Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are a popular breed for many reasons, but owning a male Yorkie requires special care. They are known for their big dog attitude in a small dog body.
Males typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand 6-7 inches tall at the shoulder. This small size means they require regular exercise to stay healthy.
A male Yorkie's grooming needs are significant, with a daily brushing required to prevent matting and tangling of their fine coat. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are also essential.
In terms of training, male Yorkies are intelligent and can be stubborn at times, making consistent and positive reinforcement training a must.
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Coat Color and Grooming
The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is truly one of its most distinctive features. The American Kennel Club places importance on coat color, quality, and texture, and the traditional long coat is extremely high maintenance. It requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and knots, and regular bathing to keep it clean and shiny.
The coat can be a dark grey to black color on the back, legs, and tail, with a bright, rich tan color on the head, high chest, and legs. The hair should be glossy, fine, straight, and silky, and there should be no black hairs intermingled with the tan-colored fur. The fine, straight, silky coat is considered hypoallergenic, meaning it produces fewer allergens than other breeds.
- A silver-blue and pale cream Yorkshire Terrier, with characteristic long hair
- A silver-blue and pale cream Yorkshire Terrier.
- A Yorkshire Terrier with a dark coat
- Golden Yorkie, judged as miscolour in normal Yorkshire breeding.
If you prefer a shorter coat, you can trim the hair short for easier care. However, this will still require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Regular grooming is essential to maintain a healthy and attractive coat, and professional grooming is frequently used to help achieve this.
Here are some general guidelines for grooming a Yorkshire Terrier:
Remember, grooming is an essential part of basic care for Yorkies, and it's best to start early to get your puppy accustomed to it.
Temperament and Personality
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their bold and curious nature, always up for an adventure and getting their exercise on their own by playing and romping around the house.
They can be a bit mischievous, outgoing, and into everything, so it's essential to set limits and start training when they're puppies to avoid bad habits.
Yorkies are typically affectionate with family and strangers alike, but they can be gentle with children and other pets if socialized properly, requiring adult supervision when interacting with them.
Their intelligence is ranked 34th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, making them relatively smart and self-assured dogs.
With proper training and socialization, a Yorkshire Terrier male can be a wonderful companion, but if you spoil him, watch out!
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Highlights
Yorkshire Terriers are a small toy breed that typically weighs between 4 to 7 pounds and stands about 7 to 8 inches tall.
Their luxurious, silky, and fine-textured coat is a combination of blue and tan, with a steel-blue or silver-blue body and rich tan markings on their face, chest, legs, and tail.
Yorkies are known for their big personalities despite their small size, often described as bold, confident, and feisty.
They are also affectionate and loyal, making excellent companions.
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent dogs and can be quick learners, enjoying mental stimulation and excelling in activities like obedience training and agility.
Despite their small stature, Yorkies have a lot of energy and enjoy playtime and short walks, requiring regular exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Their small size makes them well-suited for apartment living, but they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
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Personality and Temperament
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their bold and curious nature, always up for an adventure and happy to entertain themselves with playtime around the house.
They're naturally affectionate with family and strangers alike, but every dog is an individual, so it's essential to socialize them early on to ensure they're friendly and well-rounded.
Yorkies can be gentle with children and other pets, but adult supervision is crucial when they're around kids or other animals, especially little ones who can accidentally get hurt.
These dogs are naturally protective and will alert you to potential intruders with their barking, but with training, you can teach them to be quiet companions.
To understand your Yorkie's mood, pay attention to their body language - their ears, tail, eyes, and fur can all give you clues about how they're feeling.
Yorkies have a range of personalities, from cuddly and perky to mischievous and outgoing, so it's essential to set limits and start training early to prevent bad habits from forming.
As a breed, Yorkies are ranked 34th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, indicating they're smart and capable of learning with the right training and socialization.
Health and Care
Yorkshire Terrier males are a relatively healthy breed, but they do have their share of medical issues. The typical Yorkie lifespan is long, at 11-15 years.
Yorkies can be prone to health conditions such as liver shunts and hypoglycemia, so it's essential to research pet insurance plans before bringing home a Yorkie puppy. Regular veterinary check-ups are also crucial to keep on top of their overall health.
Here are some common health issues that may affect Yorkies:
- Upset stomach
- Allergies
- Skin irritation
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
Yorkies also require special attention to their oral hygiene, with daily tooth brushing recommended to delay dental disease.
Health and Care
Yorkshire Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. They typically live for 11-15 years, which is a long lifespan for a small dog.
Their small size makes them more susceptible to health problems, so it's essential to monitor their health closely. Pet health insurance might be a good investment when bringing home a Yorkie puppy.
Some common health issues in Yorkies include liver shunts, hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and portosystemic shunt. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to catch any potential issues early on.
Yorkies require daily tooth brushing to prevent dental disease, which is a significant concern for this breed. They also need frequent brushing and regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
Here are some common health issues in Yorkies:
- Upset stomach
- Allergies
- Skin irritation
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
Yorkies are also sensitive to extreme temperatures and may not tolerate heat or cold well. They need to be protected from the elements, especially in hot or cold weather.
Feeding
Feeding your Yorkshire Terrier is a crucial aspect of their overall health and care. A good quality dry food is essential, with a recommended daily amount of 1/2 to 3/4 cup, divided into two meals.
