Tiny dogs --

[SnowWa]

Is it true that the "tiny little Yorkies" have more health problems than the larger ones.

I know - some of the smallest dogs are very healthy - but from the posts I have read, it does seem that health problems are more prevalent in the smaller dogs.

Carol Jean

[Chelsey]

I would say some do and others dont, i had a little tiny boy he was less then 2lbs but he was very sturdy and oh so precious, he lived a very healthy happy life for 15 years

[yorkieusa]

It is thought that the predisposition to illness and genetic problems is more likely and happens more frequently as well as frequently living shorter lives because the organs are so much smaller.

[yorkieusa]

This is what one breeder has on their site:

Special circumstances often come with extra tiny dogs. They are extremely susceptible to both hereditary and non-hereditary health problems, including birth defects that may go undetected for a long time. Other common problems may include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, vomiting, along with extra and expensive tests prior to routine teeth cleanings and surgeries. Small ones are more likely to have poor reactions to anesthesia and die from it. Tiny dogs are more easily injured by falls, being stepped on and being attacked by other dogs. These health problems nearly always result in
large veterinary bills.

Please take this into consideration and make purchasing a healthy pet your top priority, not size. The “novelty” is certainly not worth the pain, heartbreak, or extra expense. Remember, all Yorkies are comparatively small. The most important thing is finding a healthy puppy that will grow into a healthy adult, especially since you looking at an 11 to 15 year commitment with your Yorkie.

http://www.dovercastleyorkshireterriers.com/info.htm

[YorkieRose]

I have found my tinies to be quite sturdy. The problems can come from accidents that a bigger Yorkie can tolerate or recover from much more easily..same with illness. A 2 pounder can not get a stomach upset and lose half a pound. It would be 25% of their body weight..just think if a human lost 25% of their weight in 3 days...a bigger Yorkie can tolerate an upset or virus much easier..half pound rarely kills a 6 pounder.

A tiny can be tiny because it is genetic programmed to be small ..or it can be tiny due to a genetic malfunction/health problem. Unfortunatley, so many owners are not educated by the breeder as to how to care for a tiny..many lose then the first week they get them home because the breeder let them go too soon..not the pet owners fault at all.

[hle_625]

I have 2 yorkies and have for 2 months now I got the first one 2 months ago and she was 2 lbs at 13 weeks I never had a problem health wise with her she did have trouble eating for a few days bc she is very picky but she is eating just fine now. My second yorkie I got 2 weeks ago and she is 1 and 1/2 lbs at 11 weeks I have not had one problem with her, she eats really good she is not a picky eater at all and I have not had one health problem yet. No hypoglycemia at all. Some do say that the smaller ones are more apt to have health risks but this is just my experience

[barkatme]

HUm...i've seen alot on tiny ones that are proned to be more ill than the bigger yorkies.

[sabrinasmom]

My Mother and I got ours from the same breeder, but Mom's is 13 pounds, mine at 10 years is 5. I have had many, many more vet bills. I think the problem I have is that with her being so small, I can't let things "work themselves out" like you can with a larger dog. 24 hours without food, or with diarehhea etc., makes a bigger difference at 5 pounds than at 13 - just like with babies vs. toddlers and children. I'd never trade her, though. Not in a million years.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

I have seen any studies to suggest that tiny yorkies (under 4 lbs) are any more susceptible to health problems than bigger yorkies. I think Yorkie Rose is accurate to say that the tinies are possible more susceptible to injury if they are not guarded carefully. They are tiny so they can get stepped on, be dropped or have a door slam on them which are all things that will harm a small dog such as a tiny yorkie.


I think the rumor that "all tinies" are fragile and timid and in ill health is a myth. I have 4 of them and they are all BIG DOGS in attitude and very healthy!

[Snow Yorkies]

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

I have found my tinies to be quite sturdy. The problems can come from accidents that a bigger Yorkie can tolerate or recover from much more easily..same with illness. A 2 pounder can not get a stomach upset and lose half a pound. It would be 25% of their body weight..just think if a human lost 25% of their weight in 3 days...a bigger Yorkie can tolerate an upset or virus much easier..half pound rarely kills a 6 pounder.

A tiny can be tiny because it is genetic programmed to be small ..or it can be tiny due to a genetic malfunction/health problem. Unfortunatley, so many owners are not educated by the breeder as to how to care for a tiny..many lose then the first week they get them home because the breeder let them go too soon..not the pet owners fault at all.

I have to agree with Pat... I have a little one, she was my first. She is three years old and I haven't had any health issues with her, except for her eye when she scratched her cornea and had to have surgery. But that isn't a health issue. She is a doll and she rules the roost around here...lol.

[YorkieShadow]

I also think there are healthy tinies and then there are nonhealthy tinies just like in the bigger Yorkies. But Like YorkieRose said if a tinie gets sick and loses weight then thats half of their body weight.........So it is more harder for them to bounce back.