Yorkshire Terrier
|
|
11 min
Sprite and spirited, the tiny Yorkshire Terrier is as fiery as they are loyal. As a clever and outgoing companion, these pups pack a lot of personality in their super small frame.
|
Temperament
Clever, Cuddly, Spirited |
Coat Color
Black and Gold, Black and Tan, Blue and Tan, Blue and Gold |
| Weight | Height |
Life Expectancy
11–15 years |
Yes, they have great hair that could sell boatloads of shampoo, but the Yorkshire Terrier would probably prefer that you talk about something else. These bright, energetic pups—commonly called Yorkies for short—are more complex than their adorable faces let on.
Yorkshire Terrier Characteristics
Care
Exercise Needs
Couch Potato
Star Athlete
Health Issues
Few Known Health Issues
Many Known Health Issues
Grooming Needs
Few
High
Training Needs
Requires Minimal Training
A Lot of Training
Shedding Level
Sheds a Little
Sheds a Lot
Personality
Friendliness
More Reserved
Social Butterfly
Playfulness
More Restrained
Perpetual Puppy
Energy Level
Low Energy
High Energy
Adaptability
Good for Apartments and Small Homes
Not Recommended
Ideal for Smaller Spaces
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Tolerates Cold Weather
Does not Tolerate Cold Weather Well
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Tolerates Warm Weather
Does not Tolerate Hot Weather Well
Good for First-Time Pet Parents
Not Recommended
Ideal for Novice Pet Parents
Social Life
Good with Kids
Not Recommended
Kid-Friendly
Good with Cats
Not Recommended
Cat-Friendly
Good with Other Dogs
Not Recommended
Dog Friendly
Yorkshire Terrier Appearance
With their teddy-bear face, round eyes, soft hair, and tiny body, Yorkshire Terriers might just be in the running for cutest dog ever. Born with mostly black hair, their coat turns more golden and gray (called “blue”) as they age. Some Yorkie parents let these golden locks grow long; others keep them short.
Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.
- Ears The Yorkshire Terrier's perky V-shaped ears sit atop their head like mini flags.
- Eyes Yorkshire Terrier eyes are dark and sparkle with a curious intelligence.
- Nose Yorkies have a black button nose.
- Coat Length A Yorkshire Terrier's hair can grow to floor length. Some pet parents choose to have their pup’s hair trimmed into a shorter haircut.
- Coat Color Generally, a Yorkie’s silky hair is a mix of black or steel blue with golden or tan markings.
- Tail While it was once common to dock a Yorkshire Terrier tail, nowadays many of these active pups have their tails left intact. Many groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose tail docking, and many countries as well as U.S. states have banned the practice.
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
Yorkshire Terriers are smart, spunky dogs who don’t know how tiny they are. These confident pups would happily run the house if you’d let them, reminding you when it’s time to get up, serve breakfast, go for a walk, and have quality time.
Fortunately, this clever breed is eager to please, making them a quick study when it comes to training. Yorkie puppies should learn cues early and be socialized from as early as 7 or 8 weeks old (or as young as possible, if you adopt a full-grown Yorkie).
Yorkie pups tend to be loyal, playful, and friendly, and chances are that they’ll be equally independent and affectionate. Meaning, ready to play with other pups and meet people, but eager to chill out with you at the end of the day.
Though they make good family dogs, there is one caveat: The little Yorkie isn’t the best fit for smaller kids because younger children might mistake them for a plushie and try to treat them like a toy. Make sure all playtime between kids and Yorkies is supervised!
How to Care for a Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers may be small, but that doesn’t mean they need any less care than larger dogs. Their hair alone requires lots of upkeep—those silky locks need brushing to keep from getting tangled and matted.
Grooming
When it comes to Yorkie haircuts, you have some choices to make. If you’d like to keep things short, you can pick a teddy bear haircut or “puppy cut”—both tend to be about 1–2 inches all over. Otherwise, you can keep it long. All Yorkie grooming requires the same amount of upkeep, no matter the style. Bathing: Plan on bathing your dog about once a month. After you shampoo your Yorkie, apply a conditioner—yes, this breed needs to be pampered—and then rinse. Many Yorkie parents spritz their dogs with a leave-in conditioner , too. Brushing: A Yorkie’s hair is fine and delicate, almost like a human’s. Brush it every day with a pin brush to avoid breakage and matting. While you’re brushing your pup, check their eyes for discharge and clean it away with a soft, damp cloth or vet-approved eye cleaner . Dental care: Brush their teeth daily to keep their teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of dental disease . Get a pro cleaning at your vet’s office once a year, too. Ear and skin care: Give their skin, paws, and ears a once-over when you brush your Yorkie. Look for any signs of inflammation or infection, like hair loss, sores, redness, flaking, or bumps. Any ear odor could also be a sign that something is off. Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every two to four weeks—you’ll know it’s time when you hear them clicking on hard surfaces.
