Yorkshire Terrier Size

Overview

There are lots of questions regarding Yorkie size. Many pet parents are concerned that their dog is either too small or too large in comparison to others, and this leads them to be concerned about possible health issues. Or whether their little guy or gal meets the breed standard. This article aims to answer your curiosity, questions or concerns about size-related issues with this breed.

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Expected Size of Yorkshire Terriers

Breed Standard Weight: Breed standards have changed. The AKC previously listed a minimum weight of 4 pounds (1.81 kg). Now there is only a maximum weight of "not to exceed" 7 pounds (3.17 kg) for a full grown, adult Yorkie. Even with this change on paper, most Yorkshire Terriers fit into the 4 to 7 lb. (1.81 kg to 3.17 kg) range.

This said, pet Yorkies range from 2.5 to over 8 pounds fully grown and details are coming up.

Height: There is not a height standard set. What an owner can expect is for an adult to reach a height of between 6 and 9 inches (15.24 to 22.86 cm) and one must remember that this measurement is from the floor to the withers (top of the shoulder blades).

Actual Real Size of Yorkshire Terriers:

In September of 2017, we conducted an online survey revolving around Yorkshire Terrier behavior, health, appearance and more. and personality. We asked site members several multiple-choice questions and allowed for comments, which helped us to gather more specifics regarding certain queries.

The survey results were gathered after 7 days, with a total of 2,146 respondents. 72% of the participants were in the US, 8% in the UK, 8% in Canada, and the remaining number in various other countries. In regard to gender, there were 56% males to 44% females.

Just to those that had adult Yorkies (age 1 year and up), we posed the question, "How much does your Yorkie weigh?" and the answers were as follows:

More than 8 lb. (3.63 kg) 21%

8 lb. (3.63 kg) 11%

7.5 lb. (3.40 kg) 5%

7 lb. (3.17 kg) 6%

6.5 lb. (2.94 kg) 6%

6 lb. (2.72 kg) 9%

5.5 lb. (2.49 kg) 7%

5 lb. (2.26 kg) 8%

4.5 lb. (1.81 kg) 8%

4 lb. (1.81 kg) 7%

3.5 lb. (1.58 kg) 5%

3 lb. (1.36 kg) 2%

2.5 lb. (1.13 kg) 2%

I'm not sure 3%

So, as you can see, there is a range from 2.5 to 8+ pounds. And if you have a Yorkshire Terrier that is larger than you expected, you are not alone (21% of pet parents can say the same thing). A good number of Yorkies (67%) are between 4 and 8 pounds (1.81 and 3.63 kg). And a much smaller number (9%) are 3.5 pounds and under.

How the Yorkshire Terrier Compares in Size to Other Toy Breeds

Let’s take a look at how the Yorkie compares to other dogs in the toy breed class.

Toy Breeds Size Comparison - Yorkie compared to Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu

Below is a list of the AKC breed standard sizes of the Yorkshire Terrier and other popular toy breeds. Note that height is measured from the floor to the top of the shoulders.

Chihuahua: Weight: No more than 6 lbs. Height: 6 - 9 inches
Yorkshire Terrier: Weight: No more than 7 lbs. Height: 6 - 9 inches
Pomeranian: Weight: 3 - 7 lbs. Height: 7 - 12 inches
Shih Tzu: Weight: 9 - 16 lbs. Height: 9 - 11 inches
Pug: Weight: 14 - 18 lbs. Height: 12 - 14 inches
Papillon: Weight: 5 - 10 lbs. Height 8 - 11 inches
Havanese: Weight: 7 - 13 lbs. Height: 8.5 - 11.5 inches
Brussels Griffon: Weight 8 - 10 lbs. Height: 7 - 10 inches
Pekingese: Weight Up to 14 lbs. Height: 7 - 10 inches
Japanese Chin: Weight 7 -11 lbs. Height: 8 - 11 inches
Silky Terrier: No official weight, but normally 10 -11 lbs. Height 9 - 10 inches
Bichon Frise: Weight 12 - 18 lbs. Height: 9.1 - 12 inches

A Note on Smaller than Average Yorkshire Terriers

Smaller-than-average Yorkshire Terriers, also known as teacup Yorkies, while adorable, are predisposed to a unique set of health challenges that potential owners should consider. Among these, hypoglycemia is notably prevalent due to their limited muscle mass for glucose storage and smaller liver size, which can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar levels.

Dental issues also arise from overcrowded teeth in their tiny jaws, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Additionally, their delicate bone structure makes them more susceptible to fractures, requiring careful handling to prevent injuries.

Respiratory problems, such as a collapsed trachea, are common health concerns for these small Yorkies, attributed to their diminutive size rather than the brachycephalic issues seen in other breeds. Furthermore, conditions like Portosystemic shunts (PSS) are observed with a higher frequency, where abnormal blood flow bypasses the liver, leading to a buildup of toxins. These health issues underscore the importance of regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and gentle, protective handling to ensure the well-being of smaller-than-average Yorkshire Terriers.

A Note on Larger than Normal Yorkshire Terriers

Slightly Larger:

As touched on earlier, despite the breed standard stipulating that Yorkshire Terriers should not exceed 7 lbs. (3.18 kg), a significant number of adult Yorkies actually weigh more, with our poll indicating that about 21% fall into this category. This highlights a considerable diversity in size within the breed.

