Yorkshire Terrier breed Information

Yorkshire Terrier: The Ultimate Breed Guide (2020)

 

 

 

 Yorkshire Terrier: The Ultimate Guide 2020

 

Are you planning to add a small dog to your household and wondering what breed to choose? Are you looking for a cute, and playful companion? Maybe you are interested in buying or adopting a Yorkshire Terrier. Is a Yorkshire Terrier the right breed for you? Worry no more because we have come up with a comprehensive guide that details everything you need to know before you get one of this incredible breed. This guide explains the characteristics, vital stats, fun facts, history, average size, personality, and general health of a Yorkshire Terrier.

 

So let’s dive right in.

 

Characteristics Of Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed

The Yorkshire terrier is a small dog known for its silky, long, and straight coat and it is named after the place of origin Yorkshire in England. His coat is a combination of tan and blue hair that can really grow long. They don’t shed like other dogs because they have a little undercoat, but still, you have to brush them regularly, especially around the head. They are energetic dogs that require daily playtime and walk in order to stay happy and healthy. 

 

The Yorkshire Terriers, commonly known as Yorkies, are small dogs with tenacious personalities. They seem unaware of their small size and are very eager for adventures. Technically and apparently they are categorized as toy breeds, but these little ones take on many old-time terrier traits as well. Yorkshire Terrier dog is highly energetic, brave, loyal, and clever. 

 

Being an affectionate dog breed, Yorkie is a wonderful companion! Consistent and structured training is a must for your little Yorkie. This breed cannot get along well with kids unless properly trained and socialized.

 

 

We have listed below Yorkshire Terrier dog breed characteristics. This list is meant to be a general guideline for Yorkshire Terrier’s characteristics. Let’s have a look at them:

1. Adaptability

Yorkshire Terriers are not that good at adapting to some environments. They have an average of 3 out of 5 stars adaptability level. Nevertheless, this should not scare you since they can adapt to any situation if trained early.

 

This factors contributing to moderate adaptability score are:

 

  • Yorkies are well suited to apartment living due to their small size. However, they're not couch potatoes. They are active when indoors and so for apartment living, they score 5 out of 5 stars. 
  • When it comes to novice owners, a Yorkshire Terrier scores 4 out of 5 stars. This shows they are suitable for first-time parents.
  • This breed is far more sensitive than other breeds. They do not like irregular daily routines and a chaotic household. Punishments and negative reinforcements affect them emotionally. This breed has a high sensitivity level of 5 out of 5 stars.  
  • Yorkshire Terriers are at their best when the owners are around. A Yorkie will not do well in a household where he is left alone most of the day. This breed needs lots of attention and does best when kept near a human companion. Otherwise, it may display separation anxiety and develop bad habits. They have a very low tolerance for being alone. They score 2 out of 5 stars for being suited to be alone.
  • Yorkies are intolerant to extremely cold weather. When the weather is too cold, Yorkshire Terriers should not be taken outdoors. This breed has a 2 out of 5 stars tolerance to cold weather.
  • Yorkies are intolerant to extremely hot weather. When the weather is too hot, Yorkshire Terriers should not be taken outdoors. This breed has a 2 out of 5 stars tolerance to hot weather.

2. All-Around Friendliness

Yorkie is small in size but big in personality. They are playful and have the ability to form solid-bonds and prove to be good companions. They have 3 out of 5 stars all around friendliness

 

The reasons for their moderate all-around friendliness are:

 

  • Yorkshire Terriers are feisty, loving, and affectionate dogs and shower the whole family with love and loyalty. Hence they hold 4 stars out of 5 for being affectionate with family.
  • Yorkshire terrier is not suitable in a household with small children. The problems come both with children's rough handling and by the dog's reaction to nip when provoked. They possess 2 out of 5 stars for being kid-friendly. This breed is not a good choice if you have small children at home.
  • It is a moderately dog-friendly breed and holds 3 out of 5 stars rating. If you already have another pet dog, the Yorkie can be a reasonable choice.
  • Yorkies are not stranger-friendly dogs and possess 2 out of 5 stars for being friendly to strangers. They may bother your guests with continuous bark.

