A little that originated in England, the Yorkshire terrier has a long, silky hair that is frequently black and brown. These canines, sometimes referred to as Yorkies, have stubborn but loving attitudes. They are frequently quite outspoken, loyal, and guardians. Additionally, despite their little size, they make wonderful security dogs. But at their core, Yorkies are loving friends that like spoiling and cuddling with their loved ones.
Breed Overview
GROUP:
HEIGHT: 7 to 8 inches
WEIGHT: 7 pounds
COAT: Long, silky
COAT COLOR: Black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, or blue and tan
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, bright, playful
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: England
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Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier
Most Yorkies are small in stature but huge in personality. They often have a fierce yet loving demeanor. Although they enjoy cuddling, they may also be lively, energetic, and watchful.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
History of the Yorkshire Terrier
The origins of the Yorkshire terrier may be linked to the mid-19th century migration of weavers from Scotland to Yorkshire, England. These individuals arrived with a variety of terriers that they employed to keep rats under control in textile factories. They selected a little terrier that could get after the rats in limited locations. The Skye terrier and were among the breeds used to create the small Yorkie.
The breed was acknowledged by the Kennel Club of England in 1886. And as a result, it gained a reputation as a stylish companion rather than just being a working-class exterminator. Its size was further reduced by breeders so that it could perform its function as a lapdog more effectively.
In the late 1800s, Yorkies also immigrated to the United States. The breed was acknowledged by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and it has historically been a very well-liked dog in the United States. Even the White House has a Yorkie that belonged to the household of President Richard Nixon.
Yorkshire Terrier Care
Yorkies are not only little lap dogs. This breed occasionally exhibits loud voice and stubbornness. For the Yorkie, early and with humans and other dogs is crucial because it can prevent that large personality from being out of control. For a Yorkie to maintain its best appearance and health, regular grooming is also necessary.
Exercise
The Yorkie is not a couch potato. They are lively tiny dogs, and and mental stimulation are essential to their happiness and health. Two 15 to 30 minute walks should be provided each day. It should be possible for a Yorkie to burn off energy by moving at a moderate speed. Yorkies should be free to run and play unrestrained as well. Playing fetch and participating in other canine sports, including agility, will aid to provide cerebral stimulation and for Yorkies.
Plan your outside activity carefully because Yorkies do not perform well in harsh climates, whether they be hot or cold. In warmer weather, try to go outside during the coolest part of the day, and dress warmly in cold weather. Since Yorkies don't require a lot of space to exercise their small bodies, indoor play is another excellent choice.
Grooming
Yorkies are reputed to shed little. They require a good lot of maintenance due to their silky, constantly growing hair. To avoid tangles and matting if the coat is maintained long, it should be brushed every day. The hair on the dog's head should either be clipped short or placed in a hairband to keep it out of the dog's eyes. It will also require frequent trims to prevent dragging. Many Yorkie owners decide to keep their dog's coat short to prevent this inconvenience (usually cut by a groomer every several weeks).
A weekly or biweekly bath is a good idea, and you should examine your dog's ears for dirt and debris at least once each week. Depending on how much your dog wears down its nails, nail trimming will be required around every month. Additionally, brushing your teeth need to be done daily.
Training
Yorkies are intelligent tiny dogs who can learn quite easily, despite occasionally being pushy. However, they frequently react quite well to praise. In order to avoid harmful behaviors from developing and to socialize your Yorkie with a variety of people, other animals, and circumstances, try to begin training it when it is still a puppy. As soon as your dog reaches the required age, enrolling him in a puppy obedience class is an excellent alternative for socialization and training.
The breed is renowned for being challenging to in part due to Yorkies' tendency to be obstinate and dislike of going outside in bad weather. To promote positive housebreaking behaviors, be persistent and patient during this process.
Additionally, a lot of Yorkies struggle when left alone for the most of the day. If their social requirements aren't addressed, they may start to develop negative behaviors and separation anxiety. They like lots of attention and company. They don't usually make suitable playmates for small children though since they could be overly rough with the pup and make it snap at them.
Common Health Problems
Yorkshire terriers are generally healthy dogs. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed, including:
- (looseness of the kneecap)
- (a liver disorder)
- Heart disease
- Intervertebral disc disease
Diet and Nutrition
For your Yorkie, choose a high-quality, nutritionally-balanced dog food. Ideally, kibble should be sized for tiny dogs. Any diet, including the amount to feed, should be discussed with your veterinarian because it depends on the animal's age, activity level, and other considerations. To prevent overeating, always remember to include snacks in your dog's regular calorie intake. and always have access to fresh water.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Yorkshire Terrier
Look at your neighborhood animal shelters and breed-specific rescues for dogs in need of homes if you think you'd want to adopt a Yorkshire terrier. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 or more for a Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder; the price can vary greatly depending on the lineage and other considerations. Check out the following for further details to assist you in finding a Yorkshire terrier:
- The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America
- Save a Yorkie Rescue
- United Yorkie Rescue
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Good watch dog
Affectionate and loyal
Energetic and entertaining
Needs lots of grooming
Can be difficult to housebreak
Can be loud
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
If you believe the Yorkshire terrier is the breed for you, like with any breed, make sure to do extensive study before getting one. To find out more, speak to other Yorkshire terrier owners, reliable breeders, and rescue organizations.
If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:
There’s a whole world of potential out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!
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Are Yorkshire terriers good family dogs?
For families with older children who know how to treat the dog gently, Yorkshire terriers might be a suitable choice. The small dog could get hurt or nipped if young children play too rough with it.
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Are Yorkshire terriers good apartment dogs?
Yorkshire terriers can be excellent apartment dogs, as they don't need much space to exercise and play. However, they can be vocal and might disturb nearby neighbors.
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Are Yorkshire terriers aggressive?
Yorkies are typically sweet dogs and not usually aggressive. But they also tend to be fearless watchdogs and must be properly trained and socialized to ensure that they have good manners.
