Yorkshire Terrier

Toy

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 17 - 17cm M | 15 - 15cm F

Weight: 1 - 4kg M | 1 - 4kg F

Life Expectancy: 13 - 16 Years

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Introduction

The Yorkshire Terrier is a famous Toy Dog Breed that was originally developed to catch rats in cotton mills and factories. Nicknamed Yorkie, this small breed was named after his place of origin, which is Yorkshire, England.

Yorkshire Terriers are lap dogs that ranked as the 6th most popular dog breed in the world, with their perfectly straight hair and elegant appearance.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed is a wonderful and devoted canine companion as well as an excellent family pet. This Toy Dog is affectionate and highly energetic. Despite his small size, he is an excellent watchdog.

Have you decided on a Yorkshire Terrier? Here is a brief background of this small, elegant-looking dog.

History

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed was said to be primarily created to protect small children from rats at night. 2 Yorkshire Terrier dogs are each stationed at the foot and head of the bed to stand guard against the nasty critters.

This toy dog breed also proved to be an excellent ratter in cotton mills and factories.

In the 1850s, Scottish weavers introduced small terriers to Yorkshire, Leeds, and Lancaster. These dogs were thought to be Clydesdale Terrier or Paisley Terrier. Their sizes were larger than the modern Yorkshire Terrier dog breed.

The Manchester Terrier, Leeds Terrier, and possibly the Dandie Dinmont Terrier are believed to be some of the specific breeds that made up the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed as well.

A dog named Huddersfield Ben, a Paisley-type terrier owned by Mary Ann Foster, became very popular in the 1860s. Dog experts considered him the father of the Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed.

The dog is thought to be crossed with other Terrier types particularly the Skye Terrier, English Black Terrier, and Tan Toy Terrier.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog’s long blue-grey coat is believed to have come from the Waterside Terrier. Back in the 1860s, this small breed was known as Toy Terriers or Broken-Haired Scotch Terriers. It wasn’t until 1870 when the dog breed was finally named Yorkshire Terrier.

Countless dog enthusiasts were charmed by Yorkshire Terriers and made these small dogs into companions. Not long after, they started to appear in dog shows and were dubbed as “Fancy Terriers.”

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed gradually made his way to the United States, and by 1878, he was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed was first registered in the Kennel Club Stud Book in 1874. He gained official recognition in the Kennel Club in 1886.

In 1898, the very first Yorkshire Terrier breed club in the UK was formed. The establishment of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America followed suit in 1951.

The most famous Yorkshire Terrier was probably Smoky, who was a war dog who served in World War II. He warned his owner Corporal William A. Wynne, of incoming shells as well as boosting the soldiers’ morale by performing tricks that he learned.

Appearance and Grooming

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the smallest dogs in the world. The weight of a full-grown male and female Yorkshire Terrier dogs is around 1–4 kilos (2–8 pounds).

When it comes to height, the male Yorkshire Terrier tends to be taller than the female. He stands around 17 centimetres (6 inches) tall. On the other hand, the female Yorkshire Terrier measures approximately 15 centimetres (5 inches) at the withers.

As the Yorkshire Terrier dog is a small breed, the litter size is quite small as well. It is usually composed of around 2–5 Yorkshire Terrier puppies. Toy breeds are quick to mature. Thus, it would only take about 12 months for a Yorkshire Terrier puppy to reach adulthood.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed has a small head, a strong jaw, medium eyes, a short muzzle, V-shaped ears, and a compact body. This toy breed is distinguishable because of his moderately long and perfectly straight hair, giving him an elegant show dog appearance

The Yorkshire Terrier breed standard states that this toy dog must have a fine coat with a glossy texture. The colouration on the head should be tan, combined with steel blue, steel grey, or black.

The hair on the head is a golden tan that goes deeper on each side, around the ears, and muzzle on which hair is longer.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog comes in one size only. Extreme tiny, Teacup Yorkshire terrier dog, and Tiny toy types of Yorkie do not exist. This is a tactic that is often used by dishonest breeders so that they can place high prices on these dogs.

Very small Yorkshire Terrier dogs that weigh under 1.3–1.8 kilos (3–4 pounds) are at risk of various health problems. Because of their small mouths, it’s difficult to accommodate their teeth. They have fragile bones and weak internal organs.

Professional grooming on a regular basis will generally make the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed’s coat more manageable. Clipping could keep his coat neat and clean. It also makes grooming easier for you.

The fur on the Yorkshire Terrier dog’s head can cover his eyes and irritate him. If you don't want it trimmed, you may pull it into a topknot to keep it away from his eyes.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog also needs regular baths, nail care, and ear cleaning. Check his ears for any abnormalities such as redness and unusual odour. These are signs of possible infection.

