The Complete Yorkshire Terrier Breed Profile

The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the Yorkie, is a spunky and loving companion dog breed.

This tiny terrier typically weighs between 7-15 pounds (3-7 kg) and stands about 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) tall at the shoulder.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but mighty breed. They typically weigh no more than 3.2kg and stand at around 18-20cm tall.

Their coats are one of their most distinctive features - they come in a range of colours including steel blue, gold (rich tan), and even black and creamy shades. The long coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier:

Their coats are considered hypoallergenic and fine, straight, and silky in texture.

The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is truly one-of-a-kind. It must be glossy, fine, straight, and silky, according to The Kennel Club (UK).

This unique texture makes it hypoallergenic, meaning it doesn't shed as much as other breeds. However, it still requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

One thing to note is that the coat can vary in color, with some Yorkies having a silver-blue and pale cream coat, while others may have a dark coat or even a golden coat (although this is not considered standard).

Here are some key characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier's coat:

It's worth noting that while the coat is considered hypoallergenic, it's not entirely shed-free. Owners may still experience some shedding or dander-related allergies.

In terms of maintenance, the traditional long coat requires a lot of TLC. It needs to be brushed daily to prevent knotting and breakage. Some owners opt for trimming the hair short for easier care, while others prefer the show-stopping look of the long coat.

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These small dogs have a relatively short lifespan, living between 13-16 years.

Their weight is limited to no more than 3.2kg, making them a compact companion.

You can expect them to reach a height of around 18-20cm.

They come in two main colours: steel blue and gold (which is actually rich tan).

Here are the key physical characteristics at a glance:

Their small size makes them a great fit for many living situations.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a charming dog with a playful side and a mischievous streak. They're feisty, fearless, and ready to take on the world.

Their small size belies their big personality - they're known for being boisterous, bossy, and confident, but also affectionate and friendly. However, this can sometimes make them wary of strangers and territorial, especially if not socialized properly.

Here are some key traits of a Yorkshire Terrier:

They're also known for their luxurious coats, which are high maintenance but beautiful. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive as loving companions.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed that weighs just 5 to 7 pounds and stands between 7 and 8 inches tall. They have a bicolor coat with variations of black or blue mixed with gold or tan, and their eyes are almost always a shade of dark brown.

Their long, silky coat can reach floor-lengths if not trimmed, and it's known for being luxurious and high maintenance. Yorkshire Terriers are renowned for their beautiful coats which are often compared to human hair rather than traditional dog fur.

Yorkies are feisty, confident, and affectionate dogs that love spending time with their owners. They're generally friendly but can be wary of strangers at times. In true terrier fashion, Yorkies are brave and won't back down from a fight, even if their opponent is twice their size!

Here's a list of some key traits to keep in mind:

Yorkies are boisterous and bossy at times, which can make training a bit challenging. They tend to bark a lot, but with the right training plan, they can learn to behave.

It's worth noting that Yorkshire Terriers have a relatively long lifespan of 11 to 15 years. However, like all purebred dogs, they can be predisposed to certain health conditions such as Collapsing Trachea and Luxating Patella (dislocated kneecap).

Champion Ozmilion Mystification made history by becoming the first Yorkie to win Best in Show at Crufts in 1997.

Smoky, a war dog and hero of World War II, was adopted by William Wynne while he was serving with the 5th Air Force in the Pacific. He even has his own story of bravery during wartime.

Sylvia, a matchbox-sized Yorkshire Terrier, held the record for being the smallest dog in recorded history, standing at just 2+1⁄2 inches tall and weighing only 4 oz.

Pasha, Tricia Nixon Cox's pet Yorkie, lived in the White House during Richard Nixon's presidency. That's some serious VIP treatment!

Some notable dogs include:

Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and curious dogs that require regular mental stimulation, so be prepared to invest time and effort into puzzle toys and training.

Their big personalities can also come with a lot of barking, which is just part of their nature. They're vigilant and vocal dogs that will alert you to any potential threats, whether real or not.

Yorkies are small but feisty dogs that need careful handling, especially in homes with young children or large dogs. They can become easily injured during play or nip at others if they feel overwhelmed.

Outside the home, Yorkies are at risk of wildlife attacks, particularly from coyotes, so consider investing in a coyote protection vest and getting them microchipped for added safety.

If you do decide to take your Yorkie outside unattended, be aware that they're one of the most stolen dog breeds. To protect your pet, never leave them alone outside, and consider adding a 24Petwatch Lifetime Protection Membership for access to lost pet recovery specialists.

Their long coats require regular care, including daily brushing with a bristle brush or pin brush, depending on the length. You may also need to wrap their hair in rice paper, tissue paper, or plastic after oiling it to prevent breakage and tangling.

To keep your Yorkie's coat looking its best, consider trimming it short for easier care, especially if you're not planning to show them. If you do decide to show your Yorkie, be prepared for the high maintenance required to keep their long coat in top condition.

Yorkies are high-energy dogs that need daily walks and exercise to stay happy and healthy. They prefer temperate weather and enjoy playing games like chasing balls, but they may not always return them to you.

Their small size also makes them vulnerable to larger dogs and wild predators, so be sure to remove any household hazards and keep a close eye on your pet at all times.

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Yorkshire Terriers have a long lifespan, typically living between 12 to 15 years.

With such a long life span comes potential health issues. They are predisposed to eye problems and kneecaps that may temporarily slip out of place. A specific thigh bone disease is also common in this breed, as well as bladder stones and a windpipe disorder.

The average life span of a Yorkshire Terrier is 12 to 15 years.

As a pet owner, you want your furry friend to live a long and healthy life. Reaching an age of 15 is definitely achievable for this breed if proper care and attention are given.

With a lifespan that averages around 12-15 years, it's essential to prioritize regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure any potential health issues are caught early on.

A well-cared-for Yorkshire Terrier can live up to 15 years, providing you with many happy memories and snuggles along the way.

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate.

This means that they need to eat little and often to keep their energy levels up. Their small stomachs just can't hold as much food as larger breeds, so it's essential to feed them frequently.

Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients to meet the unique needs of toy dogs. These foods typically contain smaller kibble sizes that suit smaller mouths.

Eating little and often also encourages chewing and improves digestion in toy dogs. This is especially important for their overall health and wellness.

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Common Health Issues can be a concern for Yorkshire Terrier owners. They tend to have a long lifespan.

One potential issue is eye problems, which can affect these dogs. It's essential to monitor their eyes regularly and schedule check-ups with a veterinarian if you notice any unusual changes.

Yorkshire Terriers are also predisposed to kneecap issues where the kneecaps may temporarily slip out of place. This can be painful for your dog and should be addressed by a vet as soon as possible.

A specific thigh bone disease is another health concern that affects some Yorkshire Terriers. It's crucial to keep an eye on your dog's overall health and report any unusual symptoms to your veterinarian.

Bladder stones are a common issue in this breed, which can cause significant discomfort for your dog. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential problems early on.

A windpipe disorder is another condition that Yorkshire Terriers may be prone to. This can lead to breathing difficulties, so it's vital to keep an eye out for any unusual respiratory symptoms.