The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular breeds in the world. But along with the popularity came numerous myths. One of the most common is the division into “mini”, “standard” and even “super-mini” yorkies. Advertisements are full of words “exclusive mini yorkie 1,5 kg”, “model weight” or “pocket version”. But do these sizes officially exist? What does cynological science, FCI standards and veterinary practice say about it? In this article, let’s find out what is the real difference between the mini and standard size, and whether such a division has any basis at all.
What is a “standard” in a yorkie: official breed norms
According to the official FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) standard, the weight of the Yorkshire Terrier should be up to 3.1 kg. There are no separate “mini” or “maxi” categories in the standard. All Yorkies, regardless of weight within the acceptable range, are considered to be members of the same breed.
The term “mini Yorkie” is a marketing invention that has nothing to do with official breeding. Breeders often resort to this division to emphasize the “uniqueness” or higher cost of the puppy. However, this practice is not only disorienting to the buyer, but can also have unfortunate consequences – especially if “miniaturization” is not obtained naturally, but by breeding tiny individuals with malformations.
The consequences of hyposelection: when small doesn’t mean healthy
To achieve the desired “mini-size”, some unscrupulous kennels select the smallest and often the weakest individuals from each litter. These dogs may have hidden or obvious genetic defects: hypoglycemia, nonunion of the fontanelle (open fontanelle), heart defects, jaw deformities, hydrocephalus.
In veterinary practice, the term “mini-Yorkie” is almost always a cause for concern. Dogs with a weight of 1.3-1.5 kg often have increased brittleness of bones, hypersensitivity to temperature changes, problems with teeth, digestion and development.
Such animals rarely live long without serious medical interventions. And worst of all, the buyer, fascinated by the idea of a “pocket pet”, often does not realize that he has purchased a dog with an increased risk of chronic pathologies.
How to choose a healthy yorkie and what to really look out for
A professional dog breeder will never focus on weight alone. The criteria for evaluating a puppy include: body proportionality, psyche, bite, movement, coat condition, pedigree and conformity to the standard. In a good kennel you will be shown not only the parents, but also medical documentation.
If you are offered a “mini-Yorkie”, it is worth clarifying: is it just a small puppy from a normal litter, or the result of questionable selection? You should also remember: the weight of a yorkie is formed up to 12 months, and from a small puppy weighing 600 g in 2 months can grow quite a standard adult dog.
It is better to pay attention to the character, socialization and health of the puppy. And don’t chase the minimum size – even a “normal” yorkie (2.5-3 kg) can easily fit in your hands, in a bag or even under a pillow. A difference of 500 grams is not compactness, but often the price of health.
Conclusion
The division of Yorkshire Terriers into “mini”, “super-mini” and “standard” is nothing more than a commercial myth. According to cynological standards there is only one size of the breed, and it assumes a weight of up to 3.1 kg. Anything else is a deviation or manipulation. If you dream of a yorkie – look not for the smallest, but the healthiest, socialized and cheerful. Because real happiness does not weigh 1.2 kg, but is measured by the love you will receive in return.
