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Yorkshire Terrier Breed Card
Yorkshire Terrier Breed Overview
Group
Terrier
Height
8-9 inches tall
Breed Recognition
Yes
Weight
7 pounds
Country of Origin
England
Personality
Affectionate, energetic, feisty
Lifespan
11-15 years
Shedding
Low
Yorkshire Terrier History
Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to be ratters – capture rats and mice, and they were good at it because of their small size and tenacity. This little dog was developed independently of other Terries, like Scotch Terriers, Skye Terriers, Clydesdale Terriers, and Manchester Terriers.
The modern Yorkshire Terrier is thought to have been developed in the surrounding counties of Yorkshire (and Derbyshire), though its exact origin is unclear. Some consider it to be a direct descendant of the ancient British Black and Tan Terrier, while others believe it was created by breeding Black and Tan Terriers with a local type known as a Yorkie or Rough Hair Hound.
The Yorkshire Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884 and later received recognition from the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1896. The UKC recognized both the Toy and Miniature varieties as separate breeds in 1979.
Cost ✅
COST LEVEL
Low End: $800
High End: $2000
Yorkshire Terrier Physical Traits
General Appearance💡
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with a distinctive appearance. They are a toy breed of dogs that have short coats and erect ears that resemble those of a cat. A true-to-life Yorkshire Terrier toy dog will be able to fit neatly into a small apartment.
The Yorkshire Terrier has a round head with a short muzzle, erect ears, and almond-shaped, dark eyes. The body is compact and has equal proportions.
The legs are short and muscular, with well-developed thighs. The feet are compact and round, with toes that point straight ahead when viewed from behind. Their small, stumpy tail curls over their short back.
The Yorkie’s coat is short, dense, and smooth, with no undercoat. The hair is shiny and silky soft to the touch. The hair on the muzzle is long, and the hair on the ears should be trimmed.
There are three basic coat colors: black brindle, red sable with white markings on the chest and feet, and white with little or no brindle spots.
Size & Weight ❤️
Height: 9 inches
Weight: 5-7 pounds
Height: 8 inches
Weight: 5-7 pounds
Coat & Color
Eye Color
Dark brown
Coat Color
Black and tan
Coat Length
Long
Coat Texture
Silky
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament and Personality
The Yorkshire Terrier’s personality is also one of its most appealing features. This breed is devoted to its master and does whatever it can to ensure they are happy. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy playing games such as fetch and fetch with their owners or other family members.
Yorkshire Terriers are known for being loyal and loving companions who are protective of their families. The Yorkshire Terrier is also very affectionate towards children who may not be able to show love towards other dogs due to their size or temperament. The Yorkshire Terrier is a lively, energetic, and intelligent dog that loves to play.
Kid Friendly?
GOOD WITH KIDS
Bad Idea
Excellent Nanny
Yes, the Yorkshire Terrier is kid-friendly.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a great companion for young children. They are loyal and loving and will follow you around the house, craving for you to cuddle with them.
While Yorkshire Terriers are usually fine around children and make great companion dogs, they can be aggressive if threatened. Don’t allow your children to ride Yorkies, and ensure to let them know the warning signs that dogs display when they are uncomfortable with something.
Good with Other Pets?
GOOD WITH PETS
Bad Idea
Friendly Socialite
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are good with other pets.
Yorkies are very social animals and enjoy meeting other dogs and cats. However, it’s important that the two animals get along well before adding another pet into their lives.
To ensure Yorkshire Terriers get along with other pets better, socialization should take place at a young age.
Barks a Lot?
BARKING LEVEL
When Neccessary
Noise Maker
Yes, the Yorkshire Terrier barks a lot.
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their loud, rambunctious barking. If a Yorkshire Terrier is not socialized or trained early on, these traits can be difficult to control.
Barking is one of the most common reasons for Yorkshire Terriers being surrendered to shelters or rescue groups. The breed’s high-energy nature makes them prone to barking at anything that moves or makes noise, including birds outside and other dogs in the yard.
Can Be Left Alone?
