Yorkshire Terrier

Breed Overview

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, lively, and affectionate breed, originating from Yorkshire, England. They are well known for their spunky personality and luxurious coat. They possess a fearless and confident attitude, but they are also very sweet and loyal. Yorkies make great watch and guard dogs, as their instinct to protect what they love runs strong. This breed has been most popular in the United States since the late 19th century and continues to be one of the most beloved pet dogs today.

Care and Grooming

Yorkshire Terriers need daily brushing of their long, glossy coats, so their coat should only be trimmed occasionally. Regular bathes are recommended every 8 to 10 weeks to keep their coats healthy and glossy. They should also be examined for skin conditions like allergies or parasites, and they must be kept away from extreme temperature changes.

Training and Socialization

Yorkshire Terriers should be trained with positive reinforcement. They aren’t considered to be difficult to train, but they may be stubborn at times. Early socialization should be done with supervision when meeting new people or animals. Training should be consistent and firm and should begin as soon as possible.

Health and Wellness

This breed is generally healthy, but can suffer from common Yorkie issues like Luxating Patellas, collapsed trachea, and other genetic disorders. Regular visits to the vet are recommended to keep your Yorkie as healthy as possible. They should also be up-to-date on all their vaccinations and parasite prevention.

Living Environment

Yorkshire Terriers are very adaptable and can live in a variety of environments. apartments, houses, condos, and yards are all suitable living environments. They are considered to be independent and don’t require huge amounts of exercise, but they still need regular physical activities like walking and playing.

Temperament and Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are very loyal to their owners. They are alert, active and are very curious. They have a natural desire to protect what they cherish so they make great watchdogs. They don’t bark too much but they may become jealous if their owners pay more attention to other animals or people.

Common Challenges

Common challenges with Yorkshire Terriers include separation anxiety as they enjoy being with their owners. They also have a lot of energy, so they may be hard to control at times. Some Yorkshire Terriers may also be prone to small dog syndrome, where they think they are the bosses and try to control everything and everyone in the house.