Yorkie Breed Information
The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the "Yorkie," is a breed that's small in size but big in personality. This breed is a purebred, known for its moderate energy levels and minimal shedding. The Yorkshire Terrier breed is a delightful mix of courage, energy, independence, and playfulness, all wrapped up in a petite package.
Yorkie puppies are undeniably adorable, with their tiny stature and soft, silky coats. As they grow into adult Yorkshire Terriers, they retain their charm, becoming a constant source of joy and companionship for their families. Weighing between 4-6 lbs and standing 8-9 inches tall, these compact companions are perfect for both singles and families alike.
Yorkshire Terriers are not just pets, they are family members. They have a way of working their way into your heart and home, becoming an integral part of your life. Their determined nature and lively spirit make them a breed that's truly one-of-a-kind.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Determined
TEMPERAMENT
Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Playful
ADULT WEIGHT
4-6 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
8-9 in
LIFE SPAN
10-16 yrs
Characteristics
- Adult Yorkies typically weigh between 4-6 lbs and stand 8-9 inches tall. Despite their small size, they carry themselves with an air of aristocracy. Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living and for families who prefer smaller pets
- One of the most distinctive qualities of the Yorkshire Terrier breed is their long, silky coat. This coat is more akin to human hair than typical dog fur, which gives them a unique, elegant appearance. This unique feature often makes them a preferred choice for people with allergies
- The breed standard for Yorkshire Terriers includes a steel blue and tan coat. The blue is a dark steel-blue, not silver-blue, and it's not mingled with fawn, bronze, or black hairs. The tan is deep and rich. This color combination gives Yorkies a distinctive and attractive appearance
- Yorkies have small, V-shaped ears that are set high on their head. These ears are always erect, adding to their alert and intelligent expression. Their ears are often fringed with hair, which can be trimmed or left natural depending on the owner's preference
- Traditionally, a Yorkie's tail is docked to a medium length. The tail stands higher than the level of the back, giving Yorkies a perky and lively appearance
- These pups are known for their courageous and energetic nature. They are also independent and playful, making them a delightful companion. Despite their small size, they are fearless and ready to stand their ground. They are also known for their affectionate nature and their loyalty to their families
- Yorkshire Terriers have a relatively long lifespan for a dog, typically living between 10-16 years. With proper care and regular veterinary check-ups, some Yorkies can even live into their late teens
- With consistent training, they can learn a wide range of commands and tricks. They are intelligent and quick to learn, especially when training involves rewards
Appearance
The Yorkshire Terrier is a breed that's small in stature but big on style. One of the most distinctive traits of a Yorkie is their long, silky coat, which is fine and straight, falling perfectly straight on either side of their body. The coat is a stunning steel blue and tan color, with the blue extending from the back of the neck to the base of the tail, and tan everywhere else.
Yorkies have a compact size, with adult Yorkies typically weighing between 4-6 lbs and standing 8-9 inches tall. Despite their small size, they have a well-proportioned body with a level back and a muscular build.
The head of a Yorkshire Terrier is small and rather flat on the top, with a medium-sized muzzle. Their eyes are medium in size, dark in color, and have an intelligent and sharp expression. Yorkies have small, V-shaped ears that are set high on their head and are always erect, giving them an alert and intelligent look.
The tail of a Yorkshire Terrier is traditionally docked to a medium length and is carried slightly higher than the level of the back. The breed's overall appearance is that of a long-haired toy terrier whose hair is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail.
The Yorkshire Terrier's appearance is both elegant and strong, reflecting their spirited and energetic nature.
Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a breed that's known for their lively and outgoing personality. Despite their small size, Yorkies have a big-dog temperament, full of courage, energy, and a touch of stubbornness. They are known for their intelligence and determination, which can sometimes translate into a mischievous streak.
Yorkies are incredibly loyal to their families. They form strong bonds with their owners and often prefer to stay close to their side. This breed is known for being particularly good with older people, providing companionship and a sense of purpose. They are also great with children, as long as they are treated gently and with respect.
Yorkies are also known for their independence. They are perfectly content to explore their surroundings and play on their own, but they also love to join in family activities. They are social animals and enjoy being the center of attention.
Despite their independent streak, Yorkies are not a breed that likes to be left alone for long periods. They crave interaction and can become anxious or depressed if ignored. Therefore, they are best suited to families where at least one person is home for most of the day.
Care
Grooming
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their beautiful, silky coats, but maintaining their distinctive appearance requires regular grooming. Their hair grows continuously and can become easily knotted if not cared for properly.
