Why Is My Yorkie So Big? 5 Potential Reasons For Being Big

Is your Yorkie turning heads for the wrong reasons? If you’re wondering, “why is my Yorkie so big?”, you’re not alone. Many Yorkie owners worry about their furry friend’s size and whether it indicates an underlying health issue. This article will delve into the reasons behind a big Yorkie, help you understand if your Yorkie is overweight, and provide actionable steps to maintain your pet’s health.

Understanding Yorkie Size and Growth

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their small stature and lively personality. However, understanding the typical size and growth patterns of your Yorkie is essential to ensure they are healthy and not overweight. If your Yorkie seems larger than the other Yorkies in your neighborhood, then you should consider the following things. Is it purebred or is it a mix of two dog breeds? Do you overfeed your Yorkie? How much activity does your Yorkie get? These are only some of the questions you would like to know the answer.

To help you discover whether your Yorkie is within normal ranges, here are the things to keep in mind:

Standard Yorkie Weight Range

The standard weight range for a Yorkie typically falls between 4 to 7 pounds. This range can vary slightly based on genetics, diet, and lifestyle.

Yorkshire Terriers are classified as toy dogs due to their small size, and maintaining this weight range is crucial for their overall health. If you notice your Yorkie is exceeding this range, it could be a sign of overfeeding or lack of exercise. While some Yorkies might naturally be on the higher end of the spectrum due to their genetic makeup, consistently monitoring their weight and comparing it with the standard Yorkie weight range can help you catch any potential issues early.

Yorkie Growth Chart

A Yorkie growth chart is an invaluable tool for tracking your puppy’s development. These charts provide a month-by-month guide to what is typical in terms of weight and size for Yorkies. Most Yorkies reach their full size by 12 months, but some might continue to fill out slightly until they are 18 months old. If you want to follow your Yorkie’s size and weight, then you can read our blog post on the Yorkie Growth Chart Through Life Stages: Things To Know

By using a Yorkie growth chart, you can ensure your pet stays within a healthy weight range. It’s the only way to prevent your Yorkie from becoming obese. 

Why Is My Yorkie So Big? Common Reasons 

From genetics to diet, and even underlying health issues, there are many reasons why your Yorkie might be larger than expected. Here are the most common reasons that affect your dog’s size:

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in determining a Yorkie’s size. If your Yorkie’s parents were on the larger side, your dog might naturally be bigger. It’s important to check whether your Yorkie is a purebred or if it represents a mix of two or more breeds. Mixed breeds can inherit size traits from the non-Yorkie parent, which could explain your dog’s size.

Overfeeding

One of the most common reasons for is overfeeding. It’s easy to give in to those puppy eyes, but feeding your Yorkie more than necessary can lead to weight gain. If you’re wondering why is your dog so big, take a closer look at their meal portions and frequency. Overindulgence in treats and table scraps can also contribute to their expanding waistline. Instead of rewarding your dog with commercial treats, we recommend you give an advantage to healthy and fresh summer treats for your Yorkie.

Poor Quality Food

Low-quality dog food can also lead to gaining weight . These foods often contain fillers that don’t provide the necessary nutrients, leading to overeating. Avoid diets rich in carbohydrates, fillers and artificial flavors because those could be the biggest culprits of gaining weight.

Lack of Exercise

A sedentary lifestyle can cause your Yorkie to gain weight. Regular exercise is crucial to keep your pet healthy and fit. Are they getting enough playtime and walks? Exercise helps burn off excess calories and keeps your Yorkie in shape. In case you don’t have enough free time to take your dog on long strolls multiple times a day, then you should include some toys into his/her life. In our wide collection of Yorkie toys you can find both interactive and chew toys to keep your furry friend engaged.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain and lethargy. If you’re thinking about your dog’s size, and notice symptoms like fatigue and hair loss, a trip to the vet might be necessary to check for this condition.

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s Disease results in excessive production of cortisol, which can also lead to weight gain. If your Yorkie shows signs like increased thirst and frequent urination along with weight gain, consult your vet for a diagnosis.

Understanding these common reasons can help you address the ideal size of your Yorkie. Whether it’s due to genetics, diet, lack of exercise, or underlying health issues, knowing the cause is the first step to helping your Yorkie maintain a healthy weight.

Living With A Big Yorkie: Wrapping Up

Regardless of the fact you live with a big or small Yorkie, one thing is for sure. We don’t need to pay attention on their size until it doesn’t affect their health. Yorkies are generally small dogs and we should shower them with a lot of love, care and respect. Maybe your Yorkie is a Maltese or Pomeranian mix and it doesn’t fit the breed’s standard recognized by the AKC.