The Yorkshire Terrier also known as “Yorkies” is a small breed of dog that originates from England. They are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world and are known for their long, silky coats. Yorkshire Terriers come in various colors, including black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, or blue and tan.

They are a hypoallergenic breed, which means they are less likely to cause allergies in people. Yorkshire Terriers typically weigh between 6 and 9 pounds and stand 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a lifespan of 11 to 15 years.

They are also very intelligent and easily trained. So if you are looking for a small dog breed that is easy to take care of and doesn’t shed much, the Yorkie is a great choice!

History

The Yorkie’s story begins in the 19th century in England’s West Riding district, where they were bred to catch rats in textile mills. Though there are many different theories about exactly how the Yorkshire Terrier came to be, it is generally believed that they are descended from several other terrier breeds, including the Skye Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier. 

What is certain is that by the 1870s, the Yorkshire Terrier had become its own distinct breed and began appearing in English dog shows. They quickly became popular with Victorian aristocrats, who prized them for their small size and beautiful coat. Then, in 1885, the first Yorkie was brought to America, and the breed was recognized by the AKC. They have been one of the country’s most popular breeds ever since.

Today, Yorkshire Terriers are still beloved for their small size—they typically weigh between four and seven pounds—and their long, silky coat. Despite their diminutive size, they are also known for being brave and spunky dogs with big personalities. So if you’re thinking about adding a Yorkie to your family, be prepared for plenty of energy and lots of kisses! 

Appearance

The Yorkshire Terrier’s perky little ears are planted atop their head like miniature flags. Their bright eyes resemble those of a stuffed teddy, and they have a black button nose to match.

Coat

The Yorkshire Terrier has a long, silky coat. Yorkshire Terriers can be black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, or blue and tan. They are considered to be hypoallergenic, as they do not shed much.

Some people prefer to keep their Yorkshire Terriers in a puppy cut, as it is easier to maintain. The coat of a Yorkshire Terrier is a single layer, which makes it less likely to mat. However, it is still important to brush the coat regularly to prevent tangles.

Yorkshire Terriers are average shedders, but their long coats require more grooming than other breeds.

Size

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog, typically weighing 6 to 9 pounds with a height of 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder. Although both male and female dogs are typically the same size, there can be some variation in weight and height within the breed. 

Lifespan

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small but feisty dog with a long lifespan. On average, Yorkies live 11-15 years, though some have been known to reach 20 years or more with proper care.

The key to your Yorkie’s long and healthy life is regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of love and attention. With the proper care, your Yorkshire Terrier will be by your side for many years to come.

Environment

Yorkshire Terriers make excellent apartment dogs. They don’t require a lot of space and are content to spend most of their time indoors. However, they do need to avoid extremes of temperature. Yorkshire Terriers are very sensitive to both heat and cold, so they should be kept inside during extreme weather conditions.

When it comes to choosing a suitable environment for a Yorkshire Terrier, the key considerations are temperature and space. As long as these two factors are taken into account, a Yorkshire Terrier will be happy and healthy in almost any setting.

Temperament

 Despite their small size, Yorkies are known for being independent and self-assured. They are also very intelligent and quick to learn new tricks. However, their cleverness can sometimes lead to mischief!

Yorkies are also highly affectionate with their family and make great companions. However, Yorkies tend to be wary of strangers and other animals and can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

But despite their sometimes stubborn nature, Yorkies make great family dogs. They are affectionate with their owners and get along well with older kids. 

Grooming

Regular grooming is necessary for all dogs, but it is especially important for Yorkshire Terriers. This breed has long, silky fur that can easily become matted and tangled if it is not brushed on a daily basis.

In addition to regular brushing, Yorkies also need to be bathed every couple of weeks and have their ears, nails, and teeth cleaned regularly. Read on for more information about the specific grooming requirements of Yorkshire Terriers.

