Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Yorkshire Terriers (or Yorkies, as enthusiasts affectionally call them ,) are members of the Toy group . They are one of most compact dog breeds. The Yorkie, despite its small stature, is a true terrier! The Yorkshire Terrier is currently the tenth most beloved dog in the United States and one of the most adorable pups on the planet.
Yorkies can be intelligent, curious, and energetic. These tiny pups are well-suited for the speed, agility, and flyball ?. There’s never a dull moment with a Yorkie living in your home. These puppies can be mixed with , mainly because of their exceptional demeanor (. See the Morkie and the Shorkie examples.
This article contains with all the information that you will need to adopt one of these adorable, spunky, and cute little dogs. You don’t have to know it if it’s not here. Let’s find out more about this adorable Yorkshire Terrier.
History
The Yorkshire terrier is descended from the terrier-type dogs kept by Scottish weavers who moved into England back in the early 1800s. The Yorkie’s ancestors were used to catch vermin in the English woolen mills. These dogs were created by crossing local dogs with imported terrier breeds. The first dog to be recognized as a Yorkshire terrier appeared in 1870.
In 1932, there were just 300 Yorkies registered with the British Kennel Club. But by 1957, the number had rocketed to 2,313. In 1990, there were a record 25,665 Yorkies registered! Today, the breed is one the most loved dogs in HTML1. Modern Yorkies are also able to compete in agility and flyball events, which is surprising. This just shows that size doesn’t matter!
Yorkies are also a favourite companion dog , Yorkies can be shown by enthusiastic members of the Toy group. Yorkies are traditionally displayed in a box with a red cover, except in the United Kingdom. It is quite amazing to see Yorkies in their red boxes at a show ring.
Temperament
Despite their small stature, the Yorkshire Terrier is a lively little dog full o’ fun doggy beans. Although they don’t need to be exercised a lot, they enjoy playing at home with their loved ones. Their terrier genes are responsible for a lot of their energy. They are driven by prey and will chase down anything they see. They will chase anything that looks like a rodent, especially if it is a rodent.
They are quite chill and enjoy a good afternoon nap. This guy is the perfect companion for you if you are looking for someone to watch Netflix with and just chill with every Sunday. They are very affectionate and will happily lay on your lap for hours if you allow them to. They are energetic and easy-going, making them well-suited for most families.
Talking about terrier blood, they have a streak of stubbornness , cheekiness , tenacity and bossiness HTML1. They can be quite a handful if they aren’t trained properly. We’ll discuss this in the training section. Yorkies love Yorkies for their feistiness, which is part of their canine charm. We bet that if you bring this dog on, you will fall for his charms!
This is what makes them awesome watches .. They will bark at anyone who comes to their home or family. This is a great way to get a dog alarm system. This is not a good idea if you have frequent headaches. They aren’t visible to intruders but their loud, happy vocals can make them a great deterrent! They can be aloof around strangers, but they will soon become more trusting of those who are trustworthy.
Yorkies love people and can become stressed if they are separated from their human family for long periods. They need to be surrounded by family members who are able to spend the majority of their day with them. They’ll be very unhappy bunnies otherwise. This small, purse-sized dog can go with you everywhere you go.
Size & Appearance
The Yorkie’s body is compact, well-shaped, and well-proportioned . Their head is high and they exude self-importance. Their small button eyes and dark noses are a sign of their modesty. Your Yorkie puppy must conform to The Yorkie breed standard .. If you’re looking for a pet to be a family member, they don’t have to conform to the Yorkie breed standard
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Have you ever wondered if a teacup Yorkie was a real thing? They are! They are just regular Yorkies, but have been bred to be smaller than the norm. The average teacup Yorkie weighs between 2 and 4 pounds. It is not recommended to buy a teacup Yorkie pup , because these tiny puppies can have many health issues. If you’re interested in learning more, we have a dedicated teacup Yorkie breed guide .
Coat & Colors
All Yorkshire terriers were born with smooth, black hairs with small tan . points. The dog’s coat becomes darker, more steely blue, and more tan as he matures. Some Yorkies remain black even in adulthood. Some dogs can be very light or silvery. These are considered faults in display, but the color of your dog will not affect his suitability to be a companion or pet.
If you wish to show your dog, keep it with its long, natural hair. Their natural hair is so long it falls to the ground ,. For them to see, the hair must be tied up. They are often mistaken for larger Silky Terrier .. Their silky, shiny coat is silky soft. Many Yorkies prefer a shorter, more manageable teddy bear fur coat.
Yorkies don’t have a fluffy coat to keep them warm because they are a single coated breed . This means that you will need to provide your Yorkie with a coat or jumper during winter walks. Yorkies will not be happy if they are kept in cold temperatures.
