Yorkies are one of the smallest dog breeds, weighing in at just 7-15 pounds, making them the perfect companion for city dwellers or those with limited space.
Their tiny size belies their big personality, as Yorkies are known for being spunky and affectionate.
Yorkies are highly intelligent dogs that require regular training and socialization to prevent behavioral problems.
They thrive on attention and can become Velcro dogs if left alone for too long.
Yorkies are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hypoglycemia and dental problems.
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Physical Characteristics
Yorkies are tiny in stature with bright eyes and an often curious expression.
Their ears often point straight up, giving them a look of alertness. They are quite compact and dainty, and are often quite graceful.
Longer haired Yorkshire Terriers can boast a beautiful long and silky coat, and their coloring tends to be a mixture of tan, black and blue-gray.
Appearance
Yorkies are tiny in stature with bright eyes and an often curious expression. Their ears often point straight up, giving them a look of alertness.
They are quite compact and dainty, and are often quite graceful.
Longer haired Yorkshire Terriers can boast a beautiful long and silky coat. Their coloring tends to be a mixture of tan, black and blue-gray.
They don’t tend to shed much, which is an extra benefit for those with dog allergies.
Traits and Characteristics
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their tiny size, weighing just 5 to 7 pounds and standing between 7 and 8 inches tall.
Their bicolor coat is a distinctive feature, coming in variations of black or blue mixed with gold or tan. Their eyes are almost always a shade of dark brown.
Yorkies have a dainty appearance, with small bodies, delicate features, and expressive eyes. Their long, silky coat can reach floor-lengths if not trimmed.
Here are some key traits to expect from a Yorkshire Terrier:
- Feisty and confident
- Affectionate and friendly, but can be wary of strangers
- Brave and willing to stand up for themselves
- Boisterous and bossy at times
Their luxurious coats are often compared to human hair, but require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Temperament and Training
Yorkie temperament is a unique blend of bravery and bossiness, making them fiercely loyal companions. They're also extremely affectionate and loving towards humans, but can get anxious when left alone.
These little dogs are generally gentle with kids and other animals, but adult supervision is always necessary to prevent accidents. It's essential to socialize your Yorkie from an early age to prevent reactivity to other people and dogs in the future.
Yorkies are intelligent dogs, but they can be willfully disobedient if they don't want to do something. They respond well to positive reinforcement training, which involves using praise and tasty treats to encourage good behavior.
Personality and Temperament
Yorkies are known for being super brave, but a little bossy, and can command a space in no time.
They are extremely affectionate and loving towards humans and don't really like to be left on their own. This is especially true for little Yorkies, who can accidentally be hurt when playing.
Yorkies are gentle with kids and other animals, but it's always advised to supervise playtimes - as smaller breeds can easily get hurt by kids if they aren't careful.
Some Yorkies can be quite vocal, but with some proper training, this can be discouraged and lessened. This is a common issue due to some Yorkshire Terriers having a low food-drive, making training a bit more challenging.
Training and Discipline
Yorkies are pretty smart and take to training routines quite well, but they can also be willfully disobedient if they decide they don’t want to do something! This is because they have a stubborn streak when they set their mind to something.
The best way to train a Yorkie is to find what they highly value and use this as an incentive to reward successful training. This may or may not be food, so be prepared to experiment.
Additional reading: Training a Dog to Protect
A combination of praise and tasty treats should be enough to incentivize a Yorkie, but be ready to mix it up depending on their unique personality. Yorkies can be quite vocal, but with some proper training this can be discouraged and lessened.
Socializing your Yorkshire Terrier is always a good idea, whether this be through regular walking and meeting other dogs and people, or dog socialization classes where they can get used to others in a safe and controlled environment. If you don’t engage in socialization at an early age, you may risk your Yorkie becoming reactive to other people/dogs in later life.
In terms of disciplining a Yorkie, hitting or spanking your dog is never recommended as this constitutes dog abuse and will make your dog fear you rather than exhibit the desired behavior. Instead, mark the behavior with a clearly negative noise such as “uh-uh”.
Care and Maintenance
Yorkshire Terriers have fast metabolisms but small stomachs, so they need to eat little and often.
Choosing a high-quality food specifically designed for small breeds is crucial, as it will help with their muscle development and maintenance. Opt for high-quality proteins like beef, chicken, and fish.
A well-balanced and nutritionally complete diet is essential, but Yorkies require extra attention to ensure they receive all the necessary nourishment. Small, frequent meals throughout the day will help prevent hypoglycemia.
Yorkshire Terriers have full coats, especially the longer-haired ones, so daily brushing is a must to prevent mats and tangles. Brushing your Yorkie's teeth once a day is also advised to prevent dental issues.
Yorkies need to be bathed every one to two weeks to keep their coat healthy and vibrant. Daily grooming is a big task, but starting early will help your Yorkie get accustomed to having their teeth handled.
Yorkies are prone to hypoglycemia, so it's essential to keep an eye on their food intake and ensure they eat frequently. A Yorkie's coat requires regular maintenance, with daily brushing and weekly checks for mats and tangles.
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Health and Wellness
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are known for their spunky personality and adorable appearance, but they also require special care to stay healthy.
They tend to be prone to certain health conditions, especially compared to bigger dogs.
One common issue is hypoglycaemia, a sudden drop in blood sugar that can cause weakness and shaking, even seizures.
Smaller dogs like Yorkies are also more prone to dental issues, like overcrowding and displacement, which can lead to trapped food and tartar buildup.
Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth once a day, can help prevent these issues.