Avoid dental problems in the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed by brushing his teeth daily. Don’t hesitate to bring your Yorkie to the vet if you notice anything unusual.

Is a Yorkshire Terrier hypoallergenic?

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed’s blue and tan coat is mainly made up of fine hair, rather than a furlike texture. He is considered hypoallergenic and almost does not shed, only losing small amounts when brushed or bathed. He is a good option for dog lovers with allergies.

How to groom a Yorkshire Terrier

Keeping the Yorkie’s traditional long coat is very high-maintenance. Grooming can be tedious as his coat should be combed 2–3 times daily to prevent tangles and mats.

The Yorkie toy breed needs to be bathed at least once a week. After bathing, remember to dry his coat completely as he could not tolerate cold temperature and is prone to shivering.

Temperament and Intelligence

Yorkshire Terrier dogs are generally easy to train since they are quick learners and enjoy being the centre of attention. However, they can be challenging to housetrain because some owners tend to tolerate their “accidents” because it is easy to clean up after them.

To correct this, train your Yorkshire Terrier puppy at a young age to relieve himself in the right areas and reward him after.

Yorkshire Terriers can live with other pets if they grow up together. However, smaller animals can be considered as their prey since they were bred as hunters. Also, supervise interactions with bigger dogs because they don't have a good grasp of their small stature.

Is a Yorkshire Terrier a good family dog?

Yes, the Yorkshire Terrier is a good family dog as he is smart, sassy, loyal, and affectionate. He may be small in size, but he is big on personality. Because of this dog breed’s small stature, he is recommended for homes with older children.

Small children may not have the capacity to care for an energetic Yorkshire Terrier toy breed. They can easily drop or injure him if mishandled.

Do Yorkshire terriers bark a lot?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are known to be barkers, which can be helpful to ward off intruders. However, their barking tendencies can be a problem to neighbours when it becomes excessive and should be corrected whilst they are young.

Can a Yorkie be left alone?

No, the Yorkie loves human interaction and can get separation anxiety when left alone. Other behavioural problems may also arise because of boredom and loneliness such as nuisance barking and biting.

The Yorkie dog breed is not a good choice for people who are often away from home. He is ideal for families who have enough time on their hands to bond with him.

Do Yorkies get attached to one person?

Yes, some Yorkies do get attached to one person, particularly the one who spends time with him the most.

What problems do Yorkies have?

As a small breed, Yorkshire Terrier dogs tend to be cared for like babies. However, this is not advisable as coddling or being overprotective can lead them to develop neurosis. Their sensitivity to feelings is also another factor that causes them to become easily terrified.

Expose your Yorkshire Terrier puppy to regular training, interaction, and exercise so that he grows up a confident adult dog.

Nutrition and Feeding

Yorkshire Terrier puppies require around ¼–½ cup of food every day. Be sure to split these into 3–4 small portions. Feed a full-grown Yorkshire Terrier with 1/2–3/4 cup of excellent-quality dry dog food every day.

The Yorkshire Terrier's food must be measured and limited to 2 meals a day to ensure a trim body size. As with other dog breeds, the amount of food depends on the dog's age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism.

Always maintain a healthy and balanced diet and appropriate exercise for your adult Yorkshire Terrier. Changes in these routines will lead him to experience major size changes, which you want to avoid.

Choosing the type of food to feed your Yorkshire Terrier dog is entirely up to you. Premium-quality dog food, whether dry or wet, is specifically formulated to meet the needs of dogs. Check the labels, and avoid buying cheap brands that contain chemicals and preservatives.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed's diet must consist of food that meets his nutritional needs. Consult your trusted veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements as some may cause more harm than good.

Some vets do not encourage supplements when you are feeding high-quality dog food that contains all the nutrients your canine needs.

If you choose to prepare or cook your dog’s food, make sure you do your research because even though you use fresh ingredients, the food may not have the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

Without regular meals, the Yorkshire Terrier is prone to low blood sugar or hypoglycaemic shock because of his small size. Dog lovers are greatly discouraged from getting this toy breed unless they know the responsibility that comes along with caring for him.

Yorkshire Terriers should not be given table scraps. Certain human food can be deadly to dogs such as chocolate, grapes, avocado, chicken bones, fatty and salty food, and more. Better safe than sorry!

Always make sure that your Yorkie dog has access to fresh clean water, and avoid giving them sweet human drinks like juice, soft drinks, tea, or coffee.

Health and Exercise

The Yorkshire Terrier dog is a healthy and hardy breed but prone to certain health issues such as:

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Yorkshire Terrier dogs are predisposed to this hip and joint problem. When the dog has this disease, lack of blood supply in the head of the femur bone causes bone deterioration.