Training
With their quick wits, Yorkies can master cues (like sit , stay , and come ) easily through positive reinforcement —think praise, toys, and treats . Yorkies love soaking up compliments and are eager to please, so they’ll be delighted to show you what they can accomplish . Not only are they good at learning cues and tricks, but Yorkshire Terriers also excel at agility and obedience competitions. An important part of training your Yorkie is socializing them with other pets and humans from as early as 7 or 8 weeks old (though you can definitely start later if you adopt them as an adult or senior—ask your vet for advice). This helps your Yorkie puppy grow to be confident (and not anxious!) when confronted with new situations. If your Yorkie is still a puppy, talk to your vet about when you should start obedience school or socializing with other pups. If you adopt your dog when they’re older, take things at their pace and slowly introduce them to new people and pets, again with advice from a trainer or vet. The goal is to get them to feel safe around everyone, two-legged or four-legged. Your Yorkshire Terrier will never be hesitant to tell you what they’re thinking; it’s rare to meet a quiet Yorkie. If you live close to your neighbors, it might be worthwhile to work with a trainer or behaviorist to help manage your pup’s chatty nature .
Diet
Yorkshire Terriers typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food that’s AAFCO-compliant . Choose a diet that’s right for your dog’s life stage ( puppy , adult , or senior ). You can even find dog food made specifically for Yorkie puppies and adults . Because Yorkies are so small, they don’t need nearly as much food as, say, a Mastiff . But they do have very fast metabolisms, which might leave them feeling hungrier faster. Talk to your vet about possibly serving your Yorkie three or four smaller meals per day instead of just morning and evening feedings. If your Yorkie is a grazer, it might also be possible to leave their kibble out during the day and let them choose when they nosh. Your vet can help you decide. Yorkshire Terriers love a heavy dose of appreciation—so cue the treats. Though dog treats are great tools for training , you don’t want to overdo it. Remember that those little morsels of praise are still calories, and even an extra pound can make a big impact on such a small dog. Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Exercise
Despite being energetic, spirited pups, Yorkshire Terriers don’t need a ton of exercise. However, they do need plenty of movement and play—and don’t forget to engage their mind as well . Without exercise and mental engagement, these clever canines can easily get bored (and you might not appreciate your pup’s new form of entertainment , which might include chewing your pillows or singing loudly). Two 15-minute daily walks are sufficient, but also keep puzzle toys around so your Yorkie is mentally stimulated. A living room game of fetch is great, too, and some particularly athletic Yorkies might love the challenge of dog sports, like agility trials. When you do go out and about together, remember not to speed walk—your Yorkshire Terrier’s little legs can’t keep up! Instead, be patient, and give them the time to stop and smell the roses (literally— scent work is great for their mind). It’s tempting to pick up these little cuties and carry them everywhere, but this deprives them of the exercise and stimulation they need. Of course, make sure they’re safe in your arms in crowds, busy stores, or if they’re feeling overwhelmed by all the big breeds at the dog park. As long as you have a balance of walking and holding, you should be set.
Environment
You don’t need a ton of space or even a yard to make a Yorkie happy. They can have a (literal) ball playing fetch right in your living room. These pups will also enjoy a good snuggle, so it’s nice if you let them accompany you on the sofa and bed. Make sure they have lots of options for cozy spots around the house. Tiny dogs often like places where they feel safe, like covered beds where they can come and go as they like. Most Yorkies will get along fine with other dogs and cats, and they can do well with children as long as both dog and child are taught how to interact with each other . Because Yorkies are so tiny, any young kids will need to understand that this dog is not a toy and shouldn’t be treated like one. If you work long hours, you’ll be fine if you can bring your Yorkie to the office with you. However, this isn’t a breed who likes to be alone for most of the day; doggy daycare or a pet sitter is a good option for warding off separation anxiety . Yorkies don’t love extreme heat or cold, but who does? Get a good dog sweater or dog jacket in the winter, and make sure they have 24/7 access to water and AC in the summer.
