Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Growth Chart (With Visuals)


Tiny Yorkie Puppy with eyes closed laying on a colorful plush blank in a dog bed

Raising a Yorkie puppy is like watching a tiny ball of fluff turn into a confident little character. Knowing what to expect can ease worries and keep your pup healthy and happy. Below is a detailed Yorkshire Terrier growth chart, along with helpful tips to support your puppy’s healthy development.

Yorkie Growth Stages and Milestones

Newborn to 2 Weeks: The Fragile Stage

Newborn Yorkies weigh just 2 to 5 ounces — smaller than a deck of cards. They rely entirely on their mother for warmth and feeding. Their eyes and ears are closed, and they spend most of their time sleeping.

Tip: Keep their whelping area warm and quiet. Yorkie puppies are delicate and chill easily.

2 to 4 Weeks: Eyes Open and Mobility Begins

At two weeks, their eyes start to open. Ears follow shortly after. Puppies begin wiggling and moving around. By four weeks, they may attempt to stand and walk.

Fact: Yorkie puppies may appear darker at this stage. Their coat lightens over time.

4 to 8 Weeks: Rapid Growth and Socialization

This is when Yorkie pups go from helpless to fearless. They start playing, barking, and bonding with littermates. By eight weeks, they should weigh between 12 to 32 ounces. Weekly weight checks during this stage are recommended to track growth.

Tip: Introduce new sounds, gentle handling, and positive human interaction to build confidence.

8 to 12 Weeks: Exploring and Learning

By now, your Yorkie should weigh 1 to 2 pounds. They become curious explorers and may start showing stubborn behavior. Expect some drama when they don’t get their way!

Training Tip: Introduce simple commands like “sit” and “stay.” Keep training positive, short, and fun.

12 to 16 Weeks: Teething and Growing

Teething begins during this stage. Baby teeth fall out to make room for adult teeth. Yorkies often weigh 2 to 3 pounds now.

Tip: Offer safe chew toys to soothe gums and prevent destructive chewing.

4 to 6 Months: Growth Spurts and Personality

By six months, Yorkies may weigh 3 to 5 pounds. Growth slows, and weight gain becomes steady.

Tip: Stay consistent with training. Yorkies are smart but can be stubborn — like a toddler who just discovered the word “no.”

6 to 12 Months: Approaching Adulthood

Yorkies reach near-adult size by nine months. Most weigh 4 to 7 pounds by their first birthday. Coat color may shift to the familiar tan and blue. While some Yorkies may fall outside the breed standard, this is common in family pets and influenced by genetics and diet.

Grooming Tip: Brush regularly as their coat becomes longer and silkier. Early grooming habits make future care easier.

tan and black yorkshire terrier with smiling with mouth open in a field of yellow lilies

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Yorkie Growth Chart by Weight

Age (Weeks)Expected Weight (Ounces)
1 Week2 – 5 oz
4 Weeks10 – 16 oz
8 Weeks12 – 32 oz
12 Weeks1 – 2 lbs
6 Months3 – 5 lbs
12 Months4 – 7 lbs

Common Growth Concerns

1. Underweight Puppies: If your Yorkie seems too small, speak with your vet. Poor nutrition or illness could be the cause. Tracking their weight weekly during the first six months can help identify concerns early.

2. Overweight Puppies: Yorkies can gain extra weight quickly. Stick to a feeding schedule and portion sizes to prevent this.

3. Stunted Growth: Genetics can cause slower growth. If delays seem severe, your vet can offer guidance.

Supporting Healthy Yorkie Growth

  1. Balanced Nutrition: Choose quality dog food made for small breeds.
  2. Exercise: Yorkies have energy, but their small size means they don’t need long workouts. Short walks and indoor play work well.
  3. Veterinary Care: Routine check-ups and vaccines keep your Yorkie healthy as they grow.

Conclusion

Yorkies may be small, but they’re full of personality. Keep an eye on their growth, offer plenty of love, and they’ll grow into the confident, spunky companion they’re meant to be.

Have questions about your Yorkie’s growth? Ask in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

How big will my Yorkie puppy get?

Yorkies typically reach their full adult size between 9 and 12 months. Adult Yorkies usually weigh between 4 and 7 pounds, though this can vary slightly based on genetics and diet.

What are the key growth stages for a Yorkie puppy?

The key growth stages include: newborn (0-2 weeks), early development (2-8 weeks), rapid growth and socialization (8-12 weeks), teething and growing (12-16 weeks), growth spurts (4-6 months), and approaching adulthood (6-12 months).

How often should I weigh my Yorkie puppy?

During the first six months, weekly weight checks are recommended to track growth and identify any potential issues early. After six months, monthly checks are usually sufficient.

What is a healthy weight for a Yorkie puppy at each stage?

Here’s a general guideline:

  • 1 week: 2-5 ounces
  • 4 weeks: 10-16 ounces
  • 8 weeks: 12-32 ounces
  • 12 weeks: 1-2 pounds
  • 6 months: 3-5 pounds
  • 12 months: 4-7 pounds

When do Yorkie puppies stop growing?

Yorkie puppies generally stop growing in height and length around 9 months, but they may continue to fill out and gain muscle until they reach 12 months.

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