Yorkshire Terrier: Your Complete Guide
Yorkshire terriers or Yorkies are toy dog breeds that are of small size but have big personalities. Famous for their lustrous long and silky coat, these dogs are confident and very affectionate. Being gentle and friendly, these dogs make great companions in multi-pet households with kids.
Originally bred as hunting dogs by Scottish weavers, Yorkies slowly transitioned into lap dogs, symbolizing luxury and status. As their name suggests, Yorkies were named after Yorkshire, the English county where they originated in the 1800s.
This article will give you a comprehensive outlook into the history of Yorkies’, their unique traits, physical characteristics, temperament, grooming needs, and more.
Quick Look at the Yorkshire Terrier
Below is a quick glance at the Yorkshire terrier in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 4 to 12 pounds, 7 to 9 inches |
| Coat Type | Long, straight, silky. |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Affectionate, confident, playful |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years |
What Is the History of Yorkshire Terriers?
In the early 1800s, Scottish weavers who were looking for work migrated to England, bringing along their Scottish terriers with them. Yorkies are the result of breeding these dogs with other small breeds like Maltese and Skye terriers for hunting and ratting purposes. This is why, despite their small size, they excel at hunting and guarding.
In the mid-1800s, any dog that was of short height and had a long coat of blue and tan color was considered a Yorkie. However, the remarkable Yorkshire terrier named Huddersfield Ben, owned by Mary Ann Foster, played a key role in shaping the breed into what we recognize today. Huddersfield Ben was of the Paisley-type terrier variety.
By the end of the 1800s, Yorkies had become highly favored among Posh Victorian ladies, who loved their shiny blueish and fawn coats. These ladies, in search of loyal and affectionate companion dogs, groomed these working Yorkies into elegant lap dogs.
These dogs are highly dedicated to their tasks. Smoky, a Yorkshire terrier owned by Corporal William A. Wynne, was credited with 12 combat missions and awarded eight battle stars for her services to the US troops in World War 2. She’s famous for quickly carrying a telegraph wire through a narrow 70-foot-long underground pipe during the construction of an airfield in the Philippines.
Smoky also assisted the troops by alerting them to enemy aircraft long before they could be detected by human ears, thanks to her keen sense of hearing. These examples highlight the qualities and skills possessed by Yorkies.
Belle, a female Yorkie, became the first of her breed to be officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, fifteen years after Yorkshire terriers arrived in America.
What Do Yorkshire Terriers Look Like?
Known for their small size, the most distinct feature of Yorkshire terriers is their long and silky blue and fawn coat color. With dark round eyes and a black button-shaped nose, their face almost looks like that of a teddy bear. Their ears are upright and perky, and their tails are docked to a medium height.
Yorkies have a lustrous coat that is silky and comes in many color variations. According to the AKC, the coat color from the neck to the base of the tail should be dark gray or black, and the coat color of the head, chest, and legs should be rich tan.
However, you’ll find lots of different coat color combinations, like gold and blue, gold and black, silver-blue, creamy, and more. In most Yorkies, the dark colors they have when they’re young tend to shift to lighter shades as they grow old.
What Size Is a Yorkshire Terrier?
Yorkies are small-sized dogs, with male dogs weighing between 7 to 12 pounds and female dogs weighing between 4-7 pounds. They are of short height, standing about 8 to 9 inches for males, and females tend to be shorter, standing about 7 to 8 inches at the shoulder.
What Is a Yorkshire Terrier’s Coat Type and Length?
Yorkies have long, straight, and silky coats that require regular grooming and can grow to a considerable length. The coats of show dogs reach floor length, taking between 18 and 24 months to grow. It is easier for most Yorkie owners to keep their dogs’ coats at a few inches in length. This will help make regular grooming more manageable, as the longer the coat, the more upkeep it requires.
What Is a Yorkshire Terrier’s Temperament?
