The lovingly referred to as "Yorkie," the Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed with a big personality. The Yorkie, renowned for its silky coat and assertive personality, has grown to be one of the most well-liked companion dogs globally. These dogs are energetic and self-assured despite their small stature, which makes them excellent companions for seniors, single people, and families.
The luxurious, straight hair of the Yorkie is one of its most distinctive characteristics; it is frequently compared to human hair. Despite its beauty, this coat needs to be groomed frequently to maintain its best appearance. Although their independence can occasionally result in stubborn behavior, Yorkies are known for being intelligent and eager to please people despite their outward appearance. They can be well-trained and make wonderful companions with time and effort.
Grooming a Yorkshire Terrier is not the only aspect of their care. For these small dogs to remain happy and healthy, they require a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and mental stimulation. Knowing the unique requirements of your Yorkie will enable you to give this energetic breed the best care possible, whether you’re bringing up a puppy or taking care of an elderly dog.
- The characteristics of the breed
- The story of the breed
- Description of the Yorkshire Terrier breed
- Colors
- Character
- Training
- Care and maintenance
- Health
- What to feed a Yorkshire Terrier
- What should be the portion?
- What kind of food to feed a dog?
- What to feed a puppy
- Reviews of the breed
- Video on the topic
- 6 features of caring for a Yorkshire Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier. Character. Maintenance and care
- Yorkshire Terrier | Character, nutrition, maintenance
- Yorkshire Terrier – all about the breed. Character, appearance and much more, see the video!
- Biewer York – all about the dog breed
The characteristics of the breed
Affinities with the family
Stance toward minors
Ties with strangers
Teenagers to instruction
The story of the breed
During the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, Yorkshire Terrier dogs first appeared in England. There was a need for dwarf dogs that could eradicate small rodents because large breed dogs were prohibited and cats were viewed as dirty animals.
Small dogs were bred and chosen by the populace on the monarchs’ orders, and they were employed as rat catchers in nearby coal mines and farms. Compared to modern dogs, these ones were bigger.
The Yorkshire Terrier was created by crossing different terrier breeds, and it was first listed in the Kennel Club’s stud book in 1886. The dog was called Huddersfield Be, and he was credited with creating the breed.
Description of the Yorkshire Terrier breed
The breed is conditionally divided into: in many countries
- standard Yorkies (weighing up to 3.1 kg);
- mini (up to 2.1 kg);
- super-mini (up to 1.5 kg).
The breed standard, however, states that an adult dog’s weight should not exceed 3.1 kg; the minimum weight and height of the animal are not specified.
Dishonest breeders are attempting to produce miniature pets (up to 1.5 kg) in an attempt to capitalize on the trend for extremely small dogs, which is detrimental to the breed. Considering how many health issues these animals have. For this reason, bitches under 2 kg are not permitted to breed!
This breed is small in stature, but its build is proportionate.
- Head small, slightly flat.
- Eyes round, dark, with a lively shine.
- Ears set high, small, erect, V-shaped.
- Body strong, compact, back straight. Ribs slightly convex, chest rounded.
- Forelegs straight, shoulders of correct shape. Hind limbs also straight, knee joints slightly pronounced.
- Tail can be either docked or undocked. In both cases, the tail should be slightly higher than the back.
- Wool unique, in structure resembles human hair – it constantly grows, practically does not fall out and does not cause allergic reactions.
Fascinating information Big Boss, the tiniest Yorkshire Terrier dog, measured just 11.9 centimeters in height and weighed 481 grams.
Colors
This breed’s puppies are black at birth, with tan markings on their paws, underbelly, and muzzle. Puppies start changing color at around 4 months of age, and the dog finally acquires its final color by 2-3 years of age.
The breed description states that the coat’s structure is shiny, silky, soft, and completely smooth.
There is one standard for the color:
- dark bluish-steel color of the coat from the back of the head to the base of the tail. Should not be mixed with red, bronze or dark patches of wool;
- the chest has a deep, bright tan. This color should reach the elbows on the front legs and the knee joint on the hind legs. The hair is darkest at the roots, lighter in the middle and very light at the ends;
- the color of the head is golden brown, more saturated on the sides of the head, on the muzzle and near the ears.
If a dog of a different color is offered to you, it might be an example of a recently discovered breed called the Biewer Yorkshire Terrier, which originated in Germany. These dogs are distinguished by their all-over black and white body with brown and golden spots.
Choco Yorkies are another type. These dogs are unique in that they have uniformly chocolate-colored fur, as well as paw pads, claws, and noses.
The Gold Dust breed of Yorkshire Terrier is a relatively new and uncommon variation. Dogs can be colored in anything from white and gold to every shade of gold.
