The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as a Yorkie, is a small breed of dog recognized for its long, silky hair and playful personality. They usually weigh no more than 7 pounds, but some may be larger than the breed standard. This can be surprising to new Yorkie owners who expect a tiny lap dog, but instead find their Yorkie is bigger than anticipated.
So, why do some Yorkies grow to be larger than the breed standard? There are a few factors that can contribute to a Yorkie being larger than average.
Yorkie Breed Standard Size
A standard Yorkie is between 6 and 9 inches tall, with a weight range of 5 to 7 pounds. Standard Yorkies are the most common size of Yorkshire Terrier, and they’re more likely to be found in the United States than anywhere else.
It is also important to understand that the breed standard for Yorkies, set by the American Kennel Club (AKC), states that a Yorkie should weigh no more than 7 pounds. However, this is just a guideline, and it is not uncommon for Yorkies to be slightly larger or smaller than this. In fact, many Yorkies may weigh up to 8 or 9 pounds and still be considered within the breed standard.
Genetics
One reason that some Yorkies may grow to be larger than the breed standard is due to genetics. Just like people, dogs can have genetics that contributes to their size and overall appearance.
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Note: Some Yorkies may have genes that make them more prone to being larger than others.
You can usually get a good idea of how big your Yorkie puppy will grow by knowing how big its parents are. Generally, Yorkies will not vary in weight by more or less than 1.5-2lbs of what the full-grown parents weigh.
In addition to size, genetics can also affect a Yorkie’s coat color and texture, as well as its overall health and temperament. It is important to research a Yorkie’s ancestry and understand its genetic history if you consider adding one to your family.
Thank you Julia M. for use of your Photo
Diet & Exercise
Another factor that can contribute to a Yorkie being larger than the breed standard is diet and exercise.
Just like with humans, a dog’s diet and exercise can have a big impact on its size and overall health.
If a Yorkie is consistently fed more food than they need, or if they are not getting enough exercise, they may be more prone to being larger than the breed standard.
When it comes to diet, it is important to feed your Yorkie a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. This may include a commercial dog food formulated specifically for small breeds or a homemade diet that a veterinarian has approved.
Note: It is also essential to monitor the amount of food you are feeding your Yorkie and ensure that they are not overfed, as this can contribute to weight gain.
In terms of exercise, Yorkies are energetic little dogs and benefit from daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. They are also well-suited to apartment living, as they only require a little space to get the exercise they need. However, it is still essential to make sure that they are getting enough physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
It is also important to consider your Yorkie’s individual needs and any health conditions they may have when determining their diet and exercise routine. It is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your Yorkie receives the proper nutrition and exercise for its specific needs.
Health Considerations
There are several reasons why some Yorkshire terriers grow larger than their standard-size littermates. Genetics is one factor that comes into play, as well as inbreeding.
Overfeeding can also cause your Yorkie to gain weight, and not getting enough exercise will lead to unwanted pounds as well.
Health issues such as hypothyroidism and other metabolic conditions can affect the size of your dog, and inappropriate dieting practices may also encourage growth in Yorkies with already large appetites.
Crossbreeding / Mixed Yorkies
Another factor that may contribute to a Yorkie being larger than the breed standard is the presence of another breed in their genetics. Yorkies are often crossbred with other breeds, and this can result in a larger size due to the influence of the other breed’s genetics.
Yorkie mixes, also known as designer breeds or hybrid breeds, are dogs that have been bred by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier with another breed. These mixes can have a combination of characteristics from both parent breeds, and the resulting puppies can vary widely in terms of size, appearance, and temperament.
Some common Yorkie mixes include the Morkie (Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese), the Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle), and the Borkie (Yorkshire Terrier and Beagle).
These mixes may have a variety of characteristics, including a long, silky coat like a Yorkie, or a shorter, hypoallergenic coat like a Poodle. They may also have the energetic and playful personality of a Yorkie or the more laid-back temperament of the other breed.
It is important to keep in mind that, just like with purebred dogs, Yorkie mixes can have genetics from both parent breeds that may affect their size, appearance, and overall health. It is always a good idea to research the breeds involved in a Yorkie mix and understand their potential genetic health concerns.