Exercise Requirements
Yorkies need to exercise every day, even though they are small. They need to be active to keep them healthy and to keep them busy. An adult Yorkie needs two short walks per day . Alternatively, a few short playtime sessions in your backyard will suffice, preferably with toys we recommend for Yorkies. They love to chase balls and run around, which is why they are so prey-driven. Play fetching games will keep them entertained.
Despite their small stature, they love playing with other dogs at the . dog park Your Yorkie is small and fragile. You must allow your Yorkie to play on-leash only in areas that are reserved for small dogs or puppies. It’s great to see your little pup succeed in his attempts. he can boss all the other dogs.
Living Conditions
A Yorkie is a good pet to have if there are no young children. But they don’t like overly enthusiastic, young hands . It is important to teach children and dogs how to co-exist peacefully. Children younger than 5 years old often view small dogs as toys. They should not pick up the dog if they are injured.
These guys don’t need anything else but a loving family that can spend their days with them . Yorkies hate being left alone. Your Yorkie will be content to curl up on your lap after a long day of work if you exercise him and groom him regularly.
Their small frame makes them ideal for smaller living spaces but they can also thrive in larger homes. Yorkies are loved by both country and city dwellers. You must Yorkieproof your yard so they don’t escape. If they are looking for something, they will find it and get around any barriers.
Training
Yorkies can learn . quickly and are bright like buttons. Your puppy will learn quickly and you’ll be able to housetrain them. You need to get started early on and have fun with it in order to overcome their stubborn nature. They’ll find something more exciting if they don’t.
Socializing your Yorkie pup is super important. It will teach them skills and build their confidence. This will stop them from getting something called “small dog syndrome .’” Don’t let your Yorkie get away with bad behavior just because they’re small.
The Yorkie, like other terrier breeds can show an independent streak. on the scent of a prey animal such a squirrel, rat or other small animal you might have difficulty getting your little terror to return to you. When it comes to properly leash training your Yorkie, we recommend choosing a Yorkie-appropriate dog harness. If your dog pulls, this will prevent any potential tracheal problems. You’ll need to make it as easy as possible for these pups to walk.
Crate training . is an essential part of training your Yorkie. This pooch is most susceptible to separation anxiety. And no matter how much you want to, you can’t be with them 24/7. You’ll need to make sure they feel at home when you have to go.
Health
The average lifespan of a healthy Yorkshire terrier is between 14 and 15 years. Although some have been known to live up to 18 years. While Yorkies are healthy and live long lives, some Yorkies can be expected to live up to 18 years.
- Collapsing trachea
- Luxating patella
- Dental problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Bladder stones
- Cataracts
- Ingrown eyelashes
Yorkies can also be affected by a liver defect known as portosystemic-shunt ,, which is often expensive and requires extensive surgical treatment. To put your mind at ease, a test can be done for this condition. Parents should consider pet insurance for their Yorkie to help offset these possible expenses.
Luxating Patella
Luxating Patella is the medical term for dislocating ankles .. Yorkies are particularly susceptible to this condition. Make sure your breeder is certified for both parents. They will declare that they are free from this congenital condition.
Dental Problems
Yorkies are susceptible to overcrowding and incorrect dental design .. Too many teeth can trap plaque and cause tartar to form. Keep your Yorkie’s teeth clean by brushing them every day. You can ask your vet for a dog-specific toothpaste or a mini toothbrush.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a condition that causes poor blood supply to the head of the dog’s rear leg bones. Poor circulation can lead to bone degrading . over time. This condition can be treated surgically. Ask your breeder to confirm that the parents of the puppy have been tested for this condition.
Nutrition
Yorkies do not need special food in order to be healthy. However, when choosing kibble, look for a brand that’s designed specifically for Yorkies or other small breeds. The pieces of kibble should be small so that your Yorkie can eat it. Ask your breeder for their recommendations for the best food for your puppy. This is especially important for the first few weeks.
The average Yorkie adult will consume around 1 cup of kibble each day . You should split this into two meals. You want your Yorkie to have the best food possible. Low-quality, store-bought foods are often not balanced in nutrition and are filled with fillers and harmful preservatives.
Grooming
Yorkies require a lot of time and effort to be groomed and bathed. Yorkies should have a long, straight and silky natural coat. Amazingly, the Yorkie’s coat looks very much like human hair. And unlike other terriers, the coat will carry on growing right down to floor length if you don’t have it trimmed periodically. Natural hairs should be brushed every day , and washed every few weeks.