3. Health And Grooming Needs

Yorkshire Terriers are known to be generally healthy dogs but they are prone to certain hereditary diseases. Yorkies require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition. They are rated at 2 stars out 5 for health and grooming needs. 

The reasons that contribute to this score are:

  • Yorkshire Terriers do not shed much as most dog breeds do. Their coat has soft, silky, and long hair, unlike most other dogs that have fur. They hold 2 out of 5 stars for the amount of shedding.  
  • Yorkies have very low drooling potential and do not drop saliva uncontrollably from their mouth. They hold a rating of 1 out of 5 stars in the drooling department. If you're a neatnik, Yorkshire Terriers may be a good choice for you. 
  • Yorkies require regular brushing, bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. If you own a long hair Yorkshire Terrier, you must have time and patience as he needs a lot of grooming. They hold 2 out of 5 stars for ease of grooming
  • It is a healthy breed and possesses 4 out of 5 stars when it comes to its general health.
  • Yorkshire Terrier is a picky eater and has a low potential to gain weight with 2 out of 5 stars.
  • This is a small-sized dog with an average weight of up to 3.2 kg. Yorkies hold 1 out of 5 stars for breed size.

4. Trainability

Yorkies should be trained gently, but with determination. They have moderate training experience of 3 out of 5 stars.

 

Let's have a look at the factors for their trainability score:

 

  • For ease of training, Yorkshire Terriers hold 3 out of 5 stars. They sometimes tend to be stubborn and independent that makes training difficult. Hitting or yelling at them will only have negative effects.
  • They are smart dogs and have moderate intelligence and concentration level. They score 3 out of 5 stars in intelligence level.
  • Yorkshire Terriers have a low tendency to nip, chew, or play-bite people. They have a 2 out of 5 stars potential for mouthiness
  • They have a low inborn desire to chase and catch something. They hold a 2 out of 5 stars rating for prey drive. You need to teach them how to associate well with pets in your house.
  • Yorkies have 3 out of 5 stars barking potential. This is something that could be maddening if you hate noise. If you are considering a watchdog, with an area full of suspicious strangers, Yorkie would be a great choice. 
  • They have 3 out of 5 stars for wanderlust potential.

5. Physical Needs

The Yorkshire Terrier is a playful and high energy dog and has high physical needs of 5 out of 5 stars

The reasons for high physical needs are discussed below: 

 

  • Yorkshire Terriers have a high energy level rated at 5 out of 5 stars. They become bored and mischievous without physical activities.
  • They are vigorous dogs possessing 4 out of 5 stars intensity levels. They do everything with energy including jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells. 
  • Yorkshire Terriers need regular exercise and physical activities. They are rated at 4 out of 5 stars for exercise needs
  • They are highly playful and have a playfulness potential of 5 out of 5 stars.

 

After having a look at the breed characteristics, Yorkies sound like a great choice to buy or adopt. 

 

Vital Stats About Yorkshire Terrier Dogs

 

Stats

Description

Dog Breed Group/Purpose

AKNC: Group 1 (Toys)

AKC: Toy group 

UKC: Companion dogs

Grooming Needs

High

Coat Length

Long

Average Height

15 - 17 ½ cm

Weight Range

Up to 3.2 kg

Energy Level

Very energetic

Exercise requirements

Less than 20 minutes per day

Tendency to Bark

High

Tendency to Dig

Low

Tendency to Drool

Low

Tendency to Snore

Low

Life Expectancy

11-15 years

Litter Size

Average 4 - 8 puppies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Facts About Yorkshire Terriers

 

 

Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs that have earned themselves a mixed reputation. They are small creatures with big personalities. Although they are considered one of the cutest and most lovable breeds of dogs, they have a reputation for being yappy and snappy. Being an interesting toy dog breed, Yorkies have gained huge popularity around the world. 