It is important to keep in mind that none of these varieties are classified as distinct breeds. They are unfit for careers in breeding and exhibition. Nonetheless, fans of Yorkshire Terriers adore all of the aforementioned hues.
Character
Yorkies are small dogs, but they have distinct personalities and independent spirits. These are the primary characteristics that these animals are born with.
- Love for the owner. They are very attached to the owner and get a lot of pleasure from communicating with him! Ready to be with a person day and night, sleep with him in the same bed.
- Cheerfulness. Active games and walks are one of the favorite activities of Yorkshire Terriers. Energetic, love to spend time with children and are excellent companions for them. If children are still small and do not understand that they can inadvertently harm the dog, it is better that their games take place under the supervision of adults.
- Independence. Yorks are wayward, may not obey the owner or behave a little aggressively – this is due to their nature. Even with such a compact size, they remain terriers with a spoiled and independent character.
- Intelligence. Dogs of this breed are smart, enjoy learning everything new and follow commands. Curiosity and attentiveness are in their blood.
- Courage. At first glance, small and defenseless Yorkies are actually brave and fearless. They will rush to the defense of their beloved owner without hesitation, even if the enemy is several times larger than themselves.
- Tenderness. As for the expression of feelings, this breed can be called one of the most loving and devoted dogs. They do not hide their emotions when they see their owner, openly demonstrating joy and boundless love.
Training
Owing to their unique personalities, training pets ought to begin as early as possible, no later than 1-2 months of age.
You may wonder how to raise a dog correctly if you choose to train your pet at home.
If you follow these guidelines, your puppy will impress you with its accomplishments by the time it is a year old.
- First, teach the puppy to respond to its nickname. Choose a short name so that the baby can easily remember it. Pronounce the nickname softly and affectionately – this will evoke a pleasant association in the puppy;
- if you buy a puppy from experienced breeders or in a nursery, then, most likely, the baby will be accustomed to the tray. Otherwise, you will need to either walk the dog several times a day, or train it to go to the toilet yourself;
- train the dog to a leash. To do this, let your pet walk next to you. If he obeys, reward him with something tasty, if he disobeys, do not punish him, try again;
- to teach the commands “Stand” and “Come to me” also use the method of encouragement, in no case punishing the dog or using physical force;
- as for the command “No”, a different approach is needed here. If your pet does something undesirable, clearly state its nickname and say “No”. Raise your voice, give the command strictly and distinctly;
- train daily, educate in the form of a game.
Recall! It is best to leave dog training to seasoned handlers if you lack the time or motivation to train your dog; otherwise, you run the risk of having a wild and unruly pet!
Care and maintenance
It’s important to educate yourself on proper Yorkie care before obtaining one. How do you cut, comb, and wash a dog? How much walking and how often should its claws be clipped? How should one handle bitches and boys going through puberty?
Let’s examine these and other queries that the owner has when a Yorkshire Terrier shows up at his house in more detail.
- Coat care. Coat is the main pride of these miniature animals. If you are preparing your pet for an exhibition or simply do not want to cut your dog because you like long hair, then get ready for daily care. Using special oils and conditioners, comb your pet"s coat every day with a metal comb, and to prevent the coat from getting tangled and losing its appearance, wind it on papillotes or curlers.
- Bathing. Bath your pet at least once a month with special shampoos for the appropriate type of coat. After the procedure, wrap the dog in a towel, then gently dry it with a hair dryer. Make sure that your pet does not get too cold.
- Eye care. The animal"s eyes are washed daily with a cotton swab soaked in tea infusion. If your dog has tear ducts, you need to wash their eyes with a special lotion or gel on a natural basis.
- Ear care. Examine the ears once a week. If there is earwax, clean the ears with a cotton swab. If you find inflammation or an unpleasant odor, immediately contact your veterinarian.
By the way, if anyone is interested, read how to set up a Yorkie"s ears. - Claw care. Claws are trimmed twice a month with a claw cutter. After the procedure, they must be filed to avoid delamination.
- Dental care. Be sure to examine the dog"s mouth at least once a week. Teach your dog to brush its teeth daily with a special toothpaste.
- Puberty. The period of puberty occurs at 8-9 months. However, at this age dogs should not be allowed to mate. Breeders recommend skipping one or two heat periods in bitches before mating. For males, the ideal age for unleashed is 1 year.
Also read:
- how to toilet train a puppy;
- how to train a puppy to a leash and collar.
Consider what is required to maintain the pet before bringing a charming baby home, and make sure you have everything ready.
