Yorkshire Terriers are a small breed of dog classified in the toy group.
Standard Yorkies typically weigh between four and eight pounds, with the AKC's standards for show dogs being a more stringent range of five to seven pounds.
You may have heard of a "teacup" variety of Yorkshire Terrier, but this is not a different version of the breed.
Teacups are simply bred to be smaller versions of their particular breed, with teacup Yorkies usually weighing under four pounds at adult weight.
Many people like the teacup varieties of certain breeds for several reasons.
The cuteness factor of tiny dogs certainly plays a part, but often times people want a dog that is portable and can come everywhere with them.
Some teacup owners prefer their smaller pets because they live in small apartments, while many just like to have a tiny little dog.
The majority of Yorkshire Terrier breeders are responsible and ethical and focus on maintaining health and temperament in the bloodlines.
Teacup breeders should be no different, taking every effort to ensure proper health and stability of the breed, but focusing on small size.
In litters of normal-sized Yorkshire Terriers there will occasionally be a runt who can be considered teacup size, but teacup Yorkie breeders actually breed small dogs to keep their litters tiny.
When dealing with the teacup variety of any breed, it is very important to research your breeder.
The popularity of breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier has led many to try to "cash in" on the craze, breeding unethically and often inbreeding their dogs to turn a quick profit.
A reputable breeder will be able to provide references and detailed information on the bloodlines of their sires and dams.
Teacup Yorkshire Terriers may be smaller than their normal-sized counterparts, but seem to be completely unaware of it.
They are bold and playful little dogs, excited to play with their owners or go for a long walk in the park, exploring everything.
Yorkshire Terriers will be content to spend an evening sitting on their owner's lap watching television, taking a long car ride, or simply being pet while lying next to you on the couch.
Yorkies are very codependent and do not do well being left alone for long periods of time.
It is important to know whether or not you can invest the time necessary to keep your Yorkshire Terrier happy before getting a new puppy.
Sometimes Yorkshire Terriers, specifically the teacup variety, can be very wary of strangers or other animals.
Often times this will be displayed in the form of defensive aggression such as growling or fear biting.
It is important to curb this behavior from an early age by properly socializing your puppy.
Introducing him or her to your neighbors and their pets, or inviting company over to interact with your new puppy is a great, fun way to help prevent fear-based aggression later in life.
Standard Yorkies typically weigh between four and eight pounds, with the AKC's standards for show dogs being a more stringent range of five to seven pounds.
You may have heard of a "teacup" variety of Yorkshire Terrier, but this is not a different version of the breed.
Teacups are simply bred to be smaller versions of their particular breed, with teacup Yorkies usually weighing under four pounds at adult weight.
Many people like the teacup varieties of certain breeds for several reasons.
The cuteness factor of tiny dogs certainly plays a part, but often times people want a dog that is portable and can come everywhere with them.
Some teacup owners prefer their smaller pets because they live in small apartments, while many just like to have a tiny little dog.
The majority of Yorkshire Terrier breeders are responsible and ethical and focus on maintaining health and temperament in the bloodlines.
Teacup breeders should be no different, taking every effort to ensure proper health and stability of the breed, but focusing on small size.
In litters of normal-sized Yorkshire Terriers there will occasionally be a runt who can be considered teacup size, but teacup Yorkie breeders actually breed small dogs to keep their litters tiny.
When dealing with the teacup variety of any breed, it is very important to research your breeder.
The popularity of breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier has led many to try to "cash in" on the craze, breeding unethically and often inbreeding their dogs to turn a quick profit.
A reputable breeder will be able to provide references and detailed information on the bloodlines of their sires and dams.
Teacup Yorkshire Terriers may be smaller than their normal-sized counterparts, but seem to be completely unaware of it.
They are bold and playful little dogs, excited to play with their owners or go for a long walk in the park, exploring everything.
Yorkshire Terriers will be content to spend an evening sitting on their owner's lap watching television, taking a long car ride, or simply being pet while lying next to you on the couch.
Yorkies are very codependent and do not do well being left alone for long periods of time.
It is important to know whether or not you can invest the time necessary to keep your Yorkshire Terrier happy before getting a new puppy.
Sometimes Yorkshire Terriers, specifically the teacup variety, can be very wary of strangers or other animals.
Often times this will be displayed in the form of defensive aggression such as growling or fear biting.
It is important to curb this behavior from an early age by properly socializing your puppy.
Introducing him or her to your neighbors and their pets, or inviting company over to interact with your new puppy is a great, fun way to help prevent fear-based aggression later in life.