 

Let’s have a look at some fun facts about Yorkshire Terriers:

 

  • The Yorkshire Terrier breed was previously called the Broken Haired Scotch Terrier, Broken Haired Toy Terrier, or simply Toy Terrier. During the 1970s, the name Yorkshire Terrier was adopted to honor the place where the breed began. They are also known as Yorkies.
  • Legendary actress Audrey Hepburn was attached to her cute Yorkshire Terrier, Mr Famous. There are many pictures of Hepburn with her loving dog, and he even made an appearance in one of her most popular movies, "Funny Face."
  • Yorkies are known for their bravery, loyalty, and boldness. Despite their small size, they tend to protect their owners from any threat. Yorkies really have no idea how small they are! 
  • One of the reasons for Yorkshire Terriers’ popularity is the belief that they have a hypoallergenic coat. This is because they shed far less than other long-haired breeds of dog and usually shed only small amounts when brushed or bathed. Yorkie is a great option for neatnik and people who have allergies to dog hair. 
  • Yorkies are known to be yappy dogs because they bark a lot. For some people, this is a negative aspect of the breed. However, others see it as a positive aspect of this dog. They make an excellent watchdog.
  • The Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred as a working dog and can easily follow instructions. They are quick learners and can easily be motivated by treats or praise.
  • Just like humans and many other dog breeds, a Yorkshire Terrier will have two sets of teeth in a lifetime, their milk teeth and their adult teeth. When born, a puppy will have no teeth. Their first teeth will begin to grow between the ages of three and eight weeks old. When about four months old, they tend to lose these milk teeth and the second set will grow. A Yorkshire Terrier will usually have 28 milk teeth and 42 adult teeth
  • An interesting fact is that Yorkies tend to become lighter with age and change their color. Females in heat go lighter and then darken again after their season is over.
  • There is a variety of Yorkshire Terrier called a ‘Teacup Yorkie’ but is not recognized by most Kennel Clubs around the world. Teacup Yorkies are exceptionally small and a fully-grown Teacup Yorkie is usually under 1.8 kg. 
  • There are many notable Yorkshire Terriers throughout history and all of them have reasons for fame. One Yorkie even made it into world-record books because she was the smallest dog ever recorded in history. Her name was Sylvia, owned by Arthur Marples, in Blackburn, England. She could easily fit into your pocket with only 6.3 cm height and 115 grams in weight.

History/Origin Of Yorkshire Terrier Dogs

 

The origin of the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed can be traced back to the migration of weavers from Scotland to Yorkshire, England, in the mid-19th century. During the Industrial Revolution in England, Scottish workers came to Yorkshire to work in the coal mines, textile mills, and factories. Along with them, they brought their terriers with them to York, Manchester, and Leeds. 

 

These Scottish workers crossbred their little terriers with local dogs, creating the small but feisty, loving, and curious breed that we know today as Yorkies. The ancestors of Yorkshire Terriers include Clydesdale Terrier and the Black-and-Tan Terriers. The Waterside Terrier, a small dog with a long blue-gray coat, may also have contributed to the development of the Yorkshire Terrier.

 

Yorkshire Terriers were used to control rodents and proved to be fine ratters in the English woolen mills, a skill they retain to this day. They became quite fashionable during Victorian times and their popularity is still notable today. They became more famous as companion dogs. From fine ratters to domestic sidekicks for fashionable ladies, and these dogs began appearing at dog shows as “fancy terriers.”

 

In 1861, a Yorkshire Terrier was shown in a bench show as a "broken-haired Scotch Terrier." A dog named Huddersfield Ben became a popular show dog and is considered to be the father of the modern Yorkshire Terrier.





A noble Yorkie named Smoky was found by an American soldier in the jungles of Papua New Guinea in World War II. She provided a heroic service by dragging communications cable through a 60-foot long culvert that was only 8 inches wide. Smoky’s story is mentioned in a book, “Yorkie Doodle Dandy”.

 

The trendiness of this breed is still notable today, as Yorkies have become one of the most popular breeds since coming to the United States in the 1870s. These little dogs were first known as the Broken Haired Scotch Terrier and then as the Toy Terrier. The breed acquired their official name, Yorkshire Terrier, in 1870 because that's where most of its development had taken place. Yorkshire Terriers were first registered in the British Kennel Club in 1874. The first Yorkshire Terrier breed club in England was formed in 1898. The American Kennel Club (AKC) first recorded a Yorkie in 1885.