Note: In terms of size, Yorkie mixes may be larger or smaller than a purebred Yorkie, depending on the genetics of the other breed involved. It is important to consider the size of both parent breeds when determining the potential size of a Yorkie mix.
Common Questions about Giant Yorkies
Q: Is it bad for a Yorkie to be larger than the breed standard?
A: It’s important to remember that the breed standard is just a guideline, and a Yorkie that is slightly larger than the standard is not necessarily unhealthy or less desirable as a pet.
However, it is important to ensure that your Yorkie is at a healthy weight and is receiving proper nutrition and exercise to support their overall health.
Q: Can a Yorkie be overweight if they are larger than the breed standard?
A: Yes, it is possible for a Yorkie to be overweight, even if they are larger than the breed standard. It is important to monitor your Yorkie’s weight and ensure that they are at a healthy size. Overweight dogs are at an increased risk of health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and joint issues.
Q: How can I ensure my Yorkie stays within the breed standard?
A: To help ensure that your Yorkie stays within the breed standard, it is important to feed them a high-quality diet and provide them with regular exercise. It is also important to monitor their weight and speak with your veterinarian if you have concerns about their size or health.
Q: What is a Giant Yorkie?
A Giant Yorkie is a Yorkshire Terrier that is bigger than the standard Yorkie. In other words, it’s a Big Yorkshire Terrier!
A Giant Yorkie is not a breed of dog, it’s simply a description of the size of the dog.
- If you’re curious about the size of your Yorkie, there are a few things to consider. First, Yorkies are bred to be small. They aren’t naturally large dogs; many will never grow beyond 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms).
- The term “giant” is not typically used in reference to Yorkshire terriers because they are not a breed that’s known for growing very large or having high energy levels like some other breeds do when they get older.
- If you want your dog to be bigger than average, genetics isn’t likely to help much: most Yorkies are not bred with size in mind and can grow no more than 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) without compromising their health or longevity as pets.
Q: How do I get a Big Yorkie?
There is no such thing as a Big Yorkie. That’s right. Despite it being a common misconception that “giant” Yorkshire Terriers are simply overfed, there is no way to make your furry friend bigger by feeding him or her more. In fact, if anything, it will have the opposite effect: the more you feed your dog the fatter he or she will get!
A big Yorkie cannot be created by feeding more food; instead, they must be bred from two genetically large parents (unfortunately, this means they’re also likely to be overweight). Simply put: if you want a bigger dog then try looking for one with parents who are also larger than normal.
Q: What looks like a Yorkie but bigger?
A few breeds may resemble a Yorkshire Terrier but are typically larger in size. Some examples include:
- Toy Poodle: Toy Poodles are a small breed of dog that are similar in appearance to Yorkies, with long, silky coats and a similar overall body shape. However, they are typically larger than Yorkies, with a weight range of 6 to 9 pounds.
- Bichon Frise: The Bichon Frise is a small, fluffy breed that is similar in appearance to a Yorkie, with a soft, curly coat and a round face. They are typically larger than Yorkies, with a weight range of 7 to 12 pounds.
- Lhasa Apso: The Lhasa Apso is a small, long-haired breed that is similar in appearance to a Yorkie, with a long, silky coat and a similar body shape. They are typically larger than Yorkies, with a weight range of 10 to 18 pounds.
It’s worth noting that these breeds are just a few examples of breeds that may resemble a Yorkie but are typically larger. Many other small dog breeds may have similar characteristics to a Yorkie but may vary in size.
In conclusion, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to a Yorkie growing to be larger than the breed standard. While this may be a surprise to some new Yorkie owners, it is important to remember that the breed standard is just a guideline, and a Yorkie that is slightly larger than the standard is not necessarily unhealthy or less desirable as a pet. It is important to ensure that your Yorkie is at a healthy weight and is receiving proper nutrition and exercise to support their overall health.
While we strive to give the most accurate and helpful information about your pet’s health that we can, this article is meant to be informational only and not medical advice. Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health care provider regardless of what you have read on this site or elsewhere.
