Yorkshire Terrier

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Despite their small size and unimposing stature, there is a lot to say about the Yorkshire terrier as a breed.

The breed’s lineage isn’t entirely documented, but it’s been traced back to the middle of the 19th century. It was first developed in the Yorkshire and Lancashire counties of England. Their ancestry is thought to include several other terrier and toy breeds, including the Skye, Dandie Dimont, and possibly Maltese. The Yorkshire terrier, also affectionately known as the Yorkie, is easily recognized by its long, trailing coat that often reaches the floor. They have been consistently rated among the top pet dog breeds and are one of the most popular choices for owners who dwell in dense urban environments.

Yorkies may be a small, ornamental breed, but they are still terriers at heart. Their lively, adventurous and spunky temperament makes them a great pet for all kinds of households. Despite their self-important attitude, these dogs are often quite friendly and playful.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Yorkshire Terrier

Pros!	Cons!
Strong Personality Yorkshire terriers have a big personality in a very small package. This makes them fun and engaging companions for single owners as well as quality family dogs.	High Grooming Requirements These terriers grow a long coat that can include combinations of black, tan, blue and gold. Some also have a gray to white silver color in their coat. They require dedicated and frequent grooming to keep their coat clean and neat.
Hypoallergenic Coat The long hairs of the Yorkie coat are a lot less aggravating for people with allergies. They are generally considered an acceptable hypoallergenic choice for those with animal hair sensitives.	Can Have Poor Manners Even though Yorkies are generally receptive to training, owners need to start early and be consistent. House training is a common problem as is excessive barking.
Alert and Attentive These terriers are very observant of their surroundings and alert to anything unexpected. This makes them an effective watchdog for homes and properties even though they are unlikely to intimidate intruders physically.	Physically Delicate As an energetic and adventurous toy breed, the Yorkshire terrier is prone to physical injury. They are small with a narrow frame and light bone structure, so heavy play and accidents can be dangerous.

Yorkshire Terrier Size and Weight

These dogs are quite small, even among terriers, and are one of the smallest dog breeds overall. Bodyweight for a mature adult ranges from 3 to 7 pounds with a height around 8 to 9 inches at most.

Height (Male)	9 feet tall
Height (Female)	8 feet tall
Weight (male)	6lbs, fully grown
Weight (female)	5.5lbs, fully grown

Yorkshire Terrier Common Health Issues

The Yorkshire terrier is relatively healthy for a toy breed. They are known for having sensitive digestive systems and can develop long-term complications like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and lymphangiectasia. They are also susceptible to a few genetic issues related to blood circulation, including those impacting the heart and liver. They can also fall victim to the degenerative condition of tracheal collapse, which can be aggravated by Cushing’s syndrome.

Members of the breed can also suffer from several kinds of genetic defects that impact their eyes and skeletal structure. Distichia, or abnormal growth of eyelashes, can cause serious impairment, inflammation, and eye damage if they emerge in a bad spot. Yorkies can also develop problems with their kneecaps and Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome, which impacts their femur and hip joint. Dogs that are born with a completely white coat may also face significant health problems associated with the mutation.

• Portosystemic shunt
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Tracheal collapse
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
• Distichia
• Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome
• Luxating patella

Yorkshire Terrier Temperament

A feisty and self-important personality are hallmark characteristics of the Yorkshire terrier. They have an active and curious temperament that often leads them to investigate anything new or alert their owners of the same. They are very owner-oriented, which means they have protective and attention-seeking tendencies. Despite their appearance, size, and appreciation for human affection, the breed is a bit too active and officious to make for a true lap dog.

Yorkies have a good reputation for family life, but they aren’t the best dogs to have around very young children. They aren’t particularly patient and can be snippy when irritated, so parents are often better off waiting to get a Yorkie until their kids are a bit older and more responsible. However, they generally get along well with other dogs and pet animals.

These terriers can be trained with some work, so owners are encouraged to maintain this throughout their dog’s life. They can have some difficulties being housebroken and learning proper manners when it comes to barking. Owners should structure and discipline their Yorkie from an early age to reinforce positive behaviors.

How To Take Care of a Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers are companion animals that need frequent attention and care. Owners who are willing to groom and put in a lot of quality time with their dogs are rewarded with a fun, lively, and stalwart companion. Regular checkups and observation for developing health issues are also important to manage the breed’s genetic health concerns.

Yorkshire Terrier Food and Diet

High-quality food that is balanced with all essential minerals and vitamins is important for maintaining the sheen and colors of the breed’s luxurious coat for adults and puppies alike. Owners should carefully manage their dog’s weight, especially if they don’t get a lot of rigorous exercise. It’s also a good idea to break treats into smaller pieces to provide more potential rewards while training without ramping up calorie intake.

Yorkshire Terrier Maintenance and Grooming

Yorkies are among the most high maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. In fact, many owners rely on grooming professionals to keep their dog’s coat in good condition. Daily brushing is recommended to maintain quality and keep the long hairs from getting tangled. Regular trimming is also important to prevent the coat from interfering with the dog’s vision or mobility.

Yorkshire Terrier Training

While they aren’t necessarily stubborn or independent-minded, these terriers are not easy to train either. Owners should start instilling good behaviors and command obedience at an early age. Continual reinforcement and practice should be continued throughout the dog’s life. Failing to train early can make it difficult to encourage good household manners.

Yorkshire Terrier Exercise

Yorkies have plenty of energy and are playful, but don’t necessarily need big open spaces to get a good workout. They have about average exercise needs, so daily walks and a little bit of active play should be enough to keep them happy and healthy. The potential for indoor activity is one of the reasons the breed is favored throughout big cities in the United States and England.

Yorkshire Terrier Puppies

Yorkie puppies don’t have any specific care requirements aside from a strong need for attention and socialization. Owners should start instilling good behavior and engage in training exercises once the pups start acting independently. Early training makes it a lot easier to continue behavior modification and control when they reach adulthood.

Yorkshire Terrier and Children

Yorkshire terriers are not particularly compatible with kids under the age of 10. Young kids may not be entirely aware of how fragile these dogs are, which can lead to tragic accidents. Yorkies are also sensitive to loud noises and can be snippy or impatient when harassed. However, they do make good family dogs once everyone is old enough to respect them and ensure their safety around the house.

Dogs Similar to Yorkshire Terrier

• Norfolk Terrier – Another terrier breed from England that tends to grow a bit larger than the Yorkie. They also share the Yorkshire terrier’s high energy levels and staunch loyalty to their owners.
• Australian Terrier – Another small dog that has a big spirit. They are also highly alert companion animals with an even temper and generally make excellent companions.
• Japanese Chin – With multi-color coats ranging from white to black, these dogs also have a unique aesthetic. Much like the Yorkshire, they are considered an excellent choice for city dwellers who don’t have access to large outdoor exercise areas.

Popular Names for Yorkshire Terrier

• Luna
• Charlie
• Jida
• Bailey
• Stella
• Blue
• Finn
• Piper

Famous Yorkshire Terriers

Many celebrities have embraced the Yorkshire terrier as a terrific travel companion and attractive accessory over the years. Actress Audrey Hepburn frequently posed for photographs with her Yorkie named Mr. Famous. Many other Hollywood stars have also been spotted wielding their Yorkshire terrier, including Orlando Bloom, Jennifer Lawrence, and Missy Elliott.

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