 

Actor Johnny Depp and his former wife Amber Heard were forced to apologize for failing to declare their two Yorkshire Terriers properly when entering Australia in 2015. They are categorized as “toy breeds” by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC). The Yorkshire Terrier has also contributed to the development of other breeds, such as the Australian Silky Terrier.

 

What Is The Average Size Of A Yorkshire Terrier

 

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy-sized dog with a well-proportioned body. This is a long-coated and compact breed. Yorkies have a small head that is flat on the top, with a medium-sized muzzle and small, erect, and V-shaped ears. The coat is long and silky without any waves. The hair must be glossy, fine, and straight. The coat is sometimes clipped short for easy maintenance.

 

Let’s have a look at Yorkie’s average height and weight.

  • Average Height
    • 15 - 17 ½ cm

 

  • Average Weight:
    • Up to 3.2 kg

 

There is another variation called “Teacup Yorkies". They are smaller than the standard breed specifications and are at a higher health risk and prone to genetic disorders. Yorkies tend to get lighter when they get older which is a unique trait when it comes to their color and appearance.

 

If you are planning to buy or adopt a Yorkshire Terrier, keep it in mind that this breed is not suitable for families with small kids.

Personality Of Yorkshire Terrier

 

Yorkshire Terrier is an intelligent and alert breed and is known for his big personality. They are energetic and incredibly independent but need to be trained or can become snappy. They are brave, curious, and very affectionate companions who interact well with family members. 

 

No matter what home they live in, they will get along with other resident dogs and cats as long as they are raised with them. But they can be snappy toward other children if not treated respectfully or gently. They tend to be protective if they feel like you need to be defended, and therefore, they can bark at strangers who step in their premises. 

 

With high barking potential, Yorkshire terriers make excellent watchdogs. You have to train them to stop the tendency of excessive barking before it becomes an established habit. Smart and self-assured, the Yorkshire Terriers need a lot of attention. They don't like being left alone. Some of the Yorkies are mischievous, outgoing, and into everything. They can also be stubborn about housebreaking.

 

Like all dogs, Yorkies need early socialization and exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences during puppyhood. Socialization helps ensure that your Yorkie will be a friendly and well-rounded dog. Many behavioral problems have a root in a dog’s early upbringing. Set limits from the start and your Yorkie will be a wonderful companion. 

Major Health Concerns Of Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed

 

 

The Yorkshire Terrier is an overall healthy dog and has an average rating of 4 stars out 5 for being a healthy dog. There are some conditions and genetic diseases that may affect this breed. These health concerns include Patellar luxation, Collapsing trachea, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Portosystemic shunts (PSS), and Intervertebral disc disease. Responsible breeders screen their dogs and puppies for health conditions such as luxating patella, and eye diseases. 

 

If you own or are planning to buy a Yorkshire Terrier, you need to be aware of its health concerns. Let’s have a look into these health problems:

 

Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation is the looseness of the kneecap that can result in dislocation. This happens when the muscles and the tendons that hold the kneecap in place are too weak. This condition is also known as slipped stifles and is a common problem in toy breeds. When the kneecap slips, it causes acute pain and your dog will probably yell or bark. This causes a lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait in the dog. 

 

It is a disease that is present at birth although the actual misalignment or luxation does not always occur until much later. Patellar luxation is diagnosed by an X-Ray and an ultrasound from the vet. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis. This disease can be treated with a variety of surgical and non-surgical options. While the knee will often pop back into place, surgery may be required in severe conditions. Ask your veterinarian to examine your dog’s knees regularly, especially if you notice him limping or hopping while running.

 

Collapsing trachea

Collapsing trachea is a common health problem in small breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier. It can also be due to genetic conditions. This painful health problem happens when the trachea becomes narrow due to the softening of the cartilage that holds the windpipe. The trachea, which carries air to the lungs, tends to collapse easily. The trachea can also collapse when the Yorkie is wearing a tight collar that gets tugged too hard and causes injury to the trachea.