LEFT ALONE
Likes Being Alone
Sepration Anxiety
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can be left alone.
While Yorkies can be left alone, it’s recommended not to leave them alone for more than 4-6 hours a day. Younger Yorkies up to around 18 months of age shouldn’t be left for more than 2-3 hours a day.
Yorkie puppies who are left alone for too long can end up developing separation anxiety. Some of the symptoms of separation anxiety include excessive barking, going to the bathroom in the house, and destructive behavior.
Yorkshire Terrier Training
Training a Yorkshire Terrier dog is a rewarding experience. This breed is intelligent, loyal, and loves to have fun. Although they can be stubborn, they’re also very affectionate and easy to train (with the exception of potty training, which in all small breeds, can be a challenge).
You want to start teaching your Yorkie at an early age – training an adult dog is tricker. Most Yorkie puppies will learn how to sit and lie down quickly when they are young, but it takes longer for them to learn how to walk properly on a leash and respond appropriately when called upon by their owners.
The most important thing about training a Yorkie is consistency; you must be consistent with your commands and actions at all times.
Yorkshire Terrier Needs
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy and long-lived, popular dogs, but they do have their own specific needs. They require regular grooming, vet visits, and exercise to keep them healthy.
Yorkshire Terriers require mental stimulation and need to be active, and have lots of time to play.
The Yorkie is one of the smallest terriers available. However, it is still a good idea to keep them on a leash when they are in an unfamiliar area.
This breed can be a bit stubborn and may chase after small animals, so they should not be trusted off their leash at any time.
Nutritional Requirements
FOOD MOTIVATED
Picky Eater
Voracious Eater
The Yorkshire Terrier’s nutritional needs can be met with a food that is formulated to be high in protein. They also need vitamins for healthy skin and a silky coat.
The diet should be age-appropriate, and it always helps to keep a careful eye on their calorie consumption, so they stay at a healthy weight. It’s recommended to feed Yorkies smaller meals but more frequently. Doing so will prevent health issues like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Exercise & Activity Levels
ENERGY LEVEL
Couch Potato
Go-All-Day Stamina
Like all dogs, Yorkshire Terriers have exercise needs and should be given enough exercise every day. This is especially true if they’re young. They’ll have more energy than older dogs and will need more exercise to burn off that excess energy.
Because Yorkies are so small, they typically don’t require a tremendous amount of room to exercise and play. Yorkshire Terriers need at least one hour of moderate exercise each day to stay healthy.
Grooming Needs
SHEDDING LEVEL
No Shedding
Shedding Machine
To groom Yorkies properly, you need the right tools. That includes a pin brush, a slicker brush, and a metal-toothed comb. When you’re bathing Yorkies, only use the highest quality pet shampoo and conditioner that is designed for silky coats.
If your Yorkie’s long hair is in tangles, be gentle and work it out by brushing the end of the hair while gradually making your way to the skin. The hair on the head should be worn into a topknot to prevent eye irritation.
Keep in mind that between the ages of 6 and 18 months, the coat of a Yorkshire Terrier turns from a fluffy coat to a silky coat. During this period, they’ll require brushing daily because the hair will be more prone to matting.
The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America provides detailed information on grooming instructions. Visiting a groomer is also advisable.
Yorkshire Terrier Average Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier is between 11 and 15 years. The median age is around 14.5 years, and females tend to live 1.5 years longer than males. In comparison to other breeds of dogs, this is quite long.
Commom Health Problems
- Hypoglycemia: This is a sudden drop in blood pressure, and it’s known to be quite common in small breed dogs. It occurs when the dog has not eaten for too long.
- Dental Disease: Dental issues like periodontal disease are common in this breed. In addition to teeth cleaning twice a year, Yorkies should receive dental checkups every six months to make sure their teeth are healthy and free from infection or decay.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic disease that affects Yorkshire Terriers’ hips. The condition causes arthritis and other problems with movement and breathing. It can be treated by surgery or medication.
