Many owners that either have a teacup yorkie or are interested in one, ask this question… Is it possible that their teacup yorkie actually grows to be bigger than they should?
After all, the main thing that sets teacup yorkies apart from regular yorkies is of course their tiny size. And this might be exactly what you want.
This article covers everything you need to know about a teacup yorkie’s size, and whether or not they can grow to be bigger than intended.
The Teacup Yorkie’s Full Size
First of all, let’s define what a teacup Yorkie is. A teacup Yorkie is a very small version of the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
They are called “teacup” because they are so tiny that they can fit into a teacup!
In fact, teacup Yorkies weigh between 2 and 4 pounds and stand only 5 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
If they grow to be bigger than this weight range and height range, they are generally no longer considered “teacup” yorkies.
Breed Standard
Teacup Yorkies which are dogs that are intentionally bred to be smaller than the AKC standard, weighing no more than 4 pounds and standing no taller than 5 or 7 inches.
Due to the teacup Yorkie’s smaller size, they do not meet AKC standards and are not actually “recognized” by the AKC.
The recognized standard for purebred standard Yorkies is 4-7 lbs.
Will a Teacup Yorkie Grow Big?
Now, let’s answer the big question: will a teacup Yorkie grow big? The answer is no, a teacup Yorkie will not grow big.
So long as the breeder used two parent yorkies small enough to produce the correctly sized offspring.
If they did, then the teacup Yorkies will not grow big, and will stay at their small size.
However, it’s important to understand that they may not always stay the same size. While they won’t grow big, they may continue to grow slowly for a longer period of time than other dogs.
When Do They Stop Growing?
Standard sized Yorkies stop growing after about one year of age, whereas Teacup Yorkies may take up to 16 months to stop growing.
However, it’s important to note that every dog is different, and some may continue to grow for a little longer depending on certain factors like gender where the males might add a little extra weight beyond the females.
Factors Affecting a Teacup Yorkie’s Size
While teacup Yorkies are small dogs that won’t grow big, there are still some factors that can affect their size.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Genetics: Like all dogs, a teacup Yorkie’s size is largely determined by its genetics. If both parents are small, their offspring are likely to be small as well.
- Nutrition: What you feed your teacup Yorkie can also affect its size. Make sure you’re feeding your dog a high-quality dog food that meets all its nutritional needs.
- Health: A teacup Yorkie that is sick or has health problems may not grow as big as it should. Make sure you’re taking your dog to the vet regularly for check-ups and vaccinations.
- Exercise: While exercise won’t necessarily make your teacup Yorkie grow bigger, it will help keep it healthy and prevent it from becoming overweight.
When a Teacup Yorkie May Grow Bigger
Teacup Yorkies are typically created by breeding two smaller-than-average Yorkshire Terriers together.
The goal of breeding these smaller dogs is to produce a litter of puppies that are also small in size, often weighing no more than 4 pounds when fully grown.
Now, if the breeder uses one or two parents that are bigger than they should be (in order to produce teacup size litters) then there’s a chance that the “teacup” yorkie you purchase, actually ends up growing outside of this range, and more like a small yorkie.
This comes down to the breeder, the parents used, and is something that owners should always clarify before choosing a particular breeder.
Predicting a Teacup Yorkie’s Future Size
Understandably, many owners would like to gaurantee that their teacup sized Yorkie, does in fact stay within the teacup size requirements… So can you predict this ahead of time before you choose your pup?
While there is no way to gaurantee future size, breeders can often give a fairly accurate size prediction based off of birth weight.
So, the answer to this is… kind of!
Breeders should be able to give you a rough estimate of your teacup yorkies future size based of the birth weight, but just know there are no 100% gaurantees with this.
This comes back to choosing a reputable breeders that really understands what they are doing. The more trustworthy they are, the more you can rely on the information they give.
Teacup Yorkies Underweight or Overweight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for all dogs, including teacup Yorkies.
Because of their small size, even a small weight gain or loss can have a significant impact on their overall health.
