If you’re planning to adopt small dogs with eye-catching personalities, you should prioritize Yorkshire Terriers over the other breeds. Even though Yorkie puppies are good lap dogs, they can also become quite stubborn. Not to mention, their sense of attitude will also make you fall for them even more.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Yorkshire Terriers. Make sure you read this article to the end to know more information.
History
The Yorkshire terrier breed originated in England during the 19th century! They were originally bred to catch rats in textile mills, but their small size and charming personalities quickly made them popular as companion dogs. The first Yorkshire Terriers were much larger than the breed we know today, weighing up to 14 pounds. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the breed was miniaturized to the size we recognize today.
Physical Features
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs that typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. They have long, silky coat that is usually blue and tan. Their ears are small and erect, and their tails are docked. Yorkie have small and compact bodies with a lively gait that gives them a confident and self-assured appearance.
Different Types of Yorkshire Terriers
There are two different types of Yorkshire Terriers: standard and teacup. Standard Yorkies are the traditional size of the breed, weighing between 4 and 7 pounds. Teacup Yorkies are a smaller version of the breed, weighing less than 4 pounds. While teacup Yorkies are adorable, they are not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club.
Temperament
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their spunky and lively personalities. They are confident and self-assured, which can sometimes come across as stubbornness. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners but can be wary of strangers. Yorkies are also known for their high energy levels and need for exercise and playtime.
Life Cycle and Life Expectancy
Yorkshire Terriers have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They are considered a healthy breed but can be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, tracheal collapse, and hypoglycemia. It’s important to take your Yorkie to regular vet check-ups to ensure they are healthy and happy.
Vet Care
Even though Yorkshire terrier is a healthy dog breed, some specific environmental, genetic, or anatomical conditions might make them vulnerable to numerous diseases.
This is why you need to make sure you’re visiting a reputed vet with your Yorkie puppy once a month to determine their overall health condition.
How Can You Take Proper Care of Your Yorkshire Terriers?
If you’re considering getting a Yorkshire terrier, it’s important to know how to properly care for them. Here are a few tips to keep your Yorkie healthy and happy:
Pay Close Attention to Their Living Conditions
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs and are well-suited to apartment living. However, they still need plenty of exercise and playtime to keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your Yorkie has access to plenty of toys and a safe place to play.
Since their size is smaller, they don’t need much space. Even if you have smaller apartments, they won’t face any problems living with you as long as you train them and provide them with essential basic living things. Proper food, a comfortable bed, and toys are some of the most common essential things you need to provide. But keep in mind that you need to clean your home regularly as they shed a lot.
Consider Grooming Them Properly
This is one of the most important things you need to know about Yorkshire terriers. Yorkshire Terriers have long, silky coat that requires regular grooming. You’ll need to brush your Yorkie’s coat daily to prevent matting and tangling. You’ll also need to bathe your Yorkie regularly to keep its coat clean and healthy.
Apart from regular grooming, they also need their coat to be brushed daily. Don’t forget to apply conditioner as dryness can affect their coat and starts breakage problem. You also need to trim their hair regularly. Sometimes their hair can grow by more than 2 feet, which might cause problems with brushing and cleaning.
Make sure you bathe your Yorkie puppy weekly as well as pay close attention while trimming their nails. You also need to brush them twice a week to prevent plaque buildup or other complicated oral problems from occurring.
Training Is Important
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent dogs and are quick to learn new commands. However, they can be stubborn at times, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with your training. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with Yorkie.
Since they sometimes can become extremely stubborn, many dog owners face problems managing them properly. However, the success rate of the training period will reach higher when you start the process from an early age. The best time to start their training is around 8 weeks and 6 months. Make sure you’re patient and encouraging when training them.
Apart from obedience training, you also need to give them potty training, house training, and socialization training. Consistency and repetition are two of the most important things you need to keep in mind while training your Yorkie.
Don’t Forget to Feed a Nutritious Diet
Yorkshire Terriers have small stomachs and require a nutritious and balanced diet to stay healthy. Make sure to feed your Yorkie high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their size and age. Avoid giving your Yorkie table scraps or human food, as this can upset their stomach.
A well-balanced as well as nutritious diet is extremely important for their overall physical and mental well-being. Make sure the foods you’re giving them are high in protein but low in fat. Consider feeding them dry food as wet foods might cause stomach problems. However, if you notice that your dog is having a problem eating dry foods, consider mixing them with wet foods.
Conclusion
This is everything you need to know about Yorkshire Terriers. What are your thoughts? Make sure you contact us or comment down below.