 

The common symptom is that your Yorkie will probably develop an unusually dry, harsh, and honking cough. They will have difficulty breathing, especially after walking or physical activity. Your dog may display a chronic cough. Yorkshire Terriers that are prone to this condition can get worse with age. The collapsed trachea can be treated medically or surgically. Surgery works better for young dogs.

 

Portosystemic shunts (PSS)

Portosystemic Shunt is a defect in the blood flow between the liver and the body. It is a genetic disorder of the portal vein which is responsible for bringing the blood to the liver to be filtered. When a Yorkshire Terrier has this problem, the blood remains unfiltered as the portal vein is unable to take the blood to the liver. The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body and metabolizing nutrients. Unfiltered blood then runs through the body. It affects the brain, heart, lungs, and other organs. 

 

The symptoms range from behavioral changes to loss of appetite. Diarrhea and vomiting are also common symptoms of PSS. It is usually detected before 2 years of age. A blood test to check for high serum bile acids or blood ammonia levels will confirm the diagnosis. Signs usually appear before two years of age. Surgery can be helpful in long-term management, as can a special diet. If surgery is not an option, the best way to manage the condition is through antibiotics and careful diet control to reduce excess ammonia production.



 

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia in Yorkshire Terrier refers to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels which affects your puppy’s energy levels and brain function. This condition in dogs can be caused by several factors including stress, small size, and a lack of proper nutrition. This is one of the most common diseases to affect Yorkshire Terriers. A Yorkie that is experiencing a drop in the blood sugar levels may display signs of fatigue and inactiveness. Because it affects brain function as well, your Yorkie may seem confused and lost.  There can be a drop in body temperature as well. Your Yorkie may even display sleepiness, fainting, and tremors.

 

Usually, Hypoglycemia affects puppies that are newly born to the age of 4 months. Sometimes it is also observed in adult Yorkshire Terriers. The presence of sepsis and liver disease can also give rise to hypoglycemia. To diagnose hypoglycemia, your vet will take blood tests. If your Yorkshire Terrier shows signs of hypoglycemia, you can rub honey or corn syrup on his gums to provide sugar. The underlying condition needs to be treated or managed through proper diet and weight management. Your vet may recommend a high-protein diet and supplements of corn syrup or honey as needed.

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

It is a genetic condition in which deterioration occurs in the health of the retina. It can eventually cause blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. The first sign of this disease is night blindness and affected Yorkshire Terriers tend to be nervous at night. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is detectable years before the Yorkie shows any signs of blindness. Dogs that develop PRA should not be used for breeding.



How To Take Care Of Yorkshire Terrier Dogs

 

Yorkshire Terriers are more than just the world’s smallest dog but also of the most popular and well-appreciated dog breed. This breed can actually be quite vocal and stubborn at times. There are many reasons why a dog may develop bad habits and bark excessively. Let’s have a look at some of the reasons:

 

  • Poor socialization
  • Stress
  • Loneliness and boredom
  • Enthusiasm
  • Frustration
  • Hereditary factors and health issues
  • Lack of training
  • Watchdog

Being an active dog, they need regular exercise. Early training and socialization with people and other dogs are very important for your Yorkshire Terrier and will keep their temperament from getting out-of-control. This breed is receptive to training, especially if it brings them attention. A well-trained Yorkie makes it easier to handle at places like parks and the veterinarian.  Be sure to monitor your dog's behavior regularly.

 

Yorkshire Terriers are well suited to apartment living due to their small size. They show separation anxiety and become stubborn when left alone for longer period of time. They do best when kept near owner or a family member. 

 

Daily walks should keep the average Yorkie happy and healthy, though many Yorkies need to run and play in addition to strolling with their owners. Be sure to monitor your dog's behavior on or off-leash as Yorkies like to chase things and pick fights with dogs large and small. They are often difficult to housebreak, so owners need to stay patient until they have success. When you make effort and show patience, you can end up with a well trained Yorkshire Terrier.