Brushing

As mentioned above, Yorkshire Terriers need to be brushed every day to prevent their fur from becoming matted and tangled. It is best to use a wire slicker brush or a pin brush for this purpose.

Start by brushing the fur on your dog’s back and then work your way down to the legs and belly. Don’t forget to brush your dog’s face—a small baby toothbrush can be used for this purpose. Be sure to praise your dog during the brushing process to make it a positive experience.

Bathing

Yorkies should be bathed every two weeks using a high-quality dog shampoo. Avoid getting water in your dog’s ears, and be careful not to get shampoo in their eyes. Rinse your dog’s coat thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo.

After bathing, you can use a blow dryer on low heat to help dry your dog’s fur (be sure not to hold the dryer too close to their skin). You may also want to consider having your dog professionally groomed every four to six weeks to maintain their coat in between baths at home.

Ears

Clean your dog’s ears once a week using a cotton ball dampened with an ear-cleaning solution. Only clean the outer part of the ear—never insert anything into the ear canal itself. Wipe away any excess wax or dirt you see on the outside of the ear. If your dog’s ears appear red or irritated, consult your veterinarian—this could be a sign of an ear infection. 

Nails

Check your dog’s nails weekly and trim them as needed. Try to avoid cutting into the quick (the pink part of the nail), as this can be painful for your dog. If you are unsure how to trim your dog’s nails properly, ask your veterinarian or groomer for assistance. 

Teeth

Like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease. The best way to do this is with a canine toothbrush and toothpaste (never use human toothpaste as it can upset your dog’s stomach). Brush your dog’s teeth at least three times per week—daily is even better!

Nutrition

Here are some general guidelines for feeding your Yorkshire Terrier:

• Yorkshire Terriers should be fed a high-quality diet tailored explicitly for small breeds. In addition, small breed dogs have higher energy needs than larger breeds, so their food should be more calorie-dense. 
• Look for a food that has meat listed as the first ingredient. This will ensure that your Yorkshire Terrier is getting the protein they need to maintain lean muscle mass. 
• Avoid foods that contain fillers or by-products, as these can be difficult for small breeds to digest. 
• Yorkshire Terriers may need more frequent meals than other dogs since they have fast metabolisms. Consult with your veterinarian to determine how often you should be feeding your dog. 
• Make sure you always have fresh water available for your dog to drink. A good rule of thumb is to provide 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. 

Training

Yorkshire Terriers are small, intelligent dogs that make excellent companion animals. Though they are often mistaken for being difficult to train, Yorkshires are actually relatively easy to train with the right approach.

• One of the most important things to keep in mind when training a Yorkie is that they respond best to positive reinforcement. Rewarding them for good behavior is often more effective than scolding them for bad behavior.
• Secondly, it is essential to be consistent with Yorkshire Terrier training. Consistency will help your dog understand what is expected of them and make it more likely that they will obey commands.
• Finally, patience is also key when training a Yorkie. Like all dogs, Yorkshires learn at their own pace, and it may take some time for them to master new tricks or commands. However, with patience and perseverance, you can successfully train your Yorkshire Terrier to be the well-behaved companion you always wanted.

Exercise

Though they are a small breed, Yorkshire Terriers are relatively active dogs that require regular exercise. A daily walk is typically enough to meet their needs, though some may also enjoy playing fetch or going for a run.

As with all dogs, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase their workouts’ intensity. However, too much exercise can be harmful, leading to joint problems or even cardiac issues.

It’s important to consult with a veterinarian before starting any new exercise regimen, as they can provide guidance tailored to your dog’s individual needs. With the right amount of exercise, a Yorkshire Terrier can be a happy and healthy companion for years to come.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about getting a Yorkshire Terrier, you’re not alone – these popular pups have been delighting families worldwide for generations! Thanks to their loyal personality and lovely looks, it’s easy to see why Yorkies have become such treasured companions. Now that you know a bit more about this fascinating breed, maybe you’ll appreciate your furry friend even more!