The White Yorkshire Terrier is a beloved breed known for its big personality and small size. They typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand about 7 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their small stature requires careful consideration when it comes to exercise and living arrangements. They need regular walks and playtime, but their tiny legs can only handle so much.
White Yorkshire Terriers are friendly and outgoing, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and nail trimming.
In terms of health, White Yorkshire Terriers are generally a hardy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues like hypoglycemia and dental problems. Regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent or catch these issues early on.
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Care and Upkeep
White Yorkshire Terriers require daily walks to meet their exercise needs, and they prefer temperate weather. They're happy to play games and chase balls, but may not return them.
Their small size makes them vulnerable to larger dogs and wild predators, so owners must be vigilant about removing household hazards and supervising them outside. They're also prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap shifts out of alignment.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent their long coats from tangling and matting, and they should be bathed every week or two.
Care
Yorkshire Terriers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, as they can get enough physical activity with a small yard or even a daily walk in an apartment.
Their high energy levels can be met with short bursts of playtime, such as chasing balls, but be prepared for them to drop the ball and not retrieve it.
Yorkies are not water-loving breeds, so you won't need to worry about taking them to the beach or pool.
However, their small size makes them vulnerable to larger dogs and wild predators, so it's essential to keep a close eye on them when they're outside.
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You'll also need to remove any household hazards that could harm them, such as heavy items that could fall on the dog.
Yorkies have beautiful long coats that require regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
Daily combing and regular bathing can help keep their coats manageable, but be prepared for the possibility of knots and burrs getting stuck in their fur.
If you're not planning to show your Yorkie, you can clip their coat to a more manageable length to reduce grooming needs.
Keep in mind that Yorkies are prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap shifts out of alignment, causing hind-leg "skipping."
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Exercise
Yorkies are active little dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Aim to provide two 15- to 30-minute walks per day.
Going at a moderate pace should be sufficient for a Yorkie to burn off energy. Yorkies also should be able to run and play off leash.
Here are some fun activities to keep your Yorkie entertained:
- Fetch
- Dog sports
- Agility
Yorkies are not well-suited to extreme temperatures, hot or cold. Plan outdoor exercise accordingly and try to go out during the coolest part of the day in hot weather.
Temperament and Personality
The temperament and personality of a White Yorkshire Terrier are truly one of a kind. They're bold, brash, and busy, just like their terrier roots.
These little dogs are high-energy and playful, and they love to be around people. They can be feisty at times, especially to strange dogs, and they may not be trustworthy around small rodent pets.
One of the best things about White Yorkshire Terriers is their affectionate nature. They make great lapdogs, as long as they get sufficient exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
They can be stubborn at times, but once they decide to be cooperative, they can learn very quickly. This makes them an ideal companion for older gentle children and elderly people who want an amusing pet.
Here are some key characteristics of White Yorkshire Terriers:
Overall, White Yorkshire Terriers are bundles of fun and make great companions for the right owner.
Health and Nutrition
To keep your White Yorkshire Terrier in top shape, it's essential to feed them a high-quality pet food two to three times a day. Vets recommend sticking to the portion sizes on the packaging, taking into account their age and exercise levels.
Incorporating a dry food into their diet can also help prevent gum disease, a common issue in small breeds. Fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated.
To ensure you're feeding the right amount, consider the following:
- Feed according to the pet food packaging guidelines
- Take into account your White Yorkie's age and exercise level
Common Health Problems
Yorkshire terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health problems. These issues can be hereditary, meaning they're passed down from their parents.
One common health problem in Yorkies is patellar luxation, which causes looseness of the kneecap. This can result in limping, licking the knee, and bending the knee at an unusual angle.
Collapsing trachea is another issue that can affect Yorkies. It's a chronic, progressive disease that's not reversible, but there are treatment options available.
Eye problems are also common in Yorkies, including cataracts, conjunctivitis, progressive retinal atrophy, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Portosystemic shunt is a congenital liver disorder that can cause blood to bypass the liver. This can lead to symptoms like excessive urination and thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, circling, head pressing, and seizures.
Related reading: Yorkshire Terrier Knee Problems
Heart disease can be a concern in Yorkies, so it's essential to have them examined regularly by a veterinarian to catch any early signs.
Intervertebral disc disease can cause a slipped disc in the spine, resulting in lameness, dragging limbs, and stepping on the wrong side of the paw.
Dental issues are also common in Yorkies, including gum disease, plaque, and tartar buildup. Regular checks can help prevent these problems, which can lead to symptoms like loss of appetite, difficulty eating, swollen face, and pawing at the mouth.
Here are some common health problems in Yorkies:
- Patellar luxation: causes looseness of the kneecap, leading to limping and unusual knee bending
- Collapsing trachea: a chronic, progressive disease causing noisy breathing, coughing, and exercise intolerance
- Eye problems: cataracts, conjunctivitis, progressive retinal atrophy, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Portosystemic shunt: a congenital liver disorder causing excessive urination, thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, circling, and seizures
- Heart disease: requires regular veterinary check-ups to catch early signs
- Intervertebral disc disease: causes a slipped disc in the spine, leading to lameness and dragging limbs
- Dental issues: gum disease, plaque, and tartar buildup, leading to loss of appetite and difficulty eating
Diet and Nutrition
Feeding your Yorkie the right food is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Vets recommend feeding them a breed-appropriate, high-quality pet food two to three times a day.
Stick to the portion sizes on the back of their pet food packaging, keeping their age and exercise levels in mind. This will help prevent overeating and ensure they're getting the right amount of nutrients.
Including a dry food in their diet can also help fend off gum disease. Fresh water should always be available for your Yorkie to drink.
To determine the right amount of food for your Yorkie, discuss their diet with your vet. This can vary based on age, activity level, and other factors.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Feed your Yorkie two to three times a day
- Stick to the portion sizes on the back of their pet food packaging
- Including a dry food can help fend off gum disease
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do white Yorkies live?
Yorkshire Terriers, including white ones, typically live between 11 to 15 years with proper care. Their lifespan can vary depending on individual health factors and genetics
How much is a white Yorkie worth?
In Western states like California, Washington, and Colorado, a white Yorkie can cost between $1,100 to $2,800 due to the higher cost of living. Prices may vary depending on location and breeder.
Sources
- Vetstreet - Yorkshire Terrier (vetstreet.com)
- WebMD - What to Know About Yorkshire Terriers (webmd.com)
- Dog Breed Info Center - Yorkshire Terrier (dogbreedinfo.com)
- American Kennel Club - Yorkshire Terrier (akc.org)
- The Kennel Club - Yorkshire Terrier (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- PetMD - Yorkshire Terrier (petmd.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier Facts & Advice - Dog Breeds - Petplan (petplan.co.uk)
- according to the AKC (akc.org)
- various eye problems (yorkieinfocenter.com)
- United Yorkie Rescue (unitedyorkierescue.org)
- Save a Yorkie Rescue (saveayorkierescue.org)
- The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org)
- Yorkshire Terrier Puppies For Sale (akc.org)
- Yorkshire Terrier (ctvsh.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
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