 

Despite the small size, Yorkshire Terriers are quite active dogs. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to protect their heart, reduce health problems, stimulate their appetite, and prevent excessive weight gain. This also helps to avoid boredom leading to behavior issues. Exercising your Yorkie should not be a burden for you or your dog. You can meet their exercise requirements by:

 

  • Taking your dog for a daily walk for about 20 minutes. Yorkies prefer routine so it is best to walk around the same time each day.
  • Provide them with a selection of toys that shake, rattle, and roll.
  • Playing Fetch with your dog is another great way to burn pent-up energy. 
  • Giving them self playing dog toys.
  • Playing with puzzle toys to challenge their minds and test their problem-solving skills.
  • Set up an agility or obstacle course in your backyard and include tasks such as the hurdle jumps, tunnels, or a platform to jump on.
  • Teaching new tricks

 

This is an intelligent breed and can fairly understand your commands and learn by positive reinforcement techniques. You can praise them or give treats as a reward. Yorkshire Terrier is a sensitive breed, so punishments and harsh words will make them stubborn and angry.

Ideal Diet For Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkies have different feeding needs than larger dogs. If you want your dog to be in a good physical condition and full of energy, it is essential to feed him properly. Yorkshire Terriers are picky eaters which may be because of their sensitive teeth, small mouths, and small stomachs. Yorkshires should not be given any food that is hard to chew or digest such as onions, garlic, nuts, broccoli, fruit seeds, and bones.  

 

Feeding guide for Yorkshire Terriers is given below:



Age

Cups per day

1 - 3 months

1 ½ - 3 cups

3 - 5 months

2 ¾ - 3 ½ cups

5 - 7 months

3 - 4 cups

7 - 12 months

3 ½ - 4 ½ cups



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, gender, build, metabolism, and activity level.

 

Free-feeding or giving your dog bites from your plate is not recommended or you could end up with an overweight dog. Be consistent in refusing to share your food with your dog. Yorkies are known to experience digestive upsets such as vomiting and diarrhea when they have such treats. You can give your Yorkie puppy a variety of fruits and veggies as a healthy snack. Most Yorkies enjoy healthy treats like:

 

  • Banana
  • Strawberry
  • Sweet potato
  • Green beans
  • Baby carrots

 

Your dog’s diet should be healthy and include all nutrients. If your Yorkshire Terrier is on commercial dog food, it must be safe, affordable, and made with high-quality ingredients. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times for this active breed. Most commercial dog food products also provide detailed feeding guides on the food's packaging. 

 

Yorkshire Terrier food should meet these requirements:

  • Small-sized food that is easy to chew and eat.
  • Natural preservatives. 
  • No artificial flavoring or coloring. They may be linked to behavioral problems.
  • Traditional meats like chicken, duck, lamb, beef, turkey, or fish.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy knees and joints.

 

Best Dog Food For Yorkshire Terrier

 

To keep your Yorkies healthy and active, you should give them only dog foods tailored to meet their needs. Adult dogs require a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. So your Yorkie’s food must contain all-natural ingredients with lamb, chicken, or fish as the primary ingredient. 

 

Never feed your Yorkshire Terrier any dog food that does not meet international standards. You must know the best dry dog food for your Yorkie should be elaborated on the recommendations of veterinary dieticians. 

 

Consider feeding your Yorkshire Terriers with the following dog food:

 

Coat Color And Grooming Needs For Yorkshire Terriers



The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is long, silky, and straight without any waves. They have a single coat and shed very little. The Yorkshire Terrier is a very distinctive breed when it comes to coat color. The standard four colors pairs for the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed are:

  • Black & Tan
  • Blue & Tan
  • Black & Gold
  • Blue & Gold

 

Yorkshire Terrier colors change with age, and other variations also exist. All standard Yorkie puppies are born black, with the blue and tan coat developing gradually, usually after they are a year old. 