Why do we see Yorkies larger than the average? In some instances, a Yorkshire Terrier might reach or even surpass 7 pounds, contrary to an owner's initial expectation of a smaller, 4-pound dog. Often, this discrepancy is merely a matter of perception versus reality. However, it's crucial to note that the 7-pound maximum is primarily a guideline for AKC show conformation. Consequently, Yorkshire Terriers weighing 8 or 9 pounds can still be perfectly healthy, purebred specimens.

Genetics play a significant role in this size variation, with traits potentially influenced by ancestors up to five generations back or more. As such, while the sizes of the dam and sire can offer some prediction of a litter's characteristics, there's always a natural variability in the offspring's eventual size and body structure.

That being said, Yorkies weighing over 10 pounds should be assessed for potential excess weight (see below: If a Yorkie is Large Due to Excess Weight), which, although uncommon in this breed, is possible. It's also important to consider that an appropriate weight can vary with a dog's height; for instance, a 10-pound Yorkie might not be overweight if they are taller, measuring in the 10 to 11-inch range.

Considerably Larger:

When it comes to Yorkshire Terriers exceeding 10 pounds, there might be more factors at play than initially meets the eye. In several instances, the lineage might include genes from another breed, which could raise questions about the dog's purebred status. It's a common misconception that a registered purebred cannot have mixed lineage. The American Kennel Club (AKC), for instance, requires a three-generation pedigree for a dog to be classified as purebred (though four and five generation research pedigrees are an option). This leaves room for genetic contributions from other breeds in earlier generations.

Another scenario involves accidental mix-breeding. While the AKC has made strides in preventing this through DNA testing, the system largely relies on breeder honesty, opening the door to both intentional and unintentional misinformation.

A particularly interesting aspect of canine reproduction is the possibility of double-sired litters, where offspring in the same litter have different fathers. This can occur if a female mates with a Yorkshire Terrier and another dog of a different breed, yet only the Yorkie is registered as the sire. This could result in unexpectedly large puppies, some of which may be mixed breed.

Observers might question how a Yorkie could appear purely bred while harboring genes from a larger breed. One explanation is the resemblance between Yorkies and other larger terrier breeds, such as the Australian Terrier, which weighs on average between 12 to 14 pounds and shares physical traits with Yorkies. A significant indicator of mixed heritage can be ear shape; while some Yorkies may have naturally floppy ears, predominant drop ears in a larger-than-average Yorkie could suggest the presence of another breed in its lineage.

Photos of Larger than Average Yorkies

Every now and then there will be a purebred Yorkshire Terrier that is much bigger than expected.

Above is Womble at 1.5 years old and 11 lbs. (5 kg); photo courtesy of Tony T.

And above is Osso, at 4 years old and 17 lbs. (7.7 kg).

Both the parents and grandparents are personally known to this family and are purebreds.

Photo courtesy of Karina H.

Large Yorkshire Terrier, 6 pounds at 4 months old

Above is Jack, 4 months old and already 6 lbs.

Photo courtesy of Laurie H. (Grandma of Jack)

If a Yorkie is Large Due to Excess Weight:

While not common with this breed, any dog is capable of carrying excess weight. So, for Yorkshire Terriers over 10 lbs., the veterinarian should perform an examination to see if there is a need for weight loss. Any prescribed weight loss should be a slow and gradual process. You will want to:

#1 Lower calorie intake.

It is suggested to allow a Yorkie to ingest the same quantity of food, but decrease the overall calorie count. This can be accomplished in one of several ways. You may wish to opt for home cooking, which will allow you control over the ingredients, making an emphasis on more vegetables and fruits. You may also opt to stick with the kibble you are currently feeding but remove some of the food and swap it out for veggies (peas, sugar snap peas, broccoli, carrots) and fruit (blueberries, raspberries). Or, you may switch to a diet dog food.

One of our #1 recommended brands also offers a healthy weight formula. With Wellness Complete for Small Breeds - Healthy Weight, you can offer your Yorkie a top-quality food that has a lower calorie count.

And, you can make changes in regard to snacks as well. A great one to try is Fruitables Skinny Minis Apple Bacon Dog Treats; these are super tasty, 100% all-natural, sized perfectly for Yorkshire Terriers, and are only 3.5 calories a piece.

#2 Gradually increase exercise.

If a Yorkie does need to lose a pound or two, and as long as the veterinarian has given their 'okay', exercise should be increased by 10 minute intervals. For example, if the daily routine is a 20 minute walk, one would want to increase that to 30 minutes, taking care to go at a brisk pace.

A note about puppies: Puppies grow a lot during the first year. With some, growth will be spread out over the course of the first year. With others, there will be growth spurt, with slower changes some months and incredibly noticeable growth in others.

Puppies should neither be put on a restrictive diet nor over-exercised. It's entirely normal for them to carry "puppy fat," giving them a somewhat round appearance, which is to be expected during their growth phase. Around the 9-month mark, weight gain typically slows down, though a Yorkie may continue to grow slightly in height and length, leading to a leaner appearance. By this stage, their muscles are nearly fully developed, contributing to a more streamlined and sleek form.