The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny and spunky breed that makes a loveable pet. They are intelligent and easy to train. With their hypoallergenic coat, they do great in the homes of people with allergies. Read on to learn more about this great breed and see if it’s right for you!
Yorkshire Terrier History
Yorkies were developed in Yorkshire, England during the Industrial Revolution, hence their name. They were used as rat catchers for the factories that were built during this time period. The breed used to be a bit bigger but was bred down to their modern toy size because they could get into rat nests more easily. As pest control became more sophisticated, the Yorkshire Terrier quickly transitioned to being a lap dog of upper-class families and it still makes a wonderful lap dog today.
Yorkie Characteristics
Appearance & Coat
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs, only weighing 3-8 lbs, with triangular, upright ears. Yorkies’ coats are silky and fine while being hypoallergenic, making them a very attractive breed. Their coat can be styled in a variety of different appearances, depending on how they’re trimmed. Some might have floor-length hair while others have shorter cut coats. Yorkshire Terriers come with their backs as blue or black, and their chest and legs as tan or gold.
Temperament
Yorkshire Terriers make outstanding companions who love attention but don't do well if left alone for extended periods of time. Yorkies can have a range of personalities. Some are cuddly and laid-back, while others are bold and mischievous. Yorkies are intelligent and learn quickly, making them easy to train. They respond best to positive praise and food rewards. These dogs are naturally suspicious of strangers and other pets, so early socialization is very important. While some Yorkies bark a lot, they can easily be trained not to.
Health
Yorkies can hurt themselves and break bones from jumping down or falling because they are a small breed. Additionally, Yorkshire Terriers may be prone to dental issues, eye issues, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, bladder stones, hypoglycemia, Legg-Perthes disease, and pancreatitis. Responsible breeders will screen their dames and sires for these conditions before breeding them. Check with your breeder for vet records.
Caring for a Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkie’s Ideal Home
Yorkshire Terriers are highly adaptable to any home, doing well in an apartment or on a ranch. One thing they do need, however, is an attentive family. Yorkies are very affectionate and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time.
Training Best Practices
Yorkies are very intelligent and train easily with a dominant master. They can be a little feisty but experienced owners will easily train them to remain calm and not bark with positive reinforcement. They are loveable, so they will respond very well to praise and affection when they do something right.
Exercise Needs
Yorkies are higher energy and should be taken on a walk twice a day. If they aren’t exercised, they’ll build up energy and start finding ways to entertain themselves. If you want to do something other than a walk, they’ll love playing fetch or learning agility tricks thanks to their working dog ancestry.
Grooming & Hygiene
Because Yorkies don’t shed, they need a little more grooming than most dogs. Daily brushing will keep their coats untangled. Depending on how long you like to keep the coat, your pup will need more or less frequent trimming. Floor-length fur will need to be trimmed more often to keep it clean than short-cropped fur.
Adopt a Yorkie Today
So, does the Yorkshire Terrier sound like the ideal breed for your family? Browse the selection of Yorkies available from breeders on Lancaster Puppies and find your perfect match! Register an account to get started.