Everything You Need to Know About Yorkie Small Dogs

Yorkies are known for their big eyes and even bigger personalities. They typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand about 6-7 inches tall.

These small dogs are a popular breed due to their affectionate nature and low maintenance needs. Yorkies are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A daily brushing routine can help keep their coat in top condition.

Yorkies are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hypoglycemia and dental problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues.

Related reading: Yorkies Hypoallergenic Dogs

Yorkies are playful, energetic, and affectionate dogs.

They don't handle the cold well, so be prepared to keep them cozy in winter.

Yorkies typically weigh between 9–16 pounds and stand about 9–10 inches tall.

You might enjoy: Yorkies and Chihuahuas

The Yorkshire Terrier's terrier heritage is a fascinating topic. The breed originated from a mix of various terriers, including the Waterside Terrier, Clydesdale Terrier, and Paisley Terrier.

These early terriers were brought to Yorkshire by workers from Scotland, who were mostly operatives in cotton and woollen mills. The breed was primarily developed in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

The Yorkshire Terrier's small size was a result of breeding, with some early Yorkies weighing between 12 and 14 pounds. Today, the breed's ideal weight is between 9 and 16 pounds.

The breed's development was influenced by dogs like Old Crab, a male Yorkshire Terrier, and Kitty, a female, who were part of the early breeding process.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a true terrier at heart, bold, brash, and busy. It's a high-energy breed that's always up for an adventure.

Yorkies are naturally playful and affectionate, making them great lapdogs given sufficient exercise. However, they can be stubborn at times, which means they might require some extra patience and consistency in training.

One thing to keep in mind is that Yorkies can be feisty around strange dogs and small pets, so it's essential to socialize them properly. They're also alert and vociferous watchdogs, but unfortunately, they're not very effective protectors.

Here are some key traits to expect from a Yorkshire Terrier:

Despite their small size, Yorkies are often oblivious to their surroundings and eager for adventure. With the right training and care, they can learn to be well-behaved companions.

Yorkshire Terriers are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to exercise, requiring only daily walks and playtime.

Their small size makes them vulnerable to larger dogs and wild predators, so owners must be vigilant about keeping them safe.

Yorkies are not generally water-loving breeds, so you won't catch them splashing around in the pool anytime soon.

Daily combing and biweekly bathing can help prevent their long coats from tangling and matting.

Yorkshire Terriers are relatively low-maintenance pets when it comes to exercise needs, as a small yard or even an apartment with daily walks can suffice. However, they do enjoy playing games and will chase balls, but they may not return them.

Daily walks are essential for Yorkies, and they appreciate the chance to explore a safe area like a fenced yard. Their long coat needs brushing or combing every day or two to prevent tangling and matting.

Yorkies are small enough to fit inside a carrier purse and accompany their owner around town, but their small size renders them vulnerable to larger dogs and wild predators. Owners must be vigilant about removing any dangerous household hazards, including heavy items that could fall on the dog.

Taking care of your health is crucial for overall well-being. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for reducing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for optimal health.

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide essential nutrients and fiber. Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Staying hydrated is vital for physical performance and overall health. Drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day.

Getting enough sleep is crucial for physical and mental restoration. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day.

The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is truly one of a kind. It's glossy, fine, straight, and silky, making it hypoallergenic and a joy to behold.

The coat color is a key factor in determining the breed's authenticity, with a dark grey to black color on the back, neck, and tail, and a bright, rich tan color on the head, high chest, and legs. The tan color should be darker at the roots and lighter at the tips, with no black hairs intermingled with the tan fur.

To keep the coat looking its best, regular brushing is a must. The long coat requires daily brushing to prevent knotting, and owners may use a bristle brush for short coats or a pin brush for long coats. To prevent breakage, the coat can be wrapped in rice paper, tissue paper, or plastic after a light oiling with a coat oil.

Here are some tips for coat care:

The traditional long coat is extremely high maintenance, but owners who choose to keep their Yorkie's coat long must be willing to commit to regular grooming. With the right care and attention, the Yorkshire Terrier's coat can be a stunning and iconic part of the breed's charm.

Owning a Yorkshire Terrier mix breed can be a great option for those looking for a small dog that offers the best of both worlds.

Mix breeds allow an opportunity to produce pups that carry traits of both the Yorkie and the other parent, providing a good mix of traits and reducing some of the less desirable traits.

Yorkshire Terrier mix breeds can make perfect companions for someone who wants the energy and intelligence of a larger breed dog with the size and temperament of a smaller one.

Here are some popular Yorkshire Terrier mix breeds:

Mix breeds offer the best of both worlds by combining traits of different breeds. This can result in a unique and adorable companion.

They are often more intelligent and energetic than purebred dogs, making them ideal for participating in obedience classes or agility training.

Their small size doesn't make them less bold, as they can face possible dangers and make good watchdogs.

Mix breeds can reduce some of the less desirable traits of a breed, providing a more well-rounded companion.

Yorkiepoo, for example, can combine the energy and intelligence of a larger breed with the size and temperament of a smaller one.

Mix breeds offer a unique combination of traits from two parent breeds, making them a great option for those looking for a pet that's tailored to their needs. By mixing the characteristics of two breeds, you can create a pup that's perfect for you.

One of the benefits of mix breeds is that they can reduce some of the less desirable traits found in purebred dogs. For example, a Yorkiepoo can inherit the energy and intelligence of a larger breed dog while still being small in size.

Some popular mix breeds include the Boston Yorkie, which combines the Yorkshire Terrier with the Boston Terrier, and the Yorkie Cav, which mixes the Yorkshire Terrier with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Here are 20 popular mix breeds:

The Shorkie is a small dog that stands between 5 to 9 inches tall.

They're perfect for those who live in smaller houses or apartments, but still want a loving companion.

As they're a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, they shed minimally, making them a great choice for people with allergies or who don't want to deal with a lot of dog hair.

Shorkies are best placed in an adult only home, as they can be difficult to look after and require previous experience with dogs.

They have a big personality, despite their small size, and make great companions for those who are willing to put in the effort to care for them.

The Carkie is a hybrid between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Cairn Terrier, also known as a Yorkie-Cairn or Yo-Ca Terrier.

This breed is typically energetic and affectionate, loving to be around people and enjoying quieter moments snuggling on the couch.

They usually have a thick, medium to long coat that comes in a variety of colors including tan, black, brown, and white.

The Carkie is relatively small in size, with an average height of 10-13 inches.

They generally weigh between 7-15 pounds.

Their active nature means they love to play with their owners, but also enjoy quieter moments.