These small dogs have big attitudes, overflowing with confidence and cleverness. They’re adorable and loving, forming close bonds with their owners and always eager to please. In general, Yorkies are lively, affectionate, and loyal dogs, making them a good choice for families.
These dogs may not realize their small size, often taking charge of the house and displaying dominance. While Yorkies are lap dogs, they also value independence and can occasionally be bossy. Nevertheless, they’re vigilant and protective, showing unwavering love for their people.
Early socializing in their puppyhood is crucial for healthy and appropriate behavior in the future.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Good With Kids?
Yorkies are affectionate and loving dogs that are very gentle and protective towards their owners. However, their compatibility with young kids can be challenging due to their sensitive nature. Young children may not understand the boundaries required when handling such small dogs, which can lead to unintentional harm for both the child and the dog.
They thrive with older kids who are gentle rather than rough. Yorkies develop deep bonds with their families and will protect them with unwavering loyalty. Nevertheless, early socialization of Yorkies with children and teaching kids proper interaction methods and boundaries are important for fostering healthy and gentle interactions in the future.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Good With Other Animals?
Yes, they are excellent with other house pets if raised with them. They are social and friendly and will do really well if they have been trained to socialize from an early age. This will make sure that they develop good manners and interact with other animals positively.
However, because of their terrier instinct, they may become possessive of you when a new pet is introduced into the household. You can tackle this by using positive reinforcement and gradually introducing them to each other. Because Yorkies were originally bred for hunting, they have a natural tendency to chase small animals.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Aggressive?
Yorkies are generally not aggressive dogs. They’re friendly and sociable but might get a bit defensive if they feel threatened by other animals or mistreated by children. Sometimes, their aggression can be due to separation anxiety if they’re left alone for too long or if they didn’t receive proper training as puppies.
By using positive reinforcement and establishing firm boundaries, you can redirect this aggressive behavior into positive and obedient behavior.
Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark?
Yes, Yorkies are considered yappers who often bark to alert you to strangers or any threats. Similar to many other small dogs, Yorkies may bark to assert dominance. It’s something they’ve inherited from their origins as hunting dogs, where they served as guardians of their owner’s territory.
However, with proper training and clear boundaries, you can reduce their barking, but keep in mind that it may still not stop them from being vocal, as it’s part of their innate behavior.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Affectionate?
Yes, they’re affectionate and loving companions who enjoy snuggling in your lap and faithfully following you around the house to keep you company. They’re also excellent with strangers, and when introduced to a friend, they’ll greet them with friendliness. However, without proper boundaries, they might become a bit clingy and needy.
They often show affection through licking and cuddling, and they have a habit of staring at their loved ones for no particular reason other than their deep affection.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Intelligent?
Yes, they’re highly intelligent and clever, a trait inherited from their hunting dog ancestors. This natural intelligence makes them easy to train, but they also need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
They form deep bonds with their people and enjoy joining them in all their daily activities. This, coupled with their intelligence, can sometimes make it easy for them to manipulate you. They’ll test boundaries whenever they can, so establishing strict and firm rules can help deter this behavior.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Energetic?
Yorkies are energetic furballs who adore spending time with their people, whether it’s exercising or playing games. Their small size is perfect for those who can’t or don’t enjoy going out often, as these dogs can easily burn off their energy with indoor play.
Keeping them physically and mentally busy using toys or exercise will make your Yorkie a healthy, well-behaved, and obedient dog.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Easy to Train?
Yes, these intelligent and eager-to-please dogs thrive with proper and consistent training. Their quick learning ability allows them to pick up tricks easily, which can entertain your friends. They also excel in agility and obedience training.
However, they can show a bit of stubbornness, a common trait among toy breeds. With patience and gentleness, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they’ll adapt to your values.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Good Watchdogs?
Yes, they make excellent watchdogs due to their protective and alert nature. They’ll bark at the sight of any threat to alert their people. They would have made excellent guard dogs if not for their small size, which can make them appear less intimidating.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Good Service Dogs?