Yorkies can also be susceptible to bladder stones, liver shunts, and collapsing trachea, so it's essential to monitor their health closely.
In fact, a liver shunt is often caused by a birth defect, and symptoms can appear as circling and disorientation.
To keep your Yorkie's coat healthy and vibrant, it's recommended to brush their fur every day and give them a bath every one to two weeks.
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A well-balanced and nutritionally complete diet is crucial for Yorkies, and feeding them high-quality proteins can help with muscle development and maintenance.
Small, frequent meals throughout the day can also help prevent hypoglycemia.
Overall, with the right care and attention, Yorkies can live long, happy lives, typically between 11-15 years.
Nutrition and Feeding
Yorkies need a complete and balanced diet, which can be ensured by feeding a commercial kibble or wet food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Adult Yorkies do well with two to three feedings per day, while puppies should eat three to four small meals per day to maintain their blood sugar.
A kibble designed for small mouths is best for Yorkshire Terriers, making it easier for them to eat and digest.
Yorkies can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) in their diet, which can be found in skin and joint supplements, fish oil, and some specially formulated dog foods.
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The recommended caloric intake for a Yorkie varies depending on their physical size, metabolism, neuter status, and activity level, so it's best to consult with a veterinarian to determine their specific needs.
Treats should never make up more than 10% of a dog's daily calories, so offer them mindfully to avoid overfeeding.
Behavior
Yorkies are pretty smart and can be willfully disobedient if they decide they don't want to do something. They have a stubborn streak when they set their mind to something, making training a bit of a challenge.
Training a Yorkie requires finding what they highly value, which may or may not be food, so be prepared to experiment. A combination of praise and tasty treats should be enough to incentivize a Yorkie.
Socializing your Yorkshire Terrier is crucial, whether through regular walking and meeting other dogs and people, or dog socialization classes. If you don't engage in socialization at an early age, you may risk your Yorkie becoming reactive to other people/dogs in later life.
Yorkies can be excessive barkers, but if you teach them to be quiet, they're easy partners for apartment living. They just need a lot of mental stimulation and chances to play.
Despite their remarkable intelligence, Yorkies can be willful and not especially food-motivated, making training more difficult. Training is most successful when based on positive reinforcement with praise and tasty treats.
Yorkie puppies need to be socialized from the moment you bring them home, which will help them be the friendliest and most confident they can be when out in the world.
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Pet Ownership
Owning a Yorkie puppy requires a significant investment of time and resources. You'll need to budget at least $500 to $1,000 per year for food, vet bills, and supplies.
Yorkies are social dogs that thrive on human interaction, so be prepared to spend quality time with your furry friend. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
A Yorkie's small size means they can thrive in apartments or homes with small yards, but they still need regular walks and playtime outside.
Choosing a Pet
Research is key before buying a pet from a breeder, as poorly bred dogs are more likely to develop health problems.
It's essential to know the health history of the parent dogs to avoid inherited health issues.
Meeting the pet in person allows you to see which one you connect with and ask important questions.
This opportunity also helps you assess the breeder's qualifications and the pet's temperament.
Consider whether you'll want to show your pet in the future, as this may influence your choice of breeder and require more research on the pet's heritage.
A strong family line can be a good indicator of a healthy and well-bred pet.
Things to Consider Before Owning a Pet
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and it's essential to consider a few things before bringing a new furry friend home. The lifespan of a pet can be up to 15 years, so be ready for a long-term commitment.
Some breeds, like the Yorkshire Terrier, have unique personalities that require special care. Yorkies are big barkers, so if you're looking for a quiet breed, they might not be the best choice. They're also fragile, so they do better in homes without rambunctious children or dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers have extensive grooming needs due to their long, hair-like coats. They need to be brushed daily and get haircuts every 4 to 6 weeks. This can be a challenge for some owners, but it's essential for their health and appearance.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Lifespan: up to 15 years
- Personality: big, spirited, and tenacious
- Grooming needs: daily brushing, haircuts every 4-6 weeks
- Fragility: not suitable for homes with rambunctious children or dogs
- Barking: big barkers
If you're considering owning a pet, research their specific needs and requirements. For example, Yorkies are prone to health conditions like liver shunts and hypoglycemia, so pet insurance is a must. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is a Yorkie puppy?
A Yorkie puppy typically costs between $1,100 to $2,800, influenced by regional factors like cost of living. Prices may vary depending on location and other factors.
Are Yorkies good house dogs?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are well-suited for indoor living due to their small size and low-shedding coat. They make excellent apartment dogs and pets for older people.
At what age do Yorkies calm down?
Yorkies typically calm down between 1-2 years of age, as they mature and learn to follow rules. At this stage, they may still be playful, but with more self-control and less energetic outbursts.
Are Yorkies a one-person dog?
Yorkies tend to form strong bonds with one primary person in the household, often an adult. This unique attachment can make them loving companions, but also requires attention to their individual needs and personalities.
Sources
- Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Dog Breed Information (pottybuddy.co)
- out of their own yards (nbcconnecticut.com)
- AKC Weekly Winners (akcwinners.com)
- Watch Dog Shows (akc.tv)
- 6 Types of Yorkie Dog Breeds (with Pictures) (dogster.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org)
- dog coats (chewy.com)
- pet-specific toothpaste (chewy.com)
- harness (chewy.com)
- dental-focused diet (chewy.com)
- dog treats (chewy.com)
- moisturizing shampoo (chewy.com)
- Kenchii® Oval Metal Pin Brush (chewy.com)
- Angels' Eyes® Multi-Purpose Sterile Eye Wash (chewy.com)
- dental water additive (chewy.com)
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