Quick Facts
weight: 3 - 7 pounds
height: 7 - 9 inches
Ideal Human Companions
Singles
Families with older children
High-energy types
Yorkshire Terriers on Dogster
What They Are Like to Live With
Easily trained, Yorkshire Terriers have a keen ability to remember multiple commands and adopt many obedience skills. They are top-notch competitors when it comes to sports and agility. This breed is also known for its independence. They need a certain amount of privacy to recharge, but also crave activity, involvement and attention.
No matter how many people or animals in the house, Yorkies will assert themselves, involving themselves in lots of hi-jinks that are mostly amusing and fun. This assertiveness usually comes across as self-confidence, not aggressiveness. They get along very well with other dogs and easily adapt to family life. Intensely protective, Yorkshire Terriers have a fearlessness and a relentless bark that make them great watchdogs.
Things You Should Know
Yorkshire Terriers can live as long as 15 years, but they must be handled with care: Because of their small size, they can be troubled by a number of health problems including hip and joint issues, poor digestion, tooth decay and bone fractures. Yorkshire Terriers are fragile dogs. Be careful when holding them or transporting them and be sure to regularly feed them solid foods.
Yorkies get along very well with children, but they don’t have the patience for the sudden moves and rough play of very small ones. Also, they can sometimes be demanding and stubborn if they don’t get their way.
Like other small breeds, Yorkshire Terriers have a super-sized confidence. Keep them on a leash during walks, as they have a tendency to pick fight with much larger dogs.
They should be groomed regularly, including daily combing and brushing. The hair on their heads grows so long, it’s often necessary to tie it in a band so your Yorkshire Terrier can see and eat without any hassle.
Yorkshire Terrier History
Yorkshire Terriers were bred in 19th century England from a mixture of Scottish Terriers: Clydesdale, Skye, Paisley and Waterside Terriers; and were used by miners near Yorkshire to catch rats that had infested the mines. They also came in handy as hunting dogs, able to chase foxes, badgers and other small animals into their burrows. Over the years they were bred smaller, soon becoming fashionable pets and dog show standouts.
The Look of a Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are small, longhaired dogs with solid, well-proportioned frames. They hold themselves in an erect, confident and proud manner. A typical Yorkie has a flat head (with lots of hair), a medium-sized muzzle, alert and friendly eyes, and a pair of erect, V-shaped ears. Their tails are docked to medium-length while their coats hang long and straight all over. The coats are usually metallic blue on the body and tail, and tan everywhere else.Do Yorkies Make Good Pets
Yorkshire terriers are some of the cutest dogs that you will find, but do Yorkies make good pets?
For many people, this toy dog is “the perfect pet”.
They may not be the best pet for everyone, but there are many reasons why Yorkies make good pets.
Allow me, to offer you a very short list of reasons why Yorkies are so great.
Yorkies Are Small
Yorkies weigh between 3-7 pounds, but many people these days prefer dogs that are slightly larger (7-9 lbs). For people who do not have a lot of space around the house, Yorkies make very good pets. Yorkies are also easy to carry around.
This is convenient when you have to bring your pet to the vet. Also, they do not eat very much. Larger breeds of dogs cost a lot to feed, but not the Yorkie. Dog lovers who do not want to spend too much on dog food will find that these small dogs make good pets.
Yorkies Are Lively
Like many terriers, Yorkies are lively and have a delightful temperament. They are inquisitive, bright and playful. They like to dash around and check things out. Yorkies also like a good game of tug-of-war. They also like to play with toys and interact with people. When you see your little pet happily chasing birds and butterflies, you’ll realize that Yorkies do make good pets.
Yorkies Are Cuddly
Not too many breeds of dogs like to be carried or cuddled, but Yorkies like nothing better than to be held in your arms or snuggle against a pillow. Surprisingly, they also like being groomed, so you can have a great time brushing their long, silky hair or even putting them into cute outfits.
If you’re the type of person who loves to shower their attention on their pet, a Yorkie is the dog for you. Yorkshire terriers thrive on human companionship and attention.
Yorkies Are Loyal
Yorkies are extremely loyal to their owners. Your pet Yorkie will want nothing more than to keep you happy. Give your pet plenty of love and praise when they do something you like, and in return they will likely continue with that good behavior.
Yorkies Are Good Watchdogs
Yorkies have very keen senses and they are not shy about barking to let you know if something strange or new is going on. Early socialization and training will stop them from making barking a habit.
Do Yorkies Shed?
Because of their long hair, many people are concerned that Yorkies might shed. In fact, Yorkies do not shed. They are the only breed of dog with hair and not fur.
They have hair just like humans, and some strands fall off in the same manner as human hair does.
Yorkies do not have an undercoat either, making them ideal for people who are allergic to animal fur. While Yorkies do not shed, Yorkie owners should prepare themselves to spend a little time grooming their pet’s hair to keep it healthy and shiny.
Is a Yorkie the Pet for You?
Yorkies do make good pets but they are not for everyone. A Yorkie is a good pet for you if you want a small dog that you can carry around and does not take up a lot of space. You may also want a Yorkie for a pet if you want a lively, playful companion that doesn’t need to be exercised a lot.
A Yorkie will also make a good pet if you suffer from allergies and want a pet that does not shed much. And if you want a watchdog that does not fail to announce a stranger, a Yorkshire terrier can do that to.
Before you leave you should probably take a look at our Yorkie puppies for sale. You sure would hate to miss that perfect puppy.
