's weight will typically stabilize from 4 to 7 pounds, though some may fall slightly outside this range due to individual variations in genetics and diet.
Their growth in height stops and their energy levels remain high, though less frenzied than during their puppy years.
Maintaining proper weight during adulthood is crucial. Yorkies are prone to weight gain if not fed a balanced diet or given adequate exercise. Obesity can lead to a host of health issues, including joint problems and cardiovascular disease.
Routine vet checkups are important to monitor their health and adjust their diet and exercise levels as needed.
What are the factors influencing my Yorkie’s growth?
1. Genetics
A Yorkie's ultimate size is heavily influenced by genetics. Their parents' weight is a strong predictor of a puppy's adult size. For example, if both parents are on the smaller end of the breed standard, the puppies are expected to be smaller as well. However, it's essential to recognize that even within the same litter, there can be variations in size. Some Yorkies may inherit a genetic predisposition to being smaller or larger than the average standard.
2. Nutrition
Diet is one of the most critical factors affecting your Yorkie's growth. Puppies require a balanced, high-calorie diet to support their rapid development during the first few months. Small-breed puppy formulas are specifically made to meet their nutritional needs, containing higher levels of protein, fats, and essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus to support bone growth.
Overfeeding or feeding inappropriate food can lead to issues such as obesity or stunted growth. Yorkie puppies should be fed small, frequent meals during their first six months to avoid hypoglycemia, a common issue in toy breeds. As they grow older, meals can be reduced to twice a day, with portion control to manage weight gain.
3. Exercise
While Yorkies are small, they are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to support a healthy weight and stimulate their minds. Short, frequent play sessions or walks are ideal for Yorkie puppies, as they can tire easily but also recover quickly. Overexertion should be avoided, especially in the early months, as their developing bones and joints are susceptible to injury. Once they reach adulthood, a daily walk and plenty of playtime will suffice to meet their exercise needs.
4. Health and Veterinary Care
Like all purebred dogs, Yorkies are susceptible to certain hereditary health conditions that can impact their growth. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to ensure your Yorkie is growing at a healthy rate and is free from common issues such as patellar luxation (a knee joint problem), hypoglycemia, and dental problems.
Hypoglycemia, in particular, is a concern for young Yorkie puppies, as they can have sudden drops in blood sugar, especially if meals are skipped. This condition can result in lethargy, tremors, and even seizures if not addressed promptly. Providing frequent meals, especially during the early stages, can help prevent this issue.
In addition, Yorkies often experience dental issues because of their small mouths and crowded teeth. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, is necessary to prevent tooth loss, which can affect their ability to eat properly, impacting their weight.
5. Spaying and Neutering
The timing of spaying or neutering can also impact a Yorkie's growth. If done before the dog reaches full physical maturity (typically around 6 to 12 months), it can affect their growth plates, leading to taller growth than expected. However, most veterinarians recommend waiting until the dog has finished growing to avoid these complications. Speak with your vet to determine the best timing for your pet.
How should I monitor my Yorkie’s growth?
As a pet owner, it's essential to keep track of your Yorkie's growth and weight to ensure they are developing correctly. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your puppy's progress:
1. Weekly Weigh-Ins: During the first six months, weigh your Yorkie weekly to monitor their weight gain. A consistent increase in weight is a sign of healthy growth. If your puppy's weight stalls or they lose weight, consult your veterinarian.
2. Body Condition Score (BCS): A visual and physical assessment of your Yorkie's body condition can help you determine if they are at a healthy weight. You should be able to feel their ribs without them being too prominent. A noticeable waistline should be present when viewed from above
3. Growth Spurts and Plateaus: It's normal for Yorkies to go through periods of rapid growth followed by plateaus. However, if your Yorkie's growth seems unusually slow or inconsistent, a visit to the vet can help identify any underlying issues.
4. Consulting a Vet: Regular vet check.
How do I maintain my Yorkie’s optimal health?
Before you visit your local vet, it's a good idea to consider purchasing pet insurance for your Yorkie. Pet insurance can provide financial support for unexpected health issues in dogs, such as injuries or illnesses, requiring medical treatments, which can be quite costly.
With pet insurance, you’ll be reimbursed for a portion of the expenses you might incur for veterinary care related to covered conditions. You can also choose add-on wellness plans to help with the vet visit costs of preventive care, including flea/tick prevention, spaying or neutering, and more.
Protect both your pet’s health and your budget by exploring pet insurance options on Pawlicy Advisor. Pawlicy Advisor is designed to save you money over your pet’s life by compiling and comparing personalized policy recommendations for free.
Conclusion
Yorkies may be small, but their growth and weight must be monitored carefully. Understanding your Yorkie's growth patterns and weight expectations helps ensure they stay on the path to healthy adulthood. With the right diet, exercise, and regular vet checkups, you can help your Yorkie grow into a happy and healthy companion. If ever in doubt, reach out to your veterinarian for personalized advice on your puppy's growth and development.
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Small Animal Relief Veterinarian
Lila Batiari, DVM is a relief veterinarian located in San Diego, California. She has a special interest in nutrition, pain management, and surgery! Dr. Batiari enjoys working with Pawlicy Advisor to help others avoid everyday situations that some of her clientele experience. She realizes that expensive vet bills for treatment costs could be much easier for patients with pet insurance.
