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Growth Chart

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Growth Chart

Overview

Understanding the growth of Yorkshire Terrier puppies is an interesting topic for both new and seasoned pet parents. This article dives into Yorkshire Terrier puppy growth charts, providing a detailed look at the expected breed standard weight and how it compares to the actual weights of these dogs in real life. We'll explore how Yorkshire Terrier growth occurs, including changes in body shape as they mature, and explain the methods used to estimate weights. 


Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of your Yorkshire Terrier's growth from puppyhood to adulthood. Whether you're a long-time Yorkie lover or just starting your journey with a new puppy, let’s take a look at how Yorkie puppies grow and what to expect. 

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy on Weight Scale
Yorkshire Terrier Puppy on Weight Scale

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standard Weight vs Real-Life Weights

Most Yorkshire Terrier enthusiasts are well aware that the AKC breed standard specifies a weight of no more than 7 pounds (3.18 kg) for the ideal show dog. However, the reality for pet Yorkies often differs. While many will be within that range, a good number will surpass it. 


To take a closer look, we at YorkieInfoCenter conducted an online survey that attracted 2,146 participants. For the question of size, we focused on those with adult Yorkshire Terriers aged one year and older, totaling 1,716 respondents. The survey revealed a gender distribution of 56% male and 44% female dogs.


The question of how much their adult Yorkshire Terriers weighed illustrates the variation in size within the breed. Let’s take a look at the results:


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%


To summarize this, 37% of dogs were reported to be over the 7 lb. limit seen in breed standards, with 5% at 7.5 lb. (3.40 kg), 11% at 8 lb. (3.63 kg), and 21% at more than 8 lb. (3.63 kg). Another way of looking at this is that out of 1716 adult Yorkshire Terriers, 634 were over 7 lbs. 


These figures also show that a little over half of the adult Yorkies (51%) were between 4 and 7 lbs. (1.81 and 3.17 kg), which is indeed the average size a Yorkshire Terrier will grow to be. 


And taking it up by one pound, 67% of adult pet Yorkshire Terriers are between 4 and 8 lbs. (1.81 and 3.63 kg). 



Only 9% of the adult Yorkies weighed under 4 lbs. (1.81 kg), equating to 154 dogs out of 1,719. This emphasizes that the notion of this toy breed being exceptionally miniscule, as suggested by teacup Yorkshire Terrier marketing, is not a realistic expectation for prospective owners.

How Yorkshire Terrier Growth Occurs

Newborns: Born only a few ounces, a newborn doubles in size within just days and the most rapid growth will occur during the first month.


Puppy to Adult: A Yorkshire Terrier puppy will reach their adult size between the 9-month and 12-month mark; though, some Yorkies will continue to fill out just a bit until 15 months. 


It's important to note that individual growth rates can vary due to genetics, nutrition, and overall health, so some puppies may deviate slightly from these general timeli

Yorkshire Terrier Body Shape Changes

Yorkshire Terrier puppies start their journey with a notably round physique, characterized by an additional layer of fat. This is nature's way of providing them with essential warmth and a reserve of energy during their vulnerable early weeks. As Yorkies transition from playful puppies to more mature dogs, they undergo significant changes in body composition. The transformation into a sleeker, more refined silhouette becomes evident as they approach adolescence, around the age of 9 to 12 months.


This phase sees a noticeable reduction in the puppy fat, particularly around the up-tuck of the flanks and the rib area, revealing a more defined body shape.


This gradual slimming and shaping process usually kicks off as Yorkies move past their first year, marking the beginning of their journey into adulthood. During this period, it's imperative for owners to focus on a balanced diet and sufficient exercise to facilitate this natural progression towards a leaner build. 

Calculating Growth

For canines in general, a very basic formula to predict final adult size when looking at their 8-week-old weight involves taking their weight, multiplying it by 3, and then adding 1 pound. Additionally, at 3 months old, you double the weight to estimate their adult size.



However, this formula requires adjustments for Yorkshire Terriers due to their smaller adult size and limited growth window. Consequently, when the calculated figures approach the higher end of their expected adult weight range, it may not be necessary to add the extra pound and there are some minor adjustments based on anticipated growth spurts or stalls. 

With these considerations in mind, below are our growth chart predictions tailored specifically for Yorkshire Terriers.

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Growth Charts

Please note that these estimations are the result of our proprietary calculations, uniquely developed from a blend of our personal experience and real-life data gathered through surveys of Yorkshire Terrier owners. We anticipate a variance of 0.5 to 1 pound in our calculations. We take pride in this innovative approach, which is our intellectual property and kindly request that any use of this data outside of our presentation is accompanied by appropriate credit to our work.

Weight Chart Based on 8 Week Weight

Weight of Yorkie pup at 8 weeks old and estimated adult weight:


lb. (0.45 kg) = 4 lbs. (1.81 kg)

1.25 lb. (0.57 kg) = 4.75 lbs. (2.15 kg)

1.50 lb. (0.68 kg) = 5.5 lbs. (2.50 kg)

1.75 lb. (0.79 kg) = 6.5 lbs. (2.95 kg)

2 lbs. (0.91 kg) = 7 lbs. (3.17 kg)

2.25 lbs. (1.02 kg) = 7.5 lbs. (3.4 kg)

2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg) = 7.75 lbs. (3.51 kg) 

2.75 lbs. (1.25 kg) = 8.25 lbs. (3.74 kg)

3 lbs. (1.36 kg) = 9 lbs. (4.08 kg)

Weight Chart Based on 3 Month Weight

Weight of Yorkie pup at 3 months old and estimated adult weight:


1.75 lb. (0.79 kg) = 3.5 lbs. (1.59 kg)

2 lbs. (0.91 kg) = 4 lbs. (1.81 kg)

2.15 lbs. (0.98 kg) = 4.25 lbs. (1.93 kg)

2.2 lbs. (1.00 kg) = 4.5 lbs. (2.04 kg)

2.3 lbs. (1.04 kg) = 4.75 lbs. (2.15 kg)

2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg) = 5 lbs. (2.27 kg)

2.75 lbs. (1.25 kg) = 5.5 lbs. (2.50 kg)

3 lbs. (1.36 kg) = 6 lbs. (2.72 kg)

3.25 lbs. (1.47 kg) = 6.5 lbs. (2.95 kg)

3.5 lbs. (1.59 kg) = 7 lbs. (3.18 kg)

4 lbs. (1.81 kg) = 8 lbs. (3.63 kg)

4.25 lbs. (1.93 kg) = 8.5 lbs. (3.86 kg)

4.5 lbs. (2.04 kg) = 9 lbs. (4.08 kg)

A Final Note

Every Yorkie puppy is on their own unique journey of growth and development. And while it can be fun to guess how big a pup will be when they reach their adult size, it's more important to focus on providing a safe home, a nutritious diet and lots of activity, socialization and fun. Whether your Yorkshire Terrier ends up being a tiny 4 pounds or a sturdy 10, they will be your best friend and one of the most loyal canine family members a pet parent can have.

More Articles:

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Care Tips - A great guide covering the most important tips for optimal health and well-being; this also includes FAQ for puppies.

Yorkshire Terrier Do and Don't List - A super-helpful concise guide on the most important do's and the most vital don'ts for this amazing toy breed. How many are you following? 

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Teething - The teething phase can be quite challenging. Learn how to ease sore and itchy gums to help your little guy or gal satisfy their chewing urges.

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