Many people know the Yorkie for its small and adorable look. When you own one, you’re probably wondering: “When do Yorkie puppies stop growing?”. Through answering this question, you’ll have more of an idea and know what to expect while your cute furry friend is still growing into an adult!
So if you are wondering on when Yorkie puppies stop growing, then read on as I answer your questions and give you the information needed on your Yorkie puppy!
The Standard Size of a Yorkie
You may have noticed that Yorkies are smaller in size, compared to the other breeds like the Golden Retriever. We even know then as a toy or mini dogs. That’s because breeders purposefully breed Yorkies to stay generally smaller, which is great for small homes or families that prefer toy dogs. In fact, a Yorkie is one of the smallest dogs in the world, almost close to a Chihuahua. But don’t let the size fool you! Yorkie puppies are spunky and quite active!
The Yorkie has a minimum weight of four pounds, and the maximum would be seven pounds. As for their height, they do not have a set height standard, though Yorkies would usually reach about six to nine inches high (measured from the floor to the top of his shoulders).
But even then, this can vary due to different factors.
If your Yorkie puppy is smaller than the average height or weight, then it’s time to have them checked by the veterinarian. After all, anything less than four pounds for a fully grown dog is tiny and creates a few health issues for your furry friend.
Do you have a Yorkie puppy that seems to be growing in the average weight range or height? Then he may have come from a bloodline of larger breeds. Or they have a bigger bone structure if they are not considered as overweight. Sometimes, they can reach up to 15 pounds!
When Do Yorkie Puppies Stop Growing?
Now that you know what their standard height and weight is when fully grown, when do Yorkie puppies stop growing? Yorkie puppies would grow much faster during their first year. It can either be spread out throughout the year or come in growth spurts and slower changes after a few months.
With that being said, we can say that the Yorkie is now an adult once he reaches a year old. A Yorkie will stop growing after the first year. Their weight gain ends at nine months old, but their height and length may increase for a few more months after that. But generally speaking, small breeds would stop growing after nine months to a year.
Quick Tips on Keeping Your Yorkie Puppy Happy and Healthy
You’re now familiar with the size of a Yorkie and how big they can grow. But what are ways to keep them healthy and to grow at a steady rate? Here are some tips to follow when caring for your Yorkie puppy:
- While they are puppies, avoid putting them on special diets. Take note that while they may have a bit of fat in them, it does not mean that the puppies are overweight. They are growing and will soon lose them, as long as you continue to keep them moving.
- Just like humans, Yorkie puppies need some active time, too! Take them out for walks or play games with them at home for them to run and walk around. The exercise will keep their growing bones stronger and healthier.
- Stick with puppy food for the first year of your Yorkie puppy’s life, transitioning to adult food once after that. Considering his weight-to-height ratio, you may want to feed him more or less than what’s recommended to maintain the optimum weight. Yorkies would generally need 150 calories per day, while more active ones would require up to 200 calories. Make sure that you fill his diet with protein!
- And of course, keep your Yorkie up to date with his vaccines. Take him to the vet if he continues to stay under or over the average weight range, especially if he experiences other health issues because of it.
Wrapping It Up
There are many questions one asks when it comes to owning a puppy, mainly when they stop growing. As long as you keep them healthy, there’s no need to worry about their size and growth. Just enjoy the way they make you happy!
I hope that this article answers your question: “When do Yorkie puppies stop growing?” Now that you’re familiar with the standard size of Yorkies, then continue to keep your puppies happy and healthy today.
Do you have any questions or would like to share your tips and experiences when caring for Yorkie puppies? Then comment down below. I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic.
Last Updated on 13/09/2023 by Karen Snow
Hi! I’m Karen and a certified dog lover. As a freelance writer and blogger, I do my best to squeeze in some time with my dogs, learning more about the way they act and how I can make sure that they continue to stay well-cared for by yours truly.
My dogs have helped me through a lot, and this is my way of giving back to them! Besides animals, I also love to travel and cook, having explored my country’s restaurants and unique places. Follow me as I show you all the amazing tips and bits of information I learn along the way about our furry friends!