Full Grown Teacup Yorkies: Size, Appearance, Price & More

If you're considering adopting a teacup Yorkie, it's important to understand what they'll be like fully grown. Teacup Yorkies may seem tiny as puppies, but they do grow up eventually.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about full grown teacup Yorkies, including their size, weight, personality, care needs, and more.

Size at Full Grown

While teacup Yorkies are very small as puppies, they do mature to a larger size. A standard full grown teacup Yorkie will be between 4-6 pounds. Anything under 4 pounds is considered a "micro" teacup. It's important to keep in mind teacup Yorkies will not stay pocket-sized forever.

Their full grown size may vary a bit depending on breeding, but in general 4-6 pounds is what you can expect a standard teacup Yorkie to reach at adulthood between 12-18 months old. Their body type remains compact and petite compared to a standard Yorkie.

Weight at Full Grown

Corresponding to their size, the average weight range for a fully grown teacup Yorkie is 4-6 pounds. While tiny as puppies, many new owners are surprised when their teacup reaches 4+ pounds of weight at maturity.

Make sure to take their adult weight into consideration when choosing accessories, carriers, crates, etc.

Appearance at Full Grown

Visually, full grown teacup Yorkies retain their petite, compact frame. Their coat remains smooth and silky. Standard colors include blue and tan, black and tan, or all white. Their fur requires daily brushing to prevent matting.

Physically, they have a slightly longer muzzle and larger ears proportionate to their body compared to as puppies. Other than size and minor proportional changes, their overall appearance remains very similar to when they were young.

Personality at Full Grown

Personality-wise, teacup Yorkies continue to be lively, playful, and affectionate even after reaching adulthood. They bond strongly with their owners and make wonderful companion dogs. Some potential changes in personality include:

• Increased independence as they mature but still desire lots of attention
• May be more vocal, especially if not properly trained as puppies
• Establishing themselves as pack leaders with other pets in the home

With proper socialization and training from a young age, teacup Yorkies generally have pleasant, loving dispositions even after fully growing up.

Price

The price of a teacup Yorkie varies depending on the breeder. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 for a well-bred teacup Yorkie puppy. Their small size contributes to the higher cost compared to a standard Yorkie.

Be wary of unusually low prices, as this could indicate a puppy mill or irresponsible breeding situation. Reputable breeders will health test parents and provide vet references.

The price you pay should cover the quality of the puppy's genetics, health, and upbringing.

Food/Feeding

At full maturity, teacup Yorkies have higher calorie and nutrient needs proportionate to their size compared to as puppies. A good rule of thumb is to feed them 1/4 to 1/3 cup of high-quality kibble divided into 2 meals per day.

The kibble size may need to be crushed slightly smaller. Watch their weight and adjust food amounts accordingly to keep them trim and healthy without over- or underfeeding. Senior formulas should be used starting at 10 years old.

Lifespan

With proper care, the average lifespan of a teacup Yorkie is 12-15 years. Some may live to be 17-18 years old. Early socialization and training leads to a well-adjusted companion. High-quality commercial dog food and routine veterinary care help maximize their longevity.

Health at Full Grown

Common health issues to monitor in full grown teacup Yorkies include dental disease, hypoglycemia, collapsed trachea, infections, bladder/kidney stones, and eye problems.

Dental chews and regular brushing are important. Blood sugar should also be checked if lethargic. And again, respiratory issues may arise.

Genetic testing of parents can screen for inherited conditions like patellar luxation and portosystemic shunt. Annual vet exams are a must to catch any health changes early. Overall the breed is fairly robust if given proper nutrition and medical care.

Care and Nutritional Needs at Full Grown

Some key things to keep in mind for the daily care of a fully grown teacup Yorkie:

• Daily brushing to prevent matting and remove loose fur
• Regular dental care including brushing and professional cleanings
• Trimming nails as needed
• Cleaning ears weekly and plucking hair to avoid infections
• Bathing only when truly needed to avoid stripping natural oils
• Grooming every 4-6 weeks by a professional
• Plenty of affection, play, and mental stimulation daily

Additionally, keep an eye out for any health changes like increased appetite, decreased energy, limping, etc. and see your vet right away. Proper nutrition and hydration remain key to their wellbeing.

Costing

Here's a monthly breakdown of average ownership costs to consider for a fully grown teacup Yorkie:

• $50-75 on high-quality kibble
• $30-50 on treats, bully sticks, dental chews
• $10-20 on basic supplies like leashes, toys, shampoo
• $15-30 on grooming every 4-6 weeks
• $30-50 per year for veterinary exams/tests/vaccines
• $500-1000 per year for pet insurance (highly recommended)

Factor in initial medical expenses like spay/neuter if not already done along with any emergency costs. Overall plan to invest $150-$250 monthly on average for a well-cared for teacup Yorkie after purchase price.

Possible Behavioural Changes of a Fully Grown

Some alterations in behavior you may notice in a fully grown teacup Yorkie compared to as a puppy include:

• Increased dominance and pack leadership towards other pets
• Heightened protectiveness of owners and territory
• Stronger separation anxiety if not sufficiently trained
• More set in barking, nipping, chewing habits if not corrected earlier
• Less tolerant of young children handling them roughly
• Natural aloofness towards strangers may intensify

Consistency in training and socializing from a young age minimizes unfavorable changes. Give them mental stimulation daily through interactive play and training.

