My Yorkshire Terrier: Essential Care and Considerations

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Posted Oct 9, 2024

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Young female owner with wavy hair in casual clothes sitting on comfy sofa and stroking adorable Yorkshire Terrier dog while watching together interesting movie on laptop at home
Credit: pexels.com, Young female owner with wavy hair in casual clothes sitting on comfy sofa and stroking adorable Yorkshire Terrier dog while watching together interesting movie on laptop at home

My Yorkshire Terrier is a beloved companion, and with the right care, they can thrive. They need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fine coat.

A Yorkshire Terrier's diet is crucial, and they require a high-quality dog food that's rich in protein and moderate in fat. This will help maintain their energy levels and prevent obesity.

To keep my Yorkshire Terrier healthy, I make sure to schedule regular veterinary check-ups. This allows for any potential health issues to be caught early, and I can stay on top of their vaccinations and preventatives.

Yorkshire Terriers are prone to dental issues, so I prioritize regular brushing and dental care to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Owning a Pet

Yorkies can be a bit bossy and barky, but they make wonderful companions if you're willing to put in the work.

Yorkshire Terriers require frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling, even if you keep their coat cut short.

Daily tooth brushing is a must to delay dental disease in these small dogs.

As a Yorkie owner, you'll need to research pet insurance plans to cover potential health issues like liver shunts and hypoglycemia.

Things to Consider Before Owning a Pet

Credit: youtube.com, OWNING A DOG | Things to Know Before Getting a Puppy! | Doctor Mike

Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and it's essential to consider a few things before bringing a new furry friend home.

Yorkshire Terriers, for example, can live up to 15 years, so you'll need to be ready for a long-term commitment.

Their small size belies their big personality, and they require owners who are patient and don't mind a spirited and tenacious breed.

If you're looking for a quiet breed, a Yorkshire Terrier might not be the best choice, as they are big barkers.

Yorkies are fragile, so they do better in homes without overly rambunctious children or dogs.

Here are some key things to consider when thinking about owning a pet:

  • Lifespan: 15 years or more
  • Size: Small, but big personality
  • Noise level: Big barkers
  • Fragility: Prone to injury from rough handling
  • Grooming: High maintenance, daily brushing and regular haircuts required

If you're willing to put in the time and effort, a Yorkshire Terrier can make a wonderful companion, but it's crucial to research and understand their needs before bringing one home.

Living with a

Living with a Yorkshire Terrier is a big responsibility, they'll take up quite a bit of your time with their grooming needs and demanding personalities.

Credit: youtube.com, A Day In My Life With 9 Pets!

Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and curious dogs, so they love puzzle toys and need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They're also vigilant and vocal, so be prepared for frequent barking.

Their small size comes with unique challenges, especially in homes with young children or large dogs, as they can easily get injured or nipped at. You'll need to be extra cautious when introducing them to new environments.

Outside the home, Yorkshire Terriers are at risk of wildlife attacks, particularly from coyotes, so consider using a coyote protection vest when walking them. Sadly, they're also one of the most stolen dog breeds, so never leave them unattended outside.

Physical Characteristics

My Yorkshire terrier is a small but mighty breed. They typically weigh between 7-15 pounds.

Their height is usually around 6-7 inches tall. This compact size makes them perfect for apartment living or as a companion dog.

Their coat is one of their most distinctive features, with a silky texture and a variety of colors including black, blue, and tan.

Coat Texture Similar to Human Hair

Credit: youtube.com, Animal Hair Descriptive Characteristics

Their coat texture is similar to human hair, which means it can tangle into knots if not brushed daily.

Daily brushing is a must to prevent tangles and knots, especially if you keep their coat full-length.

A small pin brush is usually all you need to keep their coat looking its best, whether it's full-length or in a short puppy cut.

Their coat is prone to breaking easily when brushing against carpets, so be gentle when grooming.

Because their coat doesn't shed much, it's a bonus for those who don't want to deal with a lot of dog hair.

If you keep their coat in a short puppy cut, once-a-week brushing is usually enough to prevent tangles and knots.

Black

Black Yorkies are extremely rare, but they're no less loyal or loving than standard-colored Yorkies.

Their coats are all black, which sets them apart from the more common two-colored Yorkies.

Black Yorkies are just as sweet and affectionate as their standard-colored counterparts.

Mismarked

Purebred domestic Yorkshire Terriers lying on carpet with various presents in boxes and curiously looking away against brown background
Credit: pexels.com, Purebred domestic Yorkshire Terriers lying on carpet with various presents in boxes and curiously looking away against brown background

Mismarked Yorkies can have various color combinations, but only four are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The AKC has strict standards for these recognized color combinations.

Any other markings on Yorkies are considered mismarked colors.

White markings are a common issue, and according to the AKC, they're a disqualification if they exceed a small white spot on the forechest.

Care and Maintenance

Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming due to their long, hair-like coats. They need daily brushing to prevent tangles and knots if their coat is kept full-length.

Their coats don't tolerate cold weather well, so you might need to protect them with dog coats or stylish sweaters. Regular grooming is also essential to maintain a healthy and attractive coat.

You should plan on taking your Yorkie to the groomer every six to eight weeks for a haircut, even if you keep their coat cut short. Daily tooth brushing will also delay dental disease in your Yorkie.

Readers also liked: Puppy Yorkie Dogs

Caring for

Small Yorkshire Terrier standing against white wall
Credit: pexels.com, Small Yorkshire Terrier standing against white wall

Yorkshire Terriers are low-maintenance pets, right? Wrong! They require a lot of grooming due to their long, hair-like coats.

Daily tooth brushing is essential to delay dental disease in Yorkies.

Yorkies need to be mentally stimulated to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

They don't tolerate cold weather well, so you might need to protect them with dog coats or stylish sweaters.

Research pet insurance plans before bringing home a Yorkie puppy, as this breed is prone to health conditions like liver shunts and hypoglycemia.

Yorkies require frequent brushing and regular grooming, even if you keep their coat cut short.

Daily brushing is needed to prevent tangles and knots if your Yorkie's coat is kept full-length.

Weekly brushing is usually enough if the coat is in a short puppy cut, but a small pin brush is still recommended.

Professional grooming is frequently used to maintain a healthy and attractive coat, and you should plan on taking your Yorkie to the groomer every six to eight weeks for a haircut.

Checking your dog's ears weekly and cleaning them if they're dirty can help prevent ear infections.

A fresh viewpoint: Yorkshire Terrier Short Hair

Eye Care

Grayscale Photo of Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Credit: pexels.com, Grayscale Photo of Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Yorkies are prone to tear stains at the corners of their eyes, so it's essential to wipe them with a wet cloth or use an eye cleaning solution daily to prevent buildup.

A Yorkie's hair around the eyes can irritate them or obscure their vision, so it's best to keep it pulled back or short.

Wiping their eyes daily will help prevent tear stains and keep their eyes clean.

See what others are reading: Yorkshire Terrier Eyes

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do Yorkies calm down?

Yorkies typically calm down between 1-2 years old, as they mature and learn to follow rules. At this stage, they may still be playful, but with better impulse control.

How do Yorkies pick their favorite person?

Yorkies form strong bonds with people who shower them with love, attention, and positive experiences, making them choose their favorite person naturally. By spending quality time with your Yorkie, you can increase your chances of becoming their top pick!

What are Yorkies best known for?

Yorkies are known for their affectionate, adventurous, and intelligent nature, making them a beloved companion breed. Their big personalities and small size have earned them a top spot as America's favorite toy breed.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.

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