How Big Does a Yorkie Get?

There’s something so great about small dog breeds. Maybe it’s that you can take them anywhere. Or perhaps they’re just more energetic than big dogs. Either way, if you’re a fan of small breeds, then you’ve probably been eyeing the Yorkshire Terrier. 

Lovingly referred to as simply a Yorkie, these playful dogs are a great breed to adopt if you are looking for a small dog with a big personality. 

But, how big do Yorkies get? The answer is very, very small. Let’s check out some genetics to fully understand why they get that big and how big you can expect them to grow. 

In this article we discuss

• How big Yorkies get
• When are Yorkies fully grown
• Are Yorkies the right size dog for you?
• How Yorkie history caused their small size

How Big Do Yorkies Get?

As a small breed, you can expect your Yorkie just to be a few pounds and stay at a typical lap dog size.

A full-grown Yorkie will get to be between 8-9 inches (22cm) tall at the shoulder and no more than 7 lbs (3.2kg).

On occasion, a Yorkie can weigh slightly over this average, coming in at around 8 to 10 pounds. While technically, this does not make them overweight, you should still be on the lookout. On the other hand, if your Yorkie is smaller than 4 pounds, there could be an underlying health problem. 

If you’re ever concerned that your Yorkie may be too small, take them to the vet to have them checked out. 

As for height, there is a lot more flexibility among Yorkies. That being said, a Yorkie owner can expect their furry friends to reach a final size of between 6 and 9 inches. 

Because they’re so small, Yorkies make the perfect lap dog. They are conveniently sized, so you can bring your Yorkie anywhere that allows dogs. You can have them on your lap while you watch TV, carry them around in your purse, and bring them to your favorite cafe. 

But, you also must take their size into account. For example, they may not go on as long of walks or hikes as other larger breeds because they have smaller legs. Even though they have a lot of energy, they are still small dogs, and you always must make sure to go at their pace. 

When are Yorkies Fully Grown? 

Like most puppies, Yorkie terrier puppies typically finish growing once they reach one year old. However, their growth rate tends to drastically slow down once they are around 9 or 10 months old. 

The most rapid period of growth a Yorkie experiences is when they are newborns. From the age of 1 to 7 weeks old, they experience tremendous growth. They learn to open their eyes, as well as learn to walk during these first weeks. 

Once they hit eight weeks old, your Yorkie will still undergo tremendous growth, but their development will not be as fast-paced as it was during those first seven weeks. During this time, you can expect your Yorkie to be bounding with extreme amounts of energy. 

Once they hit one year old, not only do they stop growing, but their energy levels should even out a bit so that they’re slightly more manageable. 

(Remember that a pregnant Yorkie can gain an additional 2 pounds during the process… so be on the lookout for sudden weight gain)

Is the Yorkie Breed Size Right for You? 

If you are looking for a small, energetic dog with a bubbly personality and a beautiful coat, then you should consider adopting a Yorkie. Pet owners who suffer from severe allergies may also benefit from considering a Yorkie as their hair significantly reduces the number of allergens in your home. 

However, Yorkies do require a substantial amount of training from a young age to keep their behavior in check. They also are a very energetic breed and require a significant amount of exercise to keep them healthy and keep their energy levels down. 

As a result, you should only adopt a Yorkie if you have the time and resources to take care of this type of dog properly. However, if you do, owning a Yorkie is a tremendously enriching experience. 

Consider adopting a Yorkie today! 

What is a Yorkie? 

With their gorgeous trademark tan coat, bubbly personality, and silky hypoallergenic fur, the Yorkie’s popularity has soared with American pet owners through the decades since their debut in England around the mid-1800s. 

A Yorkie is a small-sized breed with an energetic personality, making them terrific companions and excellent watchdogs. 

While this may be unknown to most Yorkie-owners, this breed was actually bred as a rat eliminator in the Victorian era. Through the years, they have become much more than pest control. However, that aggression and ferocity have stayed in their genes.

Though this may come in handy for a pet owner with a rat problem, Yorkie owners must take care to train their Yorkies so that they don’t turn that hostility to people or other pets. 

Ease of Care 

Like all small breeds, Yorkies need a lot of care, attention, and exercise for them to be happy and healthy. Because Yorkies were initially bred for rat extermination, this is a high-energy, fast-paced breed. In this sense, Yorkie’s can be a bit high-maintenance – especially if they don’t get the exercise they need. 

How much exercise is enough? Most veterinarians recommend you exercise your Yorkie for a minimum of 30 minutes per day. This can include brisk walks, fetch, or indoor find the treat game if the weather isn’t good. They need an adequate amount of mental stimulation, too, to keep their minds active. 

All in all, Yorkies are very playful and are best known for their rambunctious and entertaining behavior. 

Another trademark of the Yorkie breed is their fabulous coat. To keep their coat healthy and looking great, you must brush your Yorkie regularly. Most experts recommend you brush your Yorkie two or three times a week. 

However, the most critical area of care is training. Because Yorkies can be so hostile, it’s very important that you train your Yorkie to have a good temperament from a young age. Otherwise, they can develop off-putting behavioral issues. 

Therefore, it’s especially important that you train your Yorkie as a puppy if you have any other dogs at home. 

Hypoallergenic and Non-Shedding Traits

If you’re looking for a dog that will irritate your allergies less, you should consider a Yorkie. Because they have hair instead of fur, they are hypoallergenic, which means they produce much less dander and allergens than other breeds and therefore irritate allergies less. 

However, all animals produce dander, no matter their coat type. Technically speaking, no dog can be entirely allergen-free. If you have severe dog allergies, you may find some relief with a hypoallergenic dog. As a result, a Yorkie would be an excellent choice for any dog-lover with allergies.