Is A Yorkshire Terrier Right For You
Vital Stats
Size: Small
Coat: Long-haired, low shedding, requires daily grooming
Exercise: 30 minutes a day
Life span: 12+ years. Yorkshire Terriers are one of the longer-living breeds and can live into their late teens.
Breed group: Terrier
Temperament: Intelligent, independent, confident
Temperament & Personality
A little, lively, self-assured breed who’s bundles of fun
Originally bred to catch rats in mills, Yorkshire Terriers have a hunting instinct and are bold, fearless characters.
They make great companions for those living alone and good pets for families with older children, as long as kids are taught how to interact with them correctly. They are energetic and enjoy time spent off the lead and playing games.
They’re more assertive and playful than their ‘companion’ status would suggest, but they still love to be around people.
True to their terrier nature, Yorkies are fun, feisty, and love to chase!
They are happy to live with other dogs and cats if introduced correctly from a young age, but should be watched around small pets as they are hardwired to chase.
Yorkshire Terrier Training & Exercise
Originally bred as working dogs, Yorkshire Terriers would much rather be busy than sit on a lap for long periods.
Training tips
Yorkies are naturally eager to please and will therefore learn quickly, although, like other toy breeds, they can be slow to housetrain.
Good socialization from early on will help to ensure they are used to unexpected events, such as busy environments and attention from young children.
Exercise
It’s recommended for adult Yorkshire Terriers to exercise for 30 minutes a day. Adequate exercise will help to burn off energy in the right way, leaving them less prone to territorial behavior and excessive barking, which are common dog behavior problems in Yorkies.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with kids?
Whilst Yorkshire Terriers are playful and affectionate, they can also be sensitive and are not best suited to homes with younger children.
A better question is rather, "Are Yorkies SAFE with children?" My answer is, "With most children under about the age of 9 or 10.... no."
A child can seriously injure a Yorkshire Terrier by stepping on him, or by sitting on him when he's curled under a blanket or pillow, where he frequently likes to sleep. Many Yorkies feel overwhelmed by the loud voices, roughhousing, and quick movements that children can't help making – and stress and fearfulness (even defensive biting) may be the result. Safety is especially an issue with the smallest Yorkies. Larger individuals are sturdier.
However, they make great family pets for households with older children and will love to play in the heart of the family. As with all dog breeds, Yorkshire Terriers should always be supervised around children.
Are Yorkshire Terriers hypoallergenic?
As a low shedding breed, Yorkshire Terriers are generally thought to be suitable for those with allergies. It’s important to remember than no dog is totally hypoallergenic, but there are some breeds that are better for allergy-sufferers than others.
Yorkshire Terrier Grooming
Yorkshire Terriers have a long, silky coat that continues to grow, much like human hair. This means that while Yorkies don’t shed as much as other breeds, they do require a high level of grooming.
Daily brushing can help to prevent matting of their long fur
They will benefit from regular haircuts from a professional groomer who will be able to help you choose from a number of cuts and styles.
Typically, long-haired Yorkies will sport a top knot to keep fur out of their eyes, while owners who prefer shorter hair go for a trimmed-all-over ‘puppy cut’.
Yorkshire Terrier Nutrition
With the correct care and nutrition, Yorkies have a long life span. To keep your Yorkshire Terrier in good condition, vets recommend that you feed them a breed-appropriate, high-quality pet food two to three times a day.
Stick to the portion sizes on the back of their pet food packaging, keeping their age and exercise levels in mind
Including a dry food can also help fend off gum disease
Barking
Very vocal
Common Yorkshire Terrier Health Conditions
There are certain health conditions that affect Yorkshire Terriers more frequently than other dog breeds. If you’re buying a puppy, you can increase your chances of having a happy and healthy dog by choosing a reputable Yorkshire Terrier breeder.
Periodontal disease
Yorkshire terriers, like other smaller breeds, are prone to developing dental and mouth issues, particularly gum disease. Because of their smaller mouths they are more likely to have overcrowding, and food, bacteria and minerals can accumulate on the gum line.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas is a fragile organ that lies between the liver and the small intestine. Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to a condition called pancreatitis, which means ‘inflammation of the pancreas’. It occurs when the digestive enzymes within the pancreas start attacking it.
Cushing’s disease
Cushing's disease occurs when an excessive amount of cortisol (or 'steroid') builds up in a dog's body. This can happen naturally or as a side-effect of the long-term use of corticosteroid medication. Either way, the ongoing increase of this hormone leads to a significant disruption in normal metabolism. Cushing's can be managed and controlled using medication, allowing the dog to continue to live a normal life.
Diabetes
Yorkshire Terriers are more prone to developing diabetes than other dogs, but can also develop it as a result of other conditions such as being overweight, inflammation of the pancreas or taking other drugs that interfere with insulin production.
Patella luxation
The kneecap (or ‘patella’) sits in a groove at the end of the femur (thigh bone). A dislocating (or ‘luxating’) kneecap is one that pops out of its groove. A relatively common condition in Yorkshire Terriers and other small breeds, dislocation happens because the alignment of the bones from the hip through the knee to the ankle is not straight, which pulls the kneecap to one side. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but surgery may be required to reduce the likelihood of arthritis and enable them to live a normal life.
Do Yorkies like to be cuddled?
Yorkies won't turn down a cuddle party. A lover of all things comfortable, the Yorkshire terrier enjoys cuddling with loved ones and snuggling into everything soft and fluffy. And for you, their silky coat isn't too bad for petting.
Yorkshire Terriers with strangers?
Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Yorkshire Terriers are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Yorkies will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious nature of a true terrier.
Unfortunately, suspicious dogs can morph into shrill dogs who won't stop barking. And shrill dogs can easily turn nasty. You must teach a Yorkshire Terrier that he doesn't need to like strangers, but he does need to accept them politely.
Pros and cons of Yorkshire Terriers
The Good
Fine-boned, elegant, easy to carry, doesn't take up much space
Sheds very lightly (one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers)
Lively and inquisitive, moves swiftly with light-footed grace
Doesn't need a lot of exercise
A keen watchdog – won't fail to announce strangers
Peaceful with other pets
The Bad
Physically fragile, requiring a great deal of supervision and monitoring
Notorious housebreaking difficulties
Prone to barking
Regular brushing and combing, or regularly trimming/clipping the coat short
Suspiciousness, shrillness, and nastiness when babied or spoiled or not socialized enough or made to behave