Yorkshire Terrier Health
The Yorkshire Terrier lifespan is 11–15 years, but it’s not unusual for some to live even longer. But, like all dogs, they can develop certain health conditions during their long life.
Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.
- Hypoglycemia Low blood sugar is common in Yorkie puppies. Feed your dog on a regular schedule to prevent hypoglycemia; most pups eventually outgrow it. Keep a high-sugar supplement like Nutri-Cal around in case they need a boost.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: A rare and likely genetic disease that causes bone death and significant joint changes to the femur, Legg-Calve-Perthes usually develops in a pup’s first year, causing pain and limping. Serious cases may require surgery, but most Yorkies make a full recovery.
- Luxating patella: Yorkies can develop a luxating patella , where the kneecap slips out of place. A little bunny hop or skip could be a symptom. It may be treated with joint supplements and meds, if mild, though surgery may be necessary. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help keep this condition from worsening.
- Periodontal disease: The Yorkshire Terrier’s short nose, small mouth, and crowded teeth predispose them to dental disease. Plaque, tartar, bacterial growth, and gingivitis can all lead to periodontal disease , causing the death of tissue and teeth. Brush your Yorkie’s teeth every day, check their gums regularly for swelling or redness, and note any plaque. If left untreated, periodontal disease can be very painful, cause bad breath and other issues, and progress to a medical emergency.
- bad breath Yorkie’s teeth every day, check their gums regularly for swelling or redness, and note any plaque. If left untreated, periodontal disease can be very painful, cause bad breath and other issues, and progress to a medical emergency.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): Yorkies are prone to PRA , which is the degeneration of the retina that leads to blindness. While there is no treatment for PRA, dogs often adjust well to vision loss.
- Tracheal collapse: Tracheal collapse happens when the windpipe flattens. It makes it hard to get air into the lungs, and as a result many dogs with it may make a dry, goose-like honking sound. Pups with this condition should have their leash attached to a harness , not a collar (which can push on the trachea). Treatment may include weight management, medications, or surgery.
Yorkshire Terrier History
The Yorkshire Terrier’s origins go back to the mid 1800s in—you guessed it—Yorkshire, England. These dogs are likely descendants ofScottish Terriers, popular with Scottish folks who came looking for work.
Like most terriers, Yorkies were bred to hunt small animals like rats. But by the late 1800s, this working-class little dog had captured the attention of posh Victorian women, who made them proper lapdogs.
Around that time, the pups made their way to the U.S., and the American Kennel Club recognized the Yorkshire Terrier breed in 1885. TheYorkshire Terrier Club of Americawas founded in 1951. Today, Yorkies remain an exceptionally popular pet.
A Yorkshire Terrier puppy can cost as much as $3,000. If you choose this route, pick aresponsible breeder.
You can also consider Yorkie adoption, as there are plenty of these dogs eagerly waiting for their forever homes. Locate Yorkies for adoption via local Yorkie rescue organizations, such asYorkie Rescue of America; keep an eye out at your local animal shelter; or searchChewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.
FAQs
Are Yorkies hypoallergenic?
Mostly. Although no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, the Yorkie is often considered hypoallergenic.
Do Yorkies shed?
Yorkies do not shed a lot, making them a good choice for pet parents with allergies.
Do Yorkshire Terriers bark a lot?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers rate high on the barking scale. Consider positive reinforcement training to curb this chatty habit.
How big are full-grown Yorkies?
Yorkshire Terriers are 7–8 inches tall at the shoulder, and they tend to weigh about 7 pounds.
Should I buy a teacup Yorkie or mini Yorkie?
No, Yorkies are already very tiny dogs, and breeding them to be even smaller isn’t healthy. Do not work with any breeder who claims to sell teacup Yorkies or mini Yorkies.
Is there such a thing as a black and white Yorkie?
Not exactly. You’re probably think of Biewer Terriers, a close cousin of the Yorkshire Terrier, who have a mix of white in their fur.
How long do Yorkies live?
The Yorkie life expectancy is 11–15 years. Keep up with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine vet visits to help your pup life their best life.
What are the most common Yorkie mixes?