When will your Yorkie reach their full size?
It’s something nearly all new yorkie owners want to know soon after bringing their pup home.
This article runs through exactly when Yorkies stop growing and reach their full size, what their full size actual is, their growth timeline, and the different development stages they go through!
This article has everything you need to know about Yorkie growth.
When Do Yorkies Stop Growing?
Yorkshire Terriers, both males and females, generally stop growing around 9 to 12 months old, although they may fill out a little more over the next few months.
➡️ Male Yorkies, for instance, can experience a bit more fluctuation in growth than their female counterparts. They are known to grow rapidly in their first few months, slow down a bit in the middle, and then have another growth spurt around their one-year mark.
By the time they’re about a year old, they will have reached their full height, but may still fill out a little more until they’re about 18 months old.
➡️ Female Yorkies usually grow at a more consistent pace. They reach their maximum height around 9 to 10 months of age, but like males, they may continue to fill out and gain a little more weight until they’re about a year and a half old.
Yorkie Growth Timeline
Here’s a rough guide to the growth timeline of a Yorkshire Terrier. However, remember that each pup is unique, and growth can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, and health.
| Age | Expected Size |
|---|---|
| 1 month | 1-2 pounds |
| 2 months | 2-3 pounds |
| 3 months | 3-4 pounds |
| 4 months | 4-5 pounds |
| 5 months | 5-6 pounds |
| 6 months | 6-7 pounds |
| 7-12 months | 7-8 pounds |
Yorkies usually experience rapid growth in the first five months, with puppies typically weighing around 5-6 pounds at five months of age.
Between the ages of 6 to 12 months, their growth rate slows down considerably, and they’ll gradually approach their adult weight, which typically ranges between 7-8 pounds.
Yorkie Growth & Development Stages
A Yorkie goes through several stages of growth and development from birth to adulthood. Let’s break down what happens during each of these stages:
Neonatal Period (Birth to 2 weeks)
Right after birth, Yorkie puppies are incredibly fragile and completely dependent on their mother. Their eyes and ears are closed, and they can’t regulate their body temperature very well. Puppies spend most of this period sleeping and nursing. Proper nutrition and warmth are crucial at this stage for the newborn puppies’ survival and growth.
Transitional Period (2 to 4 weeks)
During the transitional period, puppies start opening their eyes and ears, responding to light, sounds, and movement around them. They start to stand, walk, and interact with their siblings, albeit clumsily. Teeth also begin to emerge during this stage. This period marks the beginning of their social development and physical coordination.
Socialization Period (4 to 12 weeks)
This period is considered one of the most important stages in a puppy’s life. It’s during this stage that puppies become more independent and start to explore their environment. They learn from their mother and siblings about how to behave as a dog, including understanding basic social cues and boundaries. The experiences they have during this period significantly affect their behavior in adulthood. For Yorkies, socialization with humans and other animals during this stage is critical.
Testing Period (3 to 6 months)
This stage in a Yorkie’s life is similar to the ‘terrible twos’ in a human child. Yorkies start testing their boundaries, and you might see a bit of a rebellious side emerge. They’re also teething during this period, so providing appropriate chew toys can help ease their discomfort. Consistent, positive reinforcement training during this stage can help shape their behavior positively.
Adolescence (6 to 18 months)
This is the ‘teenage’ phase for Yorkies. They are quite energetic and may exhibit more stubborn or independent behavior. Female Yorkies may have their first heat during this stage. It’s essential to continue with consistent training and socialization throughout this period to reinforce good behavior.
Young Adult (18 months to 3 years)
During this stage, Yorkies mature out of their adolescence and begin to calm down a bit. However, they’re still quite playful and require regular exercise. This is typically the stage when Yorkies reach their full adult size, although they may continue to fill out a bit over the next few months.
Adult (3 years onwards)
At this point, your Yorkie is fully grown and has likely settled into their personality and behavior. They’ll continue to need regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and plenty of love and attention. Regular vet check-ups are essential to ensure they remain healthy as they age.
Remember, every Yorkie develops at their own pace, and these stages are just a guide. You’ll have the best understanding of your pup’s growth and changes, so be sure to pay attention to their development and maintain regular vet visits to ensure they’re growing and developing healthily.
How Big Do Yorkies Get
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their petite size, making them perfect lap dogs. As adults, they typically stand about 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder.
When it comes to weight, the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards suggest Yorkies should weigh no more than 7 pounds.
However, it’s not unusual to see some Yorkies weighing slightly more, between 7-8 pounds.
Their small stature shouldn’t be underestimated, though. These dogs pack a lot of personality into a small package. Yorkies are known for their adventurous, affectionate, and sprightly temperament.
As each dog is unique, some Yorkies might be slightly smaller or larger than the breed standard. As long as they’re healthy and fit, there’s no reason to worry about small variances in size.
Factors Affecting How Big a Yorkie Will Get
Several factors can influence the adult size of a Yorkie:
- Genetics: The parents’ size can be a big indicator of how big a Yorkie puppy will get. If both parents are on the smaller side, it’s likely the puppy will also be small, and vice versa.
- Diet: A balanced diet is crucial for a puppy’s development. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can stunt growth. It’s essential to feed your Yorkie a diet rich in high-quality protein to support healthy growth.
- Exercise: Regular exercise helps to ensure that your Yorkie develops strong, healthy muscles. A lack of physical activity can lead to obesity and affect their overall size and health.
- Health: Certain health conditions can affect a Yorkie’s growth. For instance, parasites can hinder nutrient absorption, leading to stunted growth, while hormonal issues can cause abnormal growth.
Remember, the most important thing is not how big your Yorkie gets, but that they’re healthy and happy. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced lifestyle can ensure your Yorkie thrives, no matter their size.
Yorkie Growth Key Points & Summary
Let’s summarize the most important stats and key points about Yorkie growth:
- Yorkies generally stop growing between 9 to 12 months of age, with males possibly filling out until about 18 months and females until around a year and a half.
- The typical adult weight for a Yorkie is between 7-8 pounds.
- Yorkies stand about 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder when they’re fully grown.
- Several factors can affect a Yorkie’s adult size, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health.
- The socialization period (4 to 12 weeks) is a critical stage in a Yorkie’s life for behavioral development.
- Consistent, positive reinforcement training during the testing period (3 to 6 months) and adolescence (6 to 18 months) is essential to reinforce good behavior.
- Regular vet check-ups are necessary throughout a Yorkie’s life to ensure healthy growth and development.