- Cataracts: These cloudy areas in your pet’s eyes are caused by aging and can eventually lead to blindness if they aren’t treated before they become severe. Cataracts can be prevented with yearly eye exams by your veterinarian!
- Luxating Patella: This is an injury or disorder of the kneecap (patella). Kneecaps are located on each side of your dog’s knee, so any injury to them might cause pain and lameness in your pet’s rear legs. If it’s left untreated, your dog may need surgery to repair his knees.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome: An orthopedic condition in small breed dogs, in which the top of the thigh bone (femur) degenerates, causing limping and mobility issues.
- Retinal Dysplasia: This is another genetic disease that can lead to blindness, and it usually affects both eyes.
- Portosystemic Shunt: Congenital defect of the portal vein (the blood vessel that brings unclean blood into the liver for cleansing).
- Collapsed Trachea: This is where the trachea turns into a thin-like straw. It can be life-threatening, and researchers say that some Yorkies may have a genetic predisposition to having weakness between the trachea cartilage. The disease is seen more in obese Yorkies.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and is typically caused by a high-fat diet. Many manufactured dog foods can cause this issue, and it can result in abdominal pain, lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and fever.
Recommended Health Tests
- Patella evaluation
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
Tips for New Yorkshire Terrier Owners
Here are some useful tips for first-time Yorkie owners:
Tip 1
Find a Reputable Breeder: To reduce the chances of a Yorkshire Terrier having health issues, finding a responsible breeder is the first thing to keep in mind. Steer clear of puppy mills and pet stores that don’t pay close attention to genetic diseases.
Tip 2
Get Puppy/Dog Products in Advance: Stock up on all the basic pet items you will need before getting your new Yorkshire Terrier puppy home. This includes food, toys, a dog bed, crate, food & water bowls, treats, and puppy pads, for starters.
Tip 3
Home Safety: Create a safe environment in your home. That means you should ensure no sharp objects are sticking out that can hurt the eyes. It also means that you should refrain from using toxic cleaners that can pose a respiratory hazard for your dog. Before using essential oils, check to see if they are dog-friendly.
Yorkshire Terrier Similar Breeds
– Australian Terrier
– Biewer Terrier
– Maltese
Yorkshire Terrier Supplies You Need
You’ll want two food bowls for your Yorkie — one for dry food and one for water. Your dog will spend a lot of its time eating throughout the day, so the bowl must be large enough for it to eat comfortably without spilling food all over the floor. The water bowl should be at least twice as big as the food bowl.
A collar is another essential item that you’ll need for your Yorkshire Terrier. It should be sturdy enough to hold up under normal wear and tear but not too heavy or thick that it becomes uncomfortable on your pet’s neck. A harness is another option if you prefer not to use a collar or if your furry friend has any mobility issues that prevent him from wearing a traditional collar.
Brushing your Yorkie’s fur can help prevent tangles and mats from forming in their coats, which can be painful when they get caught in them while playing or running around outside. Brushing also helps distribute oils throughout the coat, so it stays soft and shiny instead of becoming dry and brittle.
Best Dog Beds for Yorkshire Terriers
Best Dog Food for Yorkshire Terriers
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Best Dog Supplements for Yorkshire Terriers
Yorkshire Terrier Fun Facts
Fun Fact 1
The American Kennel Club ranked Yorkies in its top 10 most popular breeds list every year from 1998 until 2016, when they fell out of favor due to health concerns.
Fun Fact 2
In 1874, Queen Victoria owned a black and tan Yorkie named Caesar, who became one of her favorite pets.
Fun Fact 3
During World War II, when food was scarce, many people kept their Yorkies because they ate less than large dogs.
Fun Fact 4
The Yorkshire Terrier became popular in America after being featured on TV shows like Mr. Ed and The Beverly Hillbillies.
Why Trust Us?
This article was written by pet parents, for pet parents, and reviewed by our expert veterinary panel. We understand you want to ensure you are only using the best products to support your pet’s health and happiness. At veterinarians.org our mission is to provide you with the most up-to-date information and resources you need on the products you buy for your pet.
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