Here are some tips to help you know if your teacup Yorkie is at a healthy weight:
- Look at their body condition: The best way to determine if your teacup Yorkie is at a healthy weight is to look at their body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs without having to press too hard, but you shouldn’t be able to see them. Their waistline should also be visible when viewed from above, and their tummy should tuck up slightly.
- Use a body condition score chart: Another way to determine if your teacup Yorkie is at a healthy weight is to use a body condition score chart. These charts are widely available online and can help you determine if your dog is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight. They typically use a scale of 1 to 9, with a score of 4 to 5 being considered ideal.
- Monitor their food intake: Teacup Yorkies have small stomachs and require less food than larger breeds. Be sure to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding. It’s also important to choose a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level.
- Provide plenty of exercise: Teacup Yorkies may be small, but they still require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Try to provide them with at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, such as short walks or playtime in a fenced yard.
- Watch for signs of weight gain or loss: Keep an eye on your teacup Yorkie’s weight and watch for signs of weight gain or loss. If you notice a significant change in their weight, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. Rapid weight loss or gain can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Are Teacup Yorkies Less Healthy Becuase of Their Size?
Unfortunately, yes. Teacup Yorkies are generally considered to be less healthy than regular-sized Yorkies because of their small size.
While Yorkies are generally a healthy breed, teacup Yorkies can be more prone to health problems due to their small size.
One of the main concerns with teacup Yorkies is that they are often bred to be smaller than the breed standard, which can result in health problems such as:
- Fragile bones: Teacup Yorkies have delicate bones that can easily break, even from a small fall or accident.
- Dental issues: The small size of their mouths can make it difficult for teacup Yorkies to maintain good dental hygiene, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Hypoglycemia: Teacup Yorkies are more susceptible to hypoglycemia, which is a condition where their blood sugar levels drop too low. This can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Respiratory problems: Teacup Yorkies may also be more prone to respiratory problems such as collapsed tracheas and chronic bronchitis due to their small airways.
- Liver shunts: Teacup Yorkies are also more prone to liver shunts, which is a condition where blood flow to the liver is disrupted. This can result in a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream.
It’s important to note that not all teacup Yorkies will experience these health problems, and that responsible breeders will take steps to minimize the risk of these issues.
However, it’s still important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with teacup Yorkies and to take steps to ensure that your dog stays healthy.
Is It Right to Breed Teacup Yorkies?
The question of whether it’s morally right to breed teacup Yorkies is a controversial one, and opinions on the matter can vary widely.
On the one hand, some people argue that breeding teacup Yorkies is unethical because it involves intentionally breeding dogs to be smaller than the breed standard, which can lead to health problems and a reduced quality of life for the dogs.
They also argue that the demand for teacup Yorkies is largely driven by aesthetics, rather than the well-being of the dogs, which raises ethical concerns.
On the other hand, some breeders and enthusiasts argue that there is nothing inherently wrong with breeding teacup Yorkies, as long as it is done responsibly and with the health and well-being of the dogs as the top priority.
They argue that teacup Yorkies can make wonderful pets for people who live in small apartments or have limited space, and that there is a demand for these dogs that responsible breeders can meet.
Ultimately, whether or not it’s morally right to breed teacup Yorkies is a complex issue that depends on a number of factors, including the breeder’s motives, the health and well-being of the dogs, and the demand for these dogs.
It’s important for anyone considering breeding teacup Yorkies to carefully consider these factors and to prioritize the welfare of the dogs above all else. Additionally, anyone considering getting a teacup Yorkie should be aware of the potential health risks associated with these dogs and should choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Closing Thoughts
Teacup Yorkies that are bred correctly should not grow to be bigger than their standard size of 2-4 lbs in weight and 6-7 inches in height.
Though future size can never be gauranteed, breeders usually have a good idea of their size by looking at their birth weight.
While small, cute, and graceful, teacup Yorkies come with inherent risks due to their size so owners should always consider carefully before choosing such kind of breed.