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How To Measure a Yorkie

Yorkie puppy sitting on a couch

One of the nice aspects of the Yorkshire terrier is that it may be a small dog, but it comes with a big personality. This makes the dog think it is bigger than it really is. Originating in Yorkshire, England, hence the name, this dog is very loyal.

There are five measurements to take to properly measure your Yorkie. The neck diameter is just one of those measurements. Keep reading to find out about this and the other two methods to properly measure a Yorkie.

Take a few minutes to see how this information can help you measure your tiny pet the right way.

Want to know “How To Trim a Yorkie Face”? Click here to learn more.

How To Measure a Yorkie

The first method is as we already mentioned. You want to measure the diameter of their necks first. This will help you find the right collar to fit your dog. The wrong collar means they may be able to slip out and off their leash and escape.

The second method to use is to measure their length. You start from the back of the neck and take the tape measure to the beginning of the tail. You do not need to measure their heads or tails, but you can if you want.

The third measurement is for their girth. Again you have to take the tape measure all the way around your dog’s chest, starting from the middle of the back and ending in the same spot.

There is the 4th measurement which goes from shoulder to shoulder. There are many Yorkies that are very tiny and weigh only 2 pounds, and measure only 4 to 5 inches between the shoulders.

How Tall Is a Yorkie?

Measuring tape on a wooden surface

This is one more measurement you can take if you want, as it will give you its height. For this measurement, you measure from the ground to the little ridge in its back between the shoulder blades.

The average Yorkie measures about 7 to 8 inches from the ground up, although there will be exceptions to this rule, especially when the parents were not the right size but smaller than average.

The measurement from the base of the neck to the base of the tail should be in proportion to their height. However, even siblings in the same litter can vary in their measurements.

These figures are just a starting point. Some Yorkies will be bigger, and others will be smaller. If they are under 7 inches, then take your dog to the vet and have him or her do some tests for health issues.

Their weight should be in proportion to their height as well. Most dogs from this breed will weigh between 4 and 7 pounds, and you will find some lighter as well as some weighing up to 10 pounds.

Those under 4 pounds are usually called teacup Yorkies and are considered underweight. If your Yorkie fits this description, then look for some health issues, as they are very vulnerable to different ailments.

Click here to learn “How To Train a Yorkie to Use a Pee Pad”.

What Is a Yorkie’s Neck Size?

Yorkie with a blue collar standing outdoors in grass

If they are not teacup Yorkie, then you can expect your pet to have a nice neck size for the type of dog that it is. Yorkies do not get very big, and do not be surprised to find that their neck size is on the small side of things.

Again, it depends on how big your little dog has grown. The average neck size ranges between 6 and 12 inches in circumference. You want to measure all the way around his or her neck to get this figure.

Your dog’s neck size will depend on how tall it is, how heavy it is, and other factors. You want to make sure you do not over-feed your pet, as that will bring on health issues as well.

When you measure your dog’s neck, make sure to wrap the tape measure around the thickest part of the pet’s neck. This will tell you the size of collar you need to buy.

Remember, your Yorkie may be bigger or smaller than your friend’s Yorkie, so do not worry if it is. That is normal.

Some Final Words

2 yorkies sitting on a wooden porch

Getting your dog’s measurements is important. It helps tell you if he or she is healthy or undersized. While the undersized dogs are cute, they are also vulnerable to different ailments.

That may make taking care of them a bit more difficult. Because Yorkies are small dogs, you really have to be careful when picking them up, etc.

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