Breed All
About It!
Spotlight on:
The Yorkie
Description: Yorkshire Terriers are a singular recognized breed, but there are some official and non-official variations, such as Standard Yorkies, Teacup and Mini Yorkies, Biewer Terriers, Parti Yorkies, Black Yorkies, and Golden( or Blonde) Yorkies.
Temperament: Yorkies have a big personality in a tiny body. Their temperament is a mix of confidence, affection, sass, and intelligence. Yorkies often act like they’ re much bigger than they really are! They are brave, curious, and willing to stand up to larger dogs, so supervision is important. Affectionate and loyal, they form strong bonds with their owners, and love being near their people. They love attention and can be considered a velcro or lap dog, but this breed can also be quite independent, a bit bossy, stubborn, and sometimes territorial. Yorkies are observant and alert, and despite their diminutive size, they can be good watchdogs- they will definitely let you know when someone is at the door! Quick learners, especially with positive reinforcement, they take to training well. Be aware- this breed can be very emotionally sensitive, and may react strongly to stress and loud environments. Harsh corrections can make them anxious. Yorkshire Terriers usually do well with other pets and are good with families, especially older children. Because of their fragility( due to small size), supervision is needed around younger kids and bigger pets.
Health Issues: Yorkies are generally healthy, but can be prone to dental disease, collapsed trachea, luxating patellas, hypoglycemia, liver shunt, heart disease- especially mitral valve issues, pancreatitis, and eye problems such as cataracts, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Exercise: Yorkies are very energetic, and need regular exercise, just not as much as larger breeds. A short daily walk is beneficial, but remember- they have tiny legs and can tire easily. Play time is essential, as it will keep them stimulated without overexertion. Yorkies are very smart and easily bored, so mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, short training sessions, and learning new tricks is a real plus.
Life Expectancy: The average lifespan of a Yorkie is 12- 16 years. Tiny“ teacup” Yorkies often have a shorter lifespan( 9 – 12 years), due to a higher risk of health issues.
Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require consistent grooming. Depending on their coat and the style you choose to maintain( long or the popular short puppy cut), you should brush daily or every two to three days to keep their coats from matting. Yorkies tend to get dirty and oily faster, but avoid overbathing to prevent dry skin( about once a month or so). Be sure to trim the hair around your Yorkie ' s eyes to prevent irritation and tear stains. Keep the mustache and beard trimmed to avoid food matting.
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Pawsitively Pets-- December 7