Yorkies with shorter hair will find it easier to groom. Many opt for something known as a teddy bear cut which chops the hair down to around one inch long, and it follows the lines of their bodies (and also a popular Yorkie name). They will need to be brushed once a week, and bathed only once every eight weeks.
Yorkies have a single coat that does not shed frequently. This can make this breed suitable for those with dog allergies. won’t have to worry over shedding fluffy undercoats! This is why they are also considered hypoallergenic.
You’ll need to pay particular attention to the hair around your Yorkie’s rear .. Yorkies are known for their long hair. This can lead to hair becoming clogged by feces. Other than making your dog sore and uncomfortable, flystrike can also occur, which could lead to serious health problems. To prevent your Yorkie from getting weighed down, you will need to trim the hair around his ears.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
A good place to begin your search for a Yorkie puppy is on the website of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. You will find approved breeders that adhere to the YTCA code of ethics. The code of ethics specifies that puppies may not be advertised before 12 weeks of age. The code prohibits the sale puppies through pet shops . It also insists that breeders obtain the required health certificates for their animals.
How do you know if a breeder is reputable? When looking online for a reliable breeder, there are some red flags you should be aware of:
- Multiple litters on the premises
- Always having lots of puppies available
- Offering you the choice of any puppy
- Being offered the option to pay for the puppy with a credit card online
- Offering puppies at a discount price ‘without papers’
Never buy a puppy online that promises to ship it to you immediately. This is a scam that often leaves buyers with a puppy that is not what they wanted. Always visit the breeder to ask for the parents and siblings of the puppy. Your vet may be able to recommend a reliable breeder.
Puppy mills are to be avoided at all costs when it comes to buying a pup. These are commercial enterprises that aim to produce as many puppies as possible as fast and as cheaply as they can. most often, the breeder did not screen the parents for any genetic health issues which could be passed on to their puppies. Many puppies purchased from mills don’t get vaccinated or wormed. Many puppies are sold with illnesses that are not curable.
The cost of a Yorkie puppy depends on the location, show record of the parents, and the gender of the puppy. In general, Yorkie puppies can cost from around $500 up to $10,000 for a puppy who has many champions in his bloodline. You should also consider ongoing costs for your puppy’s lifetime. And remember this could be for 11 to 15 years!
Rescue & Shelters
If you are looking for a permanent home for an adult Yorkie you should consider adopting one from a shelter. Check out this link to see if Yorkshire Terrier National, Inc. has a suitable Yorkie for you. The costs to rescue a Yorkie can often be lower than buying a new, sparkly puppy from an breeder.
Although every Yorkie adopted from a rescue centre comes with a complete history, some do not have a full one. You could be taking a chance with your dog’s behavior. You may be able to adopt a dog from a rescue shelter on a ‘try before buying’ basis. You can take your Yorkie with you to test the waters before you commit to rehoming.
As Family Pets
Now that you have a better understanding of the Yorkshire Terrier, you might be curious if you could make one your family’s ideal pet.
- Yorkshire terriers are tiny dogs, making them ideal for apartments.
- The breed requires regular grooming to keep their coats looking nice.
- Yorkies don’t have a fluffy undercoat to shed, making them low-shedding.
- For that reason, these dogs are also good for people who have pet hair allergies.
- Yorkies generally get along well with cats and other dogs.
- Other small furries can be viewed as prey items to be chased.
- Yorkies are quite tough and make surprisingly good watchdogs.
- This breed is known to be a yapping dog, which can be problematic in apartments.
- A Yorkie is not the best choice for you if you have young kids, due to their size.
- Kids may be prone to mishandling dogs, and your Yorkie may get injured.
- Yorkies can be short on patience with children as well, and may nip when agitated.
- The Yorkie is not a lazy lapdog, and need regular physical activity.
- Yorkies are very affectionate, and love to cuddle with their owners.
- You can’t keep a Yorkshire terrier outside in a kennel.
- These pups don’t tolerate the cold very well, and prefer the company of humans.
Final Thoughts
A Yorkshire Terrier could be the right choice for you if you are looking for a small breed with lots of energy and an activity level similar to other toy breeds like the 1872Pomeranian or the ]Biewer Terrier. They have lots of energy and are similar in activity level to other toy breeds like the Pomeranian and Biewer Terrier. Yorkies are very playful, but they also love to cuddle with their owners after a long day.
A Yorkie will get along with other dogs so long as they’re socialized well. This breed is not suited for small children and can become irritable if they are tormented. A Yorkie is small and will need to be walked daily.
The breed’s long, silky hair requires a lot . of care. If you don’t plan on showing your Yorkie, you can have him trimmed by a professional groomer. You and your Yorkie should be best friends.