Notable Characteristics of a Fully Grown

Some defining traits that truly make the teacup Yorkie breed unique as fully matured adults include:

• Undying loyalty and affection for their human companions
• Playful, animated personalities packed into a tiny frame
• Expressive faces and body language to communicate wants
• Courage and a big dog attitude despite small stature
• Adaptability to apartments yet high activity level indoors
• Natural charisma and entertainment value owners enjoy
• Intelligence to learn fun tricks and obey basic commands
• Lively, bubbly joy in daily routines and hobbies with their humans

The ability to form a profoundly close bond with their favorite people while still remaining sociable to visitors. Their toy-sized stature belies an outsized heart and zest for life that brings constant fun and affection to their families even in adulthood.

Training a Fully Grown Teacup Yorkie

While personality and behavior takes shape earliest in puppyhood, consistent training remains important for a teacup Yorkie's adult life. Even though they are small, it's crucial to reinforce obedience lessons like:

• Basic commands like sit, stay, come
• House training and not eliminating indoors
• Not jumping or nipping at people
• Walking politely on a leash without pulling
• Not barking or howling excessively
• Crate training for easy travel or care

Keeping mental stimulation high through interactive play, puzzle toys, and training new skills and tricks minimizes behavioral issues from forming. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with Yorkies' eager-to-please temperaments.

Exercise Needs of a Fully Grown Teacup Yorkie

While their small stature may suggest teacup Yorkies need little exercise, they still require daily activity to stay physically and mentally fit as adults. Aim for:

• 2 short leash-free play sessions in a fenced yard per day
• 20-30 minutes total of interactive play indoors with toys
• 10-15 minutes per day of leash walking or playing fetch
• Mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, obedience

This helps expend their energy without overexerting their tiny frames. Keep exercise upbeat and fun - teacups play hard! Watch for signs of fatigue and don't overdo outdoor time in extreme heat or cold.

Socialization of a Fully Grown Teacup Yorkie

While their adult personalities form earlier in life, ongoing socialization prevents fully grown teacup Yorkies from becoming anxious, fearful or aggressive towards people or other animals. Continue introducing them to diverse, positive experiences such as:

• New people, including children, elderly, different ethnicities
• Safe dogs of various breeds and sizes at dog parks
• Novel stimuli like loud noises, strollers, wheelchairs
• Public places in a carrier or on a leash, like pet stores

Making encounters upbeat through play and rewards teaches them that change and new faces are pleasant instead of scary. A well-socialized teacup remains sweet-natured for its lifetime.

Grooming a Fully Grown Teacup Yorkie

Daily coat maintenance like brushing remains essential due to their silky fur. Schedule professional grooming every 4-6 weeks as adults for:

• Bath, blow dry and thorough brush-out
• Nail trimming as nails thicken with age
• Ear cleaning to prevent wax buildup
• Anal gland expressing if ever scooting
• Professional dental care every 6 months
• Sanitary shave if needed for tidy bottoms!

This prevents excessive matting and keeps them looking their best. Daily tooth brushing at home is also a must for dental health as they age.

Toys for Fully Grown Teacup Yorkies

Appropriate playthings are important for intellectual and physical stimulation even after reaching adulthood. Durable, safe toy options for full grown teacups include:

• Plush toys for cuddling or fetch games
• Mini tennis balls or squeaky toys for chasing
• Interactive puzzle toys with treats inside compartments
• Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter or canned food
• Portable squeaky toys for travel entertainment
• Chewy treats like bully sticks for dental health

Rotating new toy options weekly maintains their interest and play drive well into their senior years.

Housing a Fully Grown Teacup Yorkie

Even though fully grown teacup Yorkies are still petite, their housing needs change as adults from their puppy days. Consider the following:

• A larger dog crate or exercise pen for nighttime
• A cozy dog bed in a gated room when unsupervised
• Baby gates to keep them from stairs if free roaming
• Pet-proofing electric cords and toxic plants
• Doggy door access to a fully fenced yard

This ensures their safety while still providing freedom and independence. Include their bed, bowls and toys to make their space feel comfortable.

Traveling with a Fully Grown Teacup Yorkie

Whether touring the country in an RV or flying cross-country, there are special precautions needed for transporting an adult teacup Yorkie. Considerations include:

• Airline-approved pet carriers for the cabin or cargo hold
• Car safety harnesses and crates for road trips
• Motion sickness meds from the vet if needed
• Comfort items like toys, treats and bedding
• Pet-friendly accommodations along the route
• Extra dental chews for entertainment while traveling

Taking time to acclimate them to new carriers and modes of transit prevents stress. Comfort stops are key for small bladders too!

Living with Other Pets

With early and ongoing socialization, a fully grown teacup Yorkie can certainly co-exist peacefully with other household pets. Still, consider each animal's unique disposition when multispecies companionship. To foster harmony:

• Supervise interactions closely until trust is built
• Feed pets separately to avoid guarding issues
• Give each pet safe spots away from others to rest
• Make playtime positive through rewards and training
• Discourage any aggression or rough play immediately

Patience and consistency helps a teacup cooperate with fellow cats, dogs, rodents or birds in their home pack.

The Elder Teacup Yorkie

As beloved companions reach senior status between 10-15 years old, certain extra considerations are needed to enrich their golden years. This includes:

• Senior kibble and calorie-rich diet for energy
• Warm cozy bedding and indoor accommodations
• Low-impact exercise like short walks in carrier
• Pain or arthritis meds as recommended by vet
• Dental cleanings every 6 months or as-needed
• Lots of calm love, cuddles and supervised play indoors

Older teacups value security, gentleness and consistent daily routines. Their character and spirit lives on vibrantly to the end.