Yorkshire Terrier Pros and Cons: Understanding the Breed

Yorkshire Terriers are a popular breed known for their big personalities in small packages.

They typically weigh between 7-15 pounds and stand about 6-7 inches tall at the shoulder.

These tiny dogs have a long, fine coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their small size makes them a great choice for city living or for families with smaller living spaces.

In terms of temperament, Yorkshire Terriers are known for being spunky and confident, but also affectionate and loyal to their owners.

They are generally good with children if socialized properly from an early age.

However, they can be wary of strangers and may require time to warm up to new people.

Yorkshire Terriers are a small breed, with a typical size range of 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

These tiny dogs weigh no more than seven pounds, with four to six pounds being the preferred weight.

Yorkies are inconsistent in size, so you may find that puppies from the same litter can vary greatly in weight.

Here's an interesting read: Breeds of Dogs under 25 Pounds

Beware of breeders who offer "teacup" Yorkshire Terriers, as these dogs are prone to genetic disorders and are at a higher health risk.

To give you a better idea of the size range, here's a rough breakdown:

Yorkshire Terriers have a long-haired coat that requires daily grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

With proper care, Yorkies can live for 12+ years, making them one of the longer-living breeds.

Their temperament is intelligent, independent, and confident, which can make them a great companion for the right owner.

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their bold and fearless personalities, which makes them great companions for those living alone. They're also bundles of fun and energy, enjoying time spent off the lead and playing games.

One thing to keep in mind is that Yorkies can be quite vocal, barking a lot and acting like watchdogs. They'll always let you know when they see something they think you should know about.

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In terms of temperament, Yorkies are generally affectionate, bright, and playful. They love to snuggle, but they also have a feisty side and can be very active. They're better suited to families with older children, as young ones may accidentally upset them.

Here's a quick rundown of some key characteristics:

It's essential to set limits and start training your Yorkie when they're young to avoid bad habits and ensure they're a friendly, well-rounded dog. With the right socialization and training, your Yorkie will be a wonderful companion.

Yorkshire Terriers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, as they're very active indoors.

They can be receptive to training, especially if it involves cute tricks or agility trials.

However, housetraining can be a challenge because their small "accidents" are easy to clean up, but it's essential to show them where to go from the start and reward them for doing their business in the right place.

Yorkies are house dogs and don't tolerate extreme heat or cold well, so many people paper train them to avoid taking them outdoors in harsh weather.

They love squeaky toys, but it's crucial to check them regularly to ensure they haven't chewed them open and pulled out the squeaker.

To keep your Yorkie in good shape, measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out constantly.

You can check if your Yorkie is overweight by giving them the eye test and the hands-on test: look down at them and see if you can spot a waist, and then place your hands on their back with your thumbs along the spine and your fingers spread downward.

Yorkshire Terriers are no couch potatoes, and they need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They thrive with physical and mental stimulation, enjoying indoor and outdoor games alongside their daily walks.

Yorkies need to burn off energy, and adequate exercise will help prevent territorial behavior and excessive barking. Aim to provide two 15- to 30-minute walks per day at a moderate pace.

In addition to walks, Yorkies should be able to run and play off leash. They can have loads of fun with activities like fetch, dog sports, and agility.

To ensure your Yorkie's safety, supervise kids and teach them to handle a Yorkie gently. Yorkies are very small and can be injured when interacting with children who are too rough with them.

Here's a quick rundown of your Yorkie's daily exercise needs:

Feeding your Yorkshire Terrier is an essential part of their care. A recommended daily amount is 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Their individual needs depend on size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level, so it's crucial to measure their food and adjust accordingly. A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog.

To keep your Yorkie in good shape, feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. This will help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.

A good way to check if your Yorkie is overweight is to look down at them and see if you can spot a waist. If not, they need less food and more exercise.

You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, they need less food and more exercise.

Additional reading: Yorkshire Terrier Not Eating

Yorkshire terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to catch any potential problems early on.

One common issue is patellar luxation, which causes the kneecap to move out of place, resulting in limping, licking the knee, and bending the knee at an unusual angle.

Collapsing trachea is another chronic condition that can cause noisy breathing, coughing, exercise intolerance, and retching. It's not reversible, but there are treatment options available.

Eye problems are also common in Yorkies, including cataracts, conjunctivitis, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Regular eye exams can help catch these issues early.

Portosystemic shunt is a congenital liver disorder that can cause excessive urination and thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, circling, head pressing, and seizures. If you suspect your Yorkie has this condition, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Heart disease is another potential issue, and regular check-ups can help catch early signs. Intervertebral disc disease can cause lameness, dragging limbs, and stepping on the wrong side of the paw.

Dental issues are also common, including gum disease and plaque and tartar buildup. Regular dental checks can help prevent these problems, and symptoms to look out for include loss of appetite, difficulty eating, swollen face, and pawing at the mouth.

Here's a list of common health issues to be aware of:

Yorkshire Terriers have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming. This means daily brushing to prevent matting and regular trims from a professional groomer.

Daily brushing can help to prevent matting of their long fur, which can be painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Regular trims will also help prevent their coat from dragging on the ground.

If you choose to keep your Yorkie's coat long, you'll need to brush it daily to prevent tangles and mats. You'll also need to trim it regularly to keep it from dragging.

To avoid the hassle of regular trims, many Yorkie owners choose to keep their coat short, usually cut by a groomer every few weeks.

Here's a quick rundown of the grooming schedule for your Yorkie:

Remember, regular grooming is essential to keeping your Yorkie healthy and happy.

Owning a Yorkshire Terrier can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the practical aspects of dog ownership. They're small, making them easy to carry around, walk on a leash, or hold in your lap.

One of the best things about Yorkies is that they adapt happily to apartment living, so you don't need a big backyard to keep them happy. They're also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to space.

Yorkies are also easier to travel with than larger dogs, as they usually fit within the weight restrictions placed on pets. This makes them perfect for road trips or vacations.

Their small size also means they require less food than larger dogs, which can save you money on kibble. A half to three-quarters cup of kibble a day is usually enough to keep your Yorkie well fed.

Yorkies are loving, devoted, and very affectionate, making them great personal companions and good family pets. They love interaction with their humans, so be prepared for plenty of cuddles and playtime.

Here are some key things to consider when it comes to owning a Yorkie:

If you're thinking of bringing a Yorkshire terrier into your life, you'll want to consider your options carefully. You can adopt a Yorkie from a local animal shelter or a breed-specific rescue like the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, Save a Yorkie Rescue, or United Yorkie Rescue.

Intriguing read: Rescue a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

Adopting a dog from a shelter can be a rewarding experience, but if you're set on getting a puppy, you'll need to find a reputable breeder. Expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 or more for a Yorkie puppy, depending on the bloodline and other factors.

If you do decide to buy from a breeder, make sure you're prepared for the financial commitment. With proper care and attention, a Yorkie can live a happy and healthy life, but it's essential to consider the costs involved.