It causes the hip joint to weaken and slowly become deformed. Fortunately, this disease can be cured through surgery, which requires the removal of the weakened hip joint.

Collapsed Trachea

Some Yorkshire Terrier dogs inherit collapsed trachea from their parents. Their trachea walls become abnormally narrow and weak. The disease is also associated with Cushing's syndrome, which causes excessive production of the steroid hormone.

It is not advised to use traditional dog lead on a Yorkie as it can aggravate the disease. Cough suppressants and bronchodilators can ease the coughing.

Luxating Patella

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed can develop this health condition because of trauma or genetics. The condition is also known as slipping kneecaps and it is a common problem found in toy breeds.

A Yorkshire Terrier dog with luxating patella will be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling of the joints. Bed rest will be recommended to avoid putting more strain on the affected area. Severe cases of luxating patella may require surgery.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is composed of various genetic ocular diseases that cause the degeneration of the retina. Yorkshire Terrier dogs with PRA will experience a gradual loss of vision. Cataracts may form in the eyes, becoming opaque, which can lead to permanent blindness.

Although PRA isn't painful, it has no cure. For dog owners that own Yorkies afflicted with the disease, the best thing that you can do is to make your home safe and comfortable for your dog. Avoid rearranging furniture to keep your small dog from bumping into them.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed is prone to hereditary diseases. To avoid acquiring a sickly dog, buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who has health-checked dogs.

Health tests or screening are very useful in pinpointing dogs that are not fit for breeding, as they are likely to pass on genetic diseases. Recommended testing for the Yorkshire Terrier includes knee, eye, hip, and thyroid evaluation.

Your Yorkshire Terrier also needs adequate amounts of exercise and mental stimulation. Because he is small and is quite active indoors, he pretty much uses up his energy. He only requires minimal exercise like daily walks or playing fetch for a few minutes.

Mentally stimulating activities also keep this small dog happy and prevent him from amusing himself in destructive ways.

Teething Yorkshire Terrier puppies have a strong urge to chew on anything. Providing them with puppy-safe teething toys will keep them from chewing on the sofa and carpets. Plain ice helps relieve the itching and discomfort on their gums.

Safe-proofing is essential not only to prevent your Yorkshire Terrier puppy from damaging your home but also to keep him safe. Here are a few things that you can do:

Place medications in areas away from your Yorkshire Terrier puppy’s reach.
Avoid leaving small items such as jewellery, coins, and paper clips around as these can choke your puppy.
Keep electrical cords out of reach, and use cord concealers on wires that cannot be moved.

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed should not be allowed to go off-lead. His small size makes him an easy target for large dogs with high prey drive. This small dog also has a strong urge to chase moving objects. Without a lead, he may run off after a car or another dog.

How long do Yorkshire Terriers live?

Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy and can live around 13–16 years. If properly cared for, they can live longer with their families.

Thus, always make your home a stress-free environment for your Yorkie dog. Serve him healthy and balanced meals, provide him with sufficient bonding time, and be up-to-date with his routine vet check-ups.

Cost of Ownership

A toy dog breed such as the Yorkshire Terrier dog does not require large meals. In a month, his overall food expenses can amount to £15–£20.

Turn your home into a safe and comfortable place for your Yorkie puppy by buying his basic supplies. Dog bed, lead, collar, toys, food, and water bowls, and other doggy essentials cost around £100–£200.

Maintaining your Yorkshire Terrier puppy’s good health means that he should be vet-checked regularly. Every check-up session will set you back about £30–£60.

Completing your Yorkie puppy’s vaccinations is also important to keep him safe from highly infectious diseases. Initial vaccine shots will cost you £100–£150, then £50–£60 for yearly boosters. If you opt to spay or neuter your dog, prepare to pay approximately £110–£400.

Veterinary care doesn’t come cheap, but you can minimise the bills by getting your Yorkshire Terrier puppy insured.

The monthly fee for a lifetime pet insurance can range from £18 to over £80. If you choose a time-limited coverage, it has a lower monthly payment, which is around £15–£20.

How much is a Yorkshire Terrier?

The Yorkshire Terrier price can range between £1,200 and £,2000. Acquiring your dog from KC-registered Yorkshire Terrier breeders will cost more, but it ensures that you have a healthy and stable-tempered canine companion.

Adopting from rescue groups or rehoming centres is also another good option to give abandoned Yorkies new loving homes.

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Highlights

Yorkshire Terrier dogs are small pooches that do not require a lot of space.
They can easily adapt to new homes and environments.
The Yorkshire Terrier dog is super smart. In fact, he is one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
This dog breed is hypoallergenic, making him a perfect pet for people with allergies.
He is highly active and always ready to play.
The Yorkshire Terrier dog does not require lots of exercise.