You should consider your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level when determining their food intake. A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog.
Feeding your Yorkie twice a day is recommended, rather than leaving food out all the time. This will help prevent overeating and keep your dog in good shape.
You can check if your Yorkie is overweight by doing the "eye test" and the "hands-on test". Look down at your dog and see if you can spot a waist. Then, place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.
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It's also essential to choose the right food for your Yorkie. Look for a commercial kibble or wet food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure a complete and balanced diet.
Yorkie puppies need a diet formulated specifically for puppies or designated for "all life stages". For adults, a dental-focused diet may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental disease.
Your veterinarian can help determine your dog's caloric needs, as the recommended intake varies from dog to dog. Treats should never make up more than 10% of a dog's daily calories, so offer them mindfully.
Healthy Yorkshire Terrier dogs should receive all necessary nutrients from their AAFCO-approved dog food. Your veterinarian may recommend certain supplements depending on your dog's specific health needs.
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Training and Behavior
Yorkshire Terriers are known to be difficult to house train due to improper training methods, not a lower potential to learn to go potty outside.
Yorkies are receptive to other kinds of training, especially if it will bring them attention and praise, like performing cute tricks.
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.
Yorkies are easy partners for apartment living as long as they get a lot of mental stimulation and chances to play.
Yorkie puppies need to be socialized from the moment you bring them home to help your dog be the friendliest and most confident they can be when out in the world.
Carrying your Yorkie pup in and out of the house instead of helping them learn to go on their own when their bladder says it's time can hinder their ability to be house trained.
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Grooming and Maintenance
Yorkshire terrier males require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, silky coats.
You'll want to brush your Yorkie's coat at least every other day to keep it looking its best. This will also help remove any debris that might have accumulated in their fur.
Trimming their hair short can help them see better and prevent eye and facial irritation, making it a great option for pet owners who want to give their Yorkie a more relaxed look.
Monthly baths are recommended, but you can bathe your Yorkie as needed, just be sure to use a gentle shampoo to avoid drying out their skin.
Grooming Guide
Grooming is an essential part of basic care for Yorkies. Their long, silky coat requires regular maintenance, especially if they have a full-length coat.
You'll want to brush your Yorkie's coat at least every other day to prevent tangles and debris. This helps keep their coat looking its best and prevents matting.
Trimming your Yorkie's hair short can help them see better and prevent eye and facial irritation. Many owners use bows or elastic hair bands to keep their pup's face clean.
Regular bathing is also a good way to maintain a Yorkie's coat. Monthly baths are recommended, but you can do it as needed.
Use a prescription shampoo that won't strip away moisture, and be sure to condition their coat to soften it and bring out its natural luster. This helps keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.
Don't forget to check their ears and eyes for possible infection while you're cleaning their coat. Small breeds are prone to oral problems, so keep an eye on their pearly whites too.
Pictures
Pictures of your Yorkshire Terrier are a must, but you'll want to capture them after a good grooming session. The breed's history is fascinating, and it's thought that the original Clydesdale Terrier or Paisley Terrier was much larger than the Yorkshire Terrier we know today.
These larger dogs were used to catch rats in the mills during the Industrial Revolution in England. The breed's origins are tied to Scottish workers who came to Yorkshire to work in the coal mines, textile mills, and factories.
Yorkshire Terriers have a unique appearance that's hard to capture in a single photo, but with the right lighting and background, you can showcase their distinctive features.
Size and Space
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs, and their size can be a bit unpredictable. They should be around 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.
Beware of breeders who claim their Yorkies are "teacup" - this is often just a marketing term and can be a sign of a health risk.
Related Topics
Their small size requires careful handling to avoid injury to both the dog and the owner.
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their big personalities, which can sometimes make them a handful for inexperienced dog owners.
They are generally quiet dogs but can be prone to barking if they sense something unusual.
Male Yorkshire Terriers require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, fine coats.
Their small size also means they need to be fed a balanced diet to maintain their energy levels and prevent weight gain.
Male Yorkshire Terriers are generally good with children if socialized properly from an early age.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first-time dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort.
Male Yorkshire Terriers are relatively low-maintenance pets compared to other breeds, requiring short, daily walks and playtime.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big will a male Yorkie get?
A full-grown male Yorkie typically reaches a height of 8-9 inches at the shoulder. They usually weigh no more than 7 pounds, making them a great lap dog.
Which is better, a female or male Yorkie?
When choosing a Yorkie, consider your lifestyle and needs: male Yorkies are more open to kids but harder to train, while female Yorkies are easier to train but may be more attached to one person.
Sources
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- "Breed Predisposition to Disease and Congenital Conditions" (petdoc.ws)
- the original (theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org)
- "Yorkshire Terrier" (netpets.com)
- "Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Dog Breed Information" (akc.org)
- the original (yahoo.com)
- "Yorkshire Terrier History" (wordofpoochs.blogspot.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- 6 Types of Yorkie Dog Breeds (with Pictures) (dogster.com)
- Sylvia (yorkieinfocenter.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org)
- harness (chewy.com)
- dog treats (chewy.com)
- moisturizing shampoo (chewy.com)
- The “Yorkie”: Yorkshire Terrier Facts (aspcapetinsurance.com)
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