Yes, Yorkshire terriers can be good service dogs, but only for specific tasks due to their small size, like reminding medications or alerting you to specific sounds like a ringing doorbell or phone. Yorkies are also good at medical alert, especially for people with epilepsy. They also excel as emotional support animals with their affectionate and loyal nature.
How to Care for a Yorkshire Terrier?
These dogs need a little extra grooming compared to other breeds. Their long, shiny coats require regular attention to prevent tangling. Just make sure you brush them daily and give them a bath once a month to keep them looking and feeling great.
Keep those nails trimmed regularly since they tend to grow fast. Don’t forget about their teeth—daily brushing and keeping their ears clean are important, too. Like many toy breeds, they might get watery eyes, but just gently wipe away any discharge with a soft cloth.
Do You Need to Groom a Yorkshire Terrier?
Yes, Yorkies need daily brushing of their coats. If you aspire to be a hairstylist, a Yorkie with its long, lustrous hair that resembles human hair will be the perfect model. A good and glossy coat requires high maintenance, which can be a bit challenging. Taking them to a professional groomer will come in handy.
Yorkies may lose teeth at a young age if their dental care isn’t up to par. Regular brushing is necessary to remove tartar buildup, which can occur frequently. You can check their ear health by sniffing their ears–a foul odor usually indicates an infection.
Though they demand high maintenance, a healthy and well-groomed Yorkie is a sight to behold. Plus, they’ll repay all your efforts with love and affection.
Do Yorkshire Terriers Shed?
No, Yorkies have hair, not fur, so they don’t shed. They are hypoallergenic and are the best choice for people who suffer from dog-related allergies. However, it’s important to note that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but Yorkies come close to being the exception.
What Health Problems Do Yorkshire Terriers Have?
Yorkies are fragile and sensitive little dogs that are prone to injuries and other health diseases. A few common health issues they tend to face are mentioned below:
- Portosystemic Shunt: This condition is characterized by abnormal blood flow between the liver and the body, which causes symptoms such as neurobehavioral abnormalities, hypoglycemia, urinary tract problems, etc. Immediate treatment is done by a special diet, while surgery is the long-term solution.
- Collapsed Trachea: A condition that’s common in small dogs, it is characterized by inward collapse of the trachea due to the weakening of the walls that support it. Cushing’s syndrome is another disorder that causes tracheal collapse. Medication and surgery are used to treat this condition.
- Periodontal Disease: Yorkies are predisposed to periodontal disease due to their genetics, short noses, and mouths crowded with teeth, which allow for the accumulation of bacteria and plaque. Proper dental care starting from puppyhood and regular checkups with the vet can help prevent dental problems.
- Hypoglycemia: A condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood sugar that causes drowsiness, increased heart and breathing rate, and tremors. Many toy breeds, including Yorkies, are prone to this condition, especially dogs under 6 months old. Adequate feeding throughout the day helps prevent this condition. IV fluids may be used in the treatment process.
How Long Do Yorkshire Terriers Live?
The average lifespan of a Yorkshire terrier is between 11-15 years.
What Should a Yorkshire Terrier Eat?
Yorkies have fast metabolisms and benefit from regular feeding throughout the day, which can help prevent hypoglycemia. Feeding them three times a day makes sure they don’t go too long without food.
Before preparing a diet plan, we recommend consulting your vet to find the best dog food for your Yorkie.
Is a Yorkshire Terrier the Right Dog for Me?
Yorkies are small-sized dogs that require lots of attention and care from their owners. They are affectionate and loyal furballs that don’t require daily long walks or exercise sessions. Their social and friendly nature makes it easy for them to get along with kids and other animals.
If you’re someone who adores dogs, enjoys dedicating your time to them, and is willing to groom them according to their needs, then Yorkies make the perfect companion for you. However, they tend to bark a lot, so if you live in an apartment, then there’s a possibility your neighbors will complain.