Are you ready to bring a little energy and love into your home? Perhaps it’s about time you adopted a Yorkshire Terrier, or as people call it, Yorkies. Before you get out, let’s learn everything there is to know about this well-known breed.
What Makes Yorkie Dog Breed Unique?
Yorkies are little dogs with giant attitudes. First bred to hunt rats in the textile mills of Yorkshire, England, they seem to have grown much further than their humble origins. Yorkies are now beloved pets and symbols of loyalty, courage, and that beautiful, distinctive, long, silky coat.
Brief History of Yorkies
The Yorkie Dog Breed’s ancestry goes back to the middle of the 19th century when Scottish working-class men brought small terriers into England. There, they were crossed into local breeds to produce the Yorkie we are familiar with today. Yorkies were originally small working dogs, highly valued for catching rodents in tight spaces.
Yorkies finally caught the fancy of the upper class and moved on from their ratter days, settling to become lap dogs. Popularity soared, and it has been lovable since.
Here’s an overview of the Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) dog breed in a table format:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Name | Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) |
| Origin | England |
| Size | Toy breed (Small) |
| Weight | 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg) |
| Height | 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, straight |
| Coat Colors | Blue and tan |
| Temperament | Intelligent, confident, bold, affectionate |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
| Trainability | High (but can be stubborn) |
| Barking Tendency | High |
| Good with Kids | Moderate (better with older children) |
| Good with Pets | Moderate (better with familiar pets) |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate (daily walks, play) |
| Grooming Needs | High (regular brushing, professional grooming) |
| Common Health Issues | Patellar luxation, dental issues, hypoglycemia |
| Suitable For | Apartment living, single owners, families |
Yorkie Dog Characteristics:
What do you think of when you hear Yorkie Dog Breed? Imagine a teeny-tiny pup with a strutting step and hair that can give those supermodels a run for their money. Here is what you must know about their looks and temperament:
Size and Appearance
- Yorkies weigh 4 to 7 pounds
- They stand between 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
- Their coat is long and silky and comes in a variety of color combinations, typically blue and tan
- They have a compact body with a small, flat head and v-shaped ears
Personality Traits
Yorkies have a lively temperament. They are often described as:
- Spirited and bold, with a big-dog attitude in a small body
- Affectionate and attached to owners
- Intelligent and capable of learning new tricks very fast
- Alert and, sometimes, barky, which makes them good watchdogs.
Yorkies are small but have courageous personalities, which sometimes find them in trouble. They never blink an eye to stand before a larger dog; hence, be careful when playing.
Yorkies are adaptable to their living conditions, so they do just as well in apartments in New York City as they do on the ranch in Texas. Small size doesn’t, however, make them low-maintenance pets. Here’s what you need to know about raising a Yorkie:
Grooming Needs
Yorkies have coats that require regular grooming to keep them in the best condition. You will have to:
- Brush his coat every day to prevent tangles and mats.
- Bathe them periodically using a mild dog shampoo
- Trim their nails occasionally and clean their ears to prevent infection
- Semi-professional grooming sessions for that fashionable appearance may be booked every 6-8 weeks.
Exercise Requirements
Yorkie Dog Breed do not need hours of exercise but do enjoy regular exercise:
- A few short walks or play sessions per day will suffice.
- Indoor games would help burn the energy if not taken out on other days.
- Just like any other breed of dog, Yorkies need mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys, in addition to physical exercise
Health Issues
Yorkies, like any dog, are bred to be susceptible to specific health issues. Common ones include:
- Dental problems due to their small mouths
- Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation)
- Collapsed trachea
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Regular vet check-ups and preventive care are essential to ensure a healthy, happy Yorkie
Training Your Yorkie: Be Consistent
Yorkies are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. Here are some training tips for your furry friend:
- Train your Yorkie Dog Breed from an early age to avoid shyness or aggression in them
- Reward good behavior with treats and praise.
- Keep all the training sessions short and fun to keep your interest in the Yorkies.
- Take your patience and training consistency very seriously regarding commands and your expectations.
Remember, Yorkies can be stubborn sometimes, but you can make them into good family pets with patience and persistence.
Yorkies and Family Life: A Perfect Match?
Yorkies will make a great family pet, but there is a bit of a catch to consider:
- They are only ideal for families with older children who can handle their delicate nature.
- Supervision is required when Yorkies interact with extremely young children.
- They get along well with other pets, especially those socialized earlier.
- The perfect home for a Yorkie will dote with lots of attention and be supervised briefly. They love to be around people and suffer from separation anxiety if not handled correctly.
Choosing Your Yorkie: Adoption or Breeder?
When you are ready to welcome a Yorkie into your world, you have two big choices:
Adoption
- Reach out to shelters in your area and Yorkie rescue groups
- Choose an adult Yorkie, which means you skip this puppy stage
- You do get a needful dog who will get a chance to stay in a loving home
Responsible Breeder
- Educate yourself to get a responsible breeder who’s also particular about health and temperament
- Demand to see a health clearance of both parent dogs
- Visit the breeder so that you get to see their puppies in person and observe living conditions.
- Be prepared for a long commitment to owning a Yorkie, whichever route you choose. They can live up to 15 years or more with good care.
Is a Yorkie Right for You?
Yorkies are bred to be charming, affectionate, and full of personality. The Yorkie is a great breed for those who love small dogs but still want a big heart. They require some regular grooming and attention. However, if you feel you can have a loyal companion that will keep you on your toes, you’ll love having a Yorkie around.
Before settling on one to give it a home, you should consider lifestyle, where you live, and the time you can dedicate to a pet. Adequate attention and love provided to the Yorkie can make the most of its years with you.
This video can help you to understand the pros and cons of this Yorkie Dog Breed.
