A portrait of a Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkshire Terrier

Height

8-9"

Weight

6-7 lbs

Type

Toy

Life Expectancy

13-16 years

Area of Origin

Great Britain

The Yorkshire Terrier is an extremely intelligent, energetic, and confident breed. They are a loving and devoted canine capable of being a great family pet. Yorkshire Terriers also make great apartment animals, due to their toy-breed size. They're brave despite their small stature, making them the perfect watch or alert dog. Their appearance is rather regal, due to their long, silky hair, and they love being a pampered pet, even allowing owners to carry them in shoulder bags.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Is the Yorkshire Terrier From?

The Yorkshire Terrier originated in northern England in the mid-19th century. Workers from Scotland came to Yorkshire county in England looking for work in mines. These workers brought different type of small terriers with them, such as the Waterside Terrier and the Scottish Clydesdale Terrier. These breeds were then bred together in Yorkshire, hence the name Yorkshire Terrier (also called the Yorkie). They were first developed to catch rats in the mines, gaining a reputation as little exterminators.

The Yorkie was eventually brought to North America in 1872, where breeding changed them from little exterminators to loving, companion pets. The Yorkshire Terrier was approved and registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and they would eventually become one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

Caring for a Yorkshire Terrier

How Often Should I Feed a Yorkie Puppy?

A balanced diet is essential for Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkie puppies need to be fed at least 4 times a day to prevent hypoglycemia, since they are unable to maintain their blood sugar at this age. Adult dogs need to be fed twice a day with a high-quality diet. Check with your veterinarian to see what brand of food they recommend for this breed. Dry food is always a good choice, since Yorkies are prone to dental disease.

How Often Should I Brush My Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie is a non-shedding breed. Their haircoat requires regular brushing and bathing to prevent matting and knotting. If these conditions are left untreated, matts may become very painful. It is best to brush them at least 2 to 4 times a week, and get them accustomed to professional grooming at a young age.

Are Yorkshire Terriers Healthy Dogs?

The Yorkie is predisposed to several diseases that afflict toy breed dogs. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is common in Yorkie puppies until 5 months of age, as they lack the ability to maintain their blood sugar. Skin allergies and alopecia are also common issues, as are gastrointestinal problems like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and pancreatitis. Always be careful feeding your Yorkie table scraps, especially fatty foods like ham and steak, since these could exacerbate their stomach issues.

Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to: retinal dysplasia, cataracts, chronic mitral valve disease, congenital liver shunts, luxating patellar, urolithiasis, tracheal collapse, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and pancreatitis.

Can You Train a Yorkie?

Yorkies can be aggressive with strangers, so they need to be properly trained and socialized at a young age, especially for those with children in the household. This breed is highly intelligent and understands basic commands like “sit” and “stay” as early as 6 weeks of age. They are, however, rather stubborn, and may resist house training. Healthwise, It’s best to start brushing teeth early (6 to 8 weeks), since this breed is prone to dental disease.

How Much Exercise Does a Yorkie Need?

The Yorkie has a high energy level and requires daily exercise. This breed is not your average couch potato, despite their size. They are extremely active, and they require daily walks to keep them out of mischief. Caution needs to be taken if your Yorkie has collapsing trachea. Excessive exercise for these dogs can lead to respiratory distress. Any concerns you may have in regard to your dog’s breathing should be addressed with a veterinarian.

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What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Yorkshire Terrier?

How Big Are Yorkshire Terriers?

These toy-breed dogs are small in size, weighing around 6 to 7 pounds, but not exceeding 7 pounds. They have a long, luxurious haircoat that is tan and steel blue to gray in color. They stand about 8 to 9 inches tall from the shoulder to the ground. They stand and strut with confidence.

Do Yorkies Have Small Heads?

A Yorkie’s head is tiny and level on top. The muzzle is of medium length, with a black nose. Ears should stand up straight like a V, and will be heavily coated with hair and tan in color. They have dark eyes that sit balanced on the face.

What Do Yorkies Look Like?

A Yorkie’s body is compact, straight, and covered in hair.

Are Yorkies Born without Tails?

Yorkies are born with a long tail, but breed standard requires docking within days of birth by a veterinarian.

Yorkie Front Legs

The front legs are straight and line up with the shoulders. They are rather petite in size.

What Kind of Coat Does a Yorkie Have?

Yorkies do not shed, but they require considerable maintenance from their owners. Their hair is long, glossy, and silky. The coat is straight and trimmed to floor length, which provides a neat appearance. Puppies are black and tan, while adult dogs have a dark, steel blue color on the body and tan around the head, face, neck, and chest.

Yorkie Back Legs

Back legs are also straight. If observed from behind, the knees are ever so slightly bent inward.

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