Daily brushing is recommended to keep their coat free from mats and tangles. It's also a good idea to trim the hair around their eyes and ears to prevent irritation. Some owners choose to keep their Yorkie's hair in a "puppy cut," a short style that is easier to manage.
Despite their long hair, Yorkies are a low-shedding breed. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies, but they still require regular grooming to keep their skin and coat healthy.
Bathing should be done every three to four weeks. It's important to use a dog-specific shampoo that won't dry out their skin. Regular ear checks and teeth cleaning are also essential for maintaining their overall health.
Yorkies are known for their fast-growing nails, which need to be trimmed regularly, usually every three to four weeks. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, they're too long.
Grooming can be a bonding experience for you and your Yorkie. It's also a good opportunity to check for any signs of skin irritation, ticks, or other health issues.
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers may be small, but they are full of energy and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Despite their size, Yorkies love to be active and will enjoy regular walks, playtime, and even agility training.
A daily walk is essential for a Yorkie, not just for exercise but also for mental stimulation. They enjoy exploring their environment and will love the opportunity to sniff around and discover new scents. However, due to their small size, they can tire more easily than larger breeds, so it's important to monitor their energy levels during exercise.
In addition to walks, Yorkies also love playtime. Games of fetch, hide and seek, or even just running around the yard can help burn off their energy. They also enjoy mental stimulation, so puzzle toys can be a great way to keep them entertained.
Despite their energetic nature, Yorkies are also quite adaptable. They can adjust to the activity level of their family. However, it's important to ensure they get enough exercise to prevent obesity and other health issues.
Health
Yorkshire Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Yorkies will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.
Some of the common health issues that can affect Yorkies include allergies, ear infections, and obesity.
Yorkies are also prone to dental issues due to their small mouth size. Regular dental care, including teeth brushing and professional cleanings, can help prevent these issues.
Regular check-ups with a vet can help detect any health issues early. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper dental care can also go a long way in ensuring your Yorkie lives a long, healthy life.
Remember, a Yorkie puppy should come from a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies.
Lifespan
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their relatively long lifespan compared to other breeds. On average, a healthy Yorkie can live between 10 to 16 years. However, with excellent care, regular veterinary check-ups, and a lot of love, some Yorkies have been known to live into their late teens.
The lifespan of a Yorkie dog can be influenced by many factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and overall care. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your Yorkie healthy and potentially extend their lifespan. Regular vet visits are also crucial to catch any potential health issues early.
Despite their long lifespan, Yorkies are not immune to aging. As they grow older, they may experience health issues common to many senior dogs, including arthritis, dental disease, and vision loss. It's important to monitor your Yorkie pup's health as they age and to provide them with any necessary accommodations.
Training
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, which can make them a joy to train. However, their independent and sometimes stubborn nature can also present challenges. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key when training a Yorkie.
Start training your Yorkie puppy as soon as you bring them home. Yorkies are capable of learning from a very young age, and early socialization and puppy training classes can be beneficial.
Yorkies respond well to positive reinforcement techniques like praise, play, and food rewards. Keep training sessions short and fun to hold their interest. Remember, harsh corrections or punishment can scare your Yorkie puppy and make training more difficult.
Yorkies can excel in advanced obedience and agility training. Their intelligence and agility make them naturals at these activities, and they can be a great way to bond with your Yorkie breed and keep them mentally stimulated.
House training a Yorkie can sometimes be a challenge. Consistency and a regular schedule can help, as can crate training. Remember to always praise your Yorkie pup when they eliminate in the correct place.
Training a Yorkshire Terrier takes time and patience, but the effort is well worth it. A well-trained Yorkie is a joy to live with and a proud member of the family.
History
The Yorkshire Terrier, a breed known for their size-defying personality and elegant appearance, has a history as rich and interesting as the breed itself. Originating in the 19th century in Yorkshire, England, this breed was initially developed by the working class to control rats in mines and cotton mills. Despite their humble beginnings, Yorkies quickly caught the attention of the upper class and soon transitioned from working-class ratters to beloved companions of high society.
The breed's transition to a companion animal was largely due to their small size, striking coat, and spirited personality. The first Yorkshire Terrier to gain recognition was a champion show dog named Huddersfield Ben, who is considered the father of the breed. His success in dog shows and his high-quality offspring helped establish the breed standard we know today.
As the Industrial Revolution progressed, many Yorkshire workers migrated to the United States, bringing their beloved Yorkies with them. The breed quickly gained popularity in America and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Today, the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, cherished for their loyalty, energy, and undeniable charm.