 

Grooming a long-haired Yorkshire Terrier can be a challenge, especially if he has a soft coat that tangles easily instead of a silky one. They hold 2 out of 5 stars for ease of grooming. Let’s have a look at Yorkshire Terrier’s grooming needs:

 

  • Yorkie’s coat needs daily brushing to help prevent mats and keep him clean. Regular brushing helps to remove dead hair and prevent tangles. Make sure you start with a pin and bristle brush, gently brushing out any tangles and snags. After that, use a slicker brush to remove any dead hair and remaining tangles in your Yorkie’s coat.
  • Bathe your Yorkie weekly to keep his coat shiny and beautiful. During the bath, apply shampoo after wetting the coat and all you need to do is run your fingers through it to lift the dirt out. Apply conditioner, then rinse thoroughly. Always use a good quality shampoo and conditioner for your dog. 
  • Small breeds, including Yorkies, are usually prone to dental problems. They tend to form a lot of tartar on their teeth and can lose their teeth at a young age. Brush your Yorkie's teeth a couple of times a week to maintain good oral health. This will help to remove bacteria and tartar buildup. 
  • Trim your dog's nails regularly after each bath to avoid splitting and discomfort. If you hear them clicking on the floor, that means they are long. Short and neatly trimmed nails keep the dog's feet in good condition. They will also keep your legs from getting scratched when your dog enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. 
  • Eyes should be clear with no redness or discharge.
  • Ears should smell good with no exceptional amount of wax.
  • When you groom your Yorkie, look inside his mouth and ears. Check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin. 

 

Your regular grooming and careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards.

Tools used to groom Yorkshire Terrier

The idea of grooming a Yorkshire Terrier at home may seem overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Arming yourself with the right grooming tools will help you keep your Yorkie looking great. When it comes to finding tools that can be used for grooming your dog, here is a list that can help:

 

  • Pin and bristle brush
  • Wire slicker brush
  • High-quality dog shampoo and conditioner
  • Cotton balls
  • Grooming Rake 
  • Grooming scissors for tidying up the coat
  • Dog Nail clippers
  • Dog Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Ear cleaning solution

 

How Do Yorkshire Terriers Relate With Children And Other Pets

 

Yorkshire Terriers do best in families with older children or no kids at all. The problems come both with children's rough handling and by the Yorkie's reaction to nip when provoked. These dogs are of small size and young children can mistakenly drop them, step on them, or hold them too tightly. You should always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children since dogs can feel offended and bite them.

 

If you already have another pet dog, the Yorkshire Terrier can be a great choice. This is a dog-friendly breed that can live peacefully with other dogs and cats when they are brought up with them from puppyhood. If you want your Yorkie to get along with other pets you must start early and reward them for appropriate behavior. Because of their big personalities, Yorkies are often fearless when challenging larger dogs. This can sometimes put them in danger.



Australian Based Breed Organizations For Yorkshire Terriers

Choosing a breeder should be as important as the puppy. If you are in Australia and would want to adopt a Yorkshire Terrier dog breed, get in touch with any of the following breed organizations.

 

  • Bobbalil Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Yorkshire Terrier Breeder - Perth, WA

Bobbalil Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Yorkshire Terrier Breeder - Perth, WA

  • Chinese Crested, Yorkshire Terrier Puppies - Chinois Chinese Cresteds Bywong, NSW

Chinese Crested, Yorkshire Terrier Puppies - Chinois Chinese Cresteds Bywong, NSW

  • CIABEN Yorkshire Terriers - Yorkshire Terrier Breeder, SA

CIABEN Yorkshire Terriers - Yorkshire Terrier Breeder, SA

  • Yarrabell Yorkies - Yorkshire Terrier Breeder - Brisbane, QLD

Yarrabell Yorkies - Yorkshire Terrier Breeder - Brisbane, QLD

Rescue Groups For Yorkshire Terriers In Australia

Below are some of the rescue groups around Australia that you can contact.

 

  • Silky Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier Rescue Australia

Silky Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier Rescue Australia

  • Yorkie Queensland Rescue

Yorkie & Silky Rescue

  • RescueMe Yorkies Australia

RescueMe Yorkies Australia

Conclusion

The Yorkshire Terrier is a wonderful and spunky little dog with a true Terrier temperament. Yorkies can make good pets if they match your lifestyle. It is important to understand that as a dog owner you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your pet.

 

Yorkies are one of those breeds that you just fall in love with at first sight. They are cute yet friendly and loving little creatures. Grab your Yorkshire Terrier today and fill your home with happiness caused by this affectionate and cute dog breed.




Yorkshire Terrier Photo Gallery

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