Yorkie Exercise: Energy Level and How Much Activity They Need

Yorkshire terriers originate from Yorkshire, England. The breed, created with a mix of dogs from Scotland, caught rats and other vermin that burrowed in crevices of factory walls. They helped mine and textile factory workers during the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s to retrieve the vermin from their workspaces. Soon after, they helped catch small mammals on outdoor hunts. 

But as a new era began, they became popular throughout Europe. People had them as pets, and they became a symbol of luxury. No longer hunting, they became pampered lap dogs with ponytails and long, shiny coats. The transition from their humble beginning to their luxury status gives you an idea of what your Yorkie’s life should look like today. 

Yorkies are one of the smallest dog breeds. But that doesn’t stop these toy-sized canines from having big personalities. They need a physical outlet to stay entertained and in shape. So, what should your Yorkie’s exercise routine look like? Keep reading below to learn more about their energy level and how much activity they need. 

Yorkie Exercise: How Much Exercise Does a Yorkshire Terrier Need?

Generally, Yorkies should complete 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day to stay healthy. Of that time, about 30 minutes should be aerobic exercises. A challenging walk is a great start but running, swimming, and jumping is even better. However, the types of exercises and the amount of time exercising varies according to their unique needs.

Toy breeds are prone to obesity. Luckily, they’re easier to exercise indoors than larger breeds, so there are various ways to help them stay fit.   

Below are the most important considerations when developing your Yorkie exercise routine.    

Age 

Puppies typically have more energy than adult and senior dogs. That means they need more exercise in shorter bursts throughout the day. Capitalize on the moments they get the zoomies by turning it into a play session until they tire out. Keeping it short and sweet is ideal because long walks can be too strenuous on their developing bodies. 

Adult Yorkies should get at least 45 minutes of exercise a day. Exercise can be from a combination of games, walks, and other stimulating activities. 

Senior dogs most likely can’t run as far as they used to or have slowed to a leisurely walk altogether. However, exercise is still as important. Take it easy, and be sure to watch them. As the owner, you know them best. You can tell how much exercise is within their comfort zone.    

Health

Common health problems in Yorkies, such as luxating patellas and cardiac disease, can limit your Yorkie’s exercise options. If your Yorkie has either health problems or another medical condition, talk to your vet about the best exercise routine to keep them healthy and prevent their condition from worsening.     

Other Considerations

Your lifestyle and where you live shape your daily Yorkie exercise routine. High and low temperatures may keep you indoors more often, making walks difficult. This is an opportunity to come up with creative indoor exercises. 

Whether you live in an apartment, a house in a busy neighborhood, or on a big plot of land can also change when and how you keep your Yorkie fit. 

Another consideration is your work schedule. Always set aside time when you come home to go for a walk or play to exercise as well as strengthen your bond.      

What Happens When Your Yorkie Doesn’t Get Enough Exercise?

Now that you know more about the energy and activity level of Yorkies, it’s important to know what happens when they’re not meeting those requirements. It’s also possible to exercise your Yorkie too much. Knowing the signs of an under or overactive Yorkie will keep them safe and healthy. 

Signs Your Yorkie Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise

These are the signs your current Yorkie exercise routine isn’t keeping your dog active enough:

• Restlessness
• Excessive barking or whining
• Destructive behavior
• Rough play
• Increased leash pulling
• Stiff and tense muscles
• Weight gain
• Becoming withdrawn or depressed

If your vet has ruled out other health issues, you may need to adjust your current Yorkie exercise routine. Designate more time each day to ensure your Yorkie is active or try a new game together.  

Signs Your Yorkie Is Getting Too Much Exercise

On the other hand, it’s possible to exercise your Yorkie too much. Strenuous exercise, especially when they’re young, can cause muscle and joint issues. But keep in mind overactivity can be harmful at any age.

These are the signs your current Yorkie exercise routine is too much:

• Panting
• Excessive drooling
• Heat sickness
• Pad injuries
• Joint injuries
• Sore muscles
• Behavioral changes
• Dehydration
• Decreased appetite  
• Vomiting
• Limpness or fatigue 
• Glazed eyes
• Tremors
• Dark or reddish urine

While it’s good for them to run and jump around, limiting these movements prevents them from developing an injury or other health issues. If you notice these signs after they exercise, limiting their physical activity is important. You should also check with your vet to rule out underlying health issues.      

How to Effectively Implement the Right Amount of Daily Exercise

As with humans, exercise is essential in maintaining mental and physical health. But how you exercise may look different compared to others. Your Yorkie may have a different energy level than the average Yorkie, or they may have special needs that require altering certain activities.

Below are some of the best ways to ensure your Yorkie receives the daily exercise they need, but you can tailor them according to your situation.        

Walking

Instead of going on one long walk in the middle of the day, go on multiple short walks throughout the day. You should also use a harness rather than a collar since Yorkshire terriers are prone to developing a collapsed trachea, which can happen when they lunge forward unexpectedly while walking. 

A 10 to 15-minute walk is suitable for puppies and seniors, with 15 to 25 minutes for adults. Puppies will need more walks, especially during potty training. Adult dogs should be walked two to three times a day, depending on the length of each walk.

In between walks and on days you’re unable to go outside as often as usual, keep them stimulated in other ways. Play games inside or work on training to keep them active. 

Playing Games

Yorkies are intelligent and inquisitive. They enjoy figuring things out, so hide-and-seek is a great choice for playtime. More physical games include fetch, treasure hunting, and tug-of-war. You can also incorporate food by using puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and Kong toys. Working for their food is fun and keeps your dog mentally stimulated. But take care not to overfeed them.      

Training

Yorkies can be vocal, territorial, and stubborn at times. However, they’re relatively easy to train with the right motivation. Teaching your Yorkie new tricks is a fun way to keep them active and entertained. Use positive reinforcement along with their favorite toys and treats to help them learn something new.

A combination of these activity types will keep your Yorkie happy and healthy.   

The photo featured at the top of this post is © DebraMcGuire from Getty Images/ via Canva.com