Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire terrier is a small toy dog breed native to England. Also known as ‘Yorkies’, these dogs have tenacious but affectionate personalities and tend to be vocal, protective and loyal.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 7 to 8 inches
WEIGHT: 7 pounds
COAT: Long, silky
COAT COLOUR: Black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, or blue and tan
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, bright, playful
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: England
Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier
Despite their diminutive size, most Yorkies have a big personality. They generally have an affectionate yet feisty temperament. They love to snuggle, but they also can be very active, playful, and vigilant.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Low |
Yorkshire Terrier Care
More than just lap dogs, they can be quite vocal and stubborn. They are not well-suited to extreme temperatures, so plan outdoor exercise accordingly. They don’t do so well alone and might develop separation anxiety if their social needs aren’t met.
Exercise
They are active little dogs that need regular exercise and mental simulation. Aim to provide two 15-30 min walks per day. Moderate paces should be sufficient for a Yorkie to burn off energy. They should also be able to run and play off leash. Fetch and agility will help to give a Yorkie mental simulation along with exercise.
Grooming
Known to be low-shedders, their silky, growing hair requires frequent grooming. Provide regular trims to prevent dragging. Plan a bath every week or two, and check its ears weekly for dirt or debris. Teeth should be brushed everyday.
Training
Yorkies are bright little dogs that can take to training fairly well, though they can be bossy at times. Still, they tend to respond very well to positive reinforcement. Aim to start training when your Yorkie is still a puppy, with puppy obedience class for training and socialisation.
Common Health Problems
Poodles are a healthy dog breed overall, but they are prone to some hereditary health issues:
- Patellar luxation (loosened kneecap)
- Collapsing Trachea
- Eye problems
- Portosystemic shunt (liver disorder)
- Heart disease
- Intervertebral disc disease
Diet and Nutrition
Small dog-sized kibble with wholesome traditional meat. Diet can vary based on age, activity level etc. Always make sure to factor treats into your dog’s daily caloric consumption to prevent overeating. And provide fresh water at all times.