Thus, you’ll need:
- a personal place for the dog: a soft and warm rug, an ottoman, a basket or a cozy house;
- two bowls for water and food. It is better to take with suction cups on the bottom so that their contents do not end up on the floor;
- a tray and special diapers for puppies;
- the collar should be as soft as possible so as not to damage the delicate fur, especially when it comes to show dogs. Don"t forget, also, about a flea collar;
- clothes for walks in the cold season;
- fur care products: shampoo, conditioner, metal comb, towel after bathing;
- eye, ear and claw care products;
- toys: soft, rubber, in the form of balls, bones or dumbbells, which they simply adore!
The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny, active breed distinguished by its smooth coat, exuberant disposition, and loving character. These dogs make wonderful companions, but because of their lengthy hair, they need frequent care and attention. They are clever and simple to train, but they can also be stubborn, so patient and consistent training is necessary. Yorkies are great for apartment living because they are compact creatures, but they still require daily exercise to stay in good health. They can be devoted family members who live long, happy lives if given the right care.
Health
The average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. Since their health is not the best among their peers, they need extra care and attention.
The Yorkshire terrier breed is prone to the following diseases:
- inflammatory processes of the middle ear, which occur even with a normal draft;
- retinal pathologies, cataracts, glaucoma;
- dental problems: malocclusion, tartar, false polydontia;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system: ataxia, aseptic necrosis, osteoarthritis, damage and ruptures of the cruciate ligaments, dislocation of the patella, fractures and sprains;
- hypoglycemia – low glucose levels in the blood;
- hydrocephalus – a very serious congenital disease in which fluid accumulates in the brain;
- allergic reactions to pollen, medications, food, detergents, etc..
Crucial! It is essential to follow preventive measures for your pet’s health and well-being, such as scheduling routine veterinary visits, administering vaccinations on time, and deworming the animal.
What to feed a Yorkshire Terrier
Keep an eye on your dog’s diet starting when it is a puppy to make sure it is healthy and happy. Not only should your pet have a balanced diet, but their nutritional habits are also very important. Teach the animal right away to only accept food from its owner’s hands and never from outsiders.
Teach the puppy to be polite and patient by doing the following:
- feed at the same time;
- leave the bowl with food for no more than 15 minutes;
- do not feed the dog from the owner"s table;
- do not allow the pet to pick up food on the street.
As a result, you will prevent needless problems for your dog in addition to raising an obedient one.
Let’s now discuss the key concerns surrounding dog nutrition.
What should be the portion?
The portion should not exceed 60 grams due to its small size (up to 3 kg). Furthermore, all of the necessary nutrients and microelements must be present in this tiny amount of food.
What kind of food to feed a dog?
Together, let’s determine what your pet should eat: canned or dry food, or natural products.
Although feeding dry food is incredibly convenient, there are advantages and disadvantages to this kind of diet.
Benefits of eating dry food:
- high-quality food has a balanced composition;
- no need to cook food for your pet, the food is immediately suitable for consumption.
Drawbacks:
- the composition may contain chemical additives;
- the dog gets tired of the same food, so you will constantly need to look for new types;
- the owner cannot be sure that the ingredients included in the dry food are of high quality.
If this is the kind of food you like, then only select items from the premium class.
Take into account the following advice when cooking for your pet.:
- 50% of the diet should be proteins (lean meat, cottage cheese, boiled fish without bones), 25% – carbohydrates (porridge) and 25% – fruits and vegetables;
- in addition to meat, you can give the dog lungs, heart, liver, after boiling them first;
- give your pet warm food (not hot)!;
- Finely cut all products before serving;
- give the dog additional vitamins and supplements.
The breed is prohibited from using the following products:
- sweets and fresh bread;
- fatty meats (pork, lamb);
- smoked and salted products;
- milk;
- potatoes and legumes.
Crucial! It is not appropriate to switch up the diet or the forms of feeding.
What to feed a puppy
Puppies should only consume their mother’s milk until they are three weeks old. Babies can start receiving cottage cheese and liquid porridge at this age.
Initially, this is one feeding per day, right after consuming breast milk. After that, you’ll need to feed them more frequently—five times total.
Puppies should eat twice a day, just like adults, by the time they are six months old.
Reviews of the breed
Kristina: "I was ignorant of the Yorkshire Terrier breed, so when I was given one, I was perplexed." But the more time I spent with Juicy, the more I understood that this was the dog of my dreams! There may not be a more devoted, loving, or kind dog, in my opinion. Juicy’s exuberant personality and affection for me captured my heart. He greets me with such joy every time I get home that I realize right away that this is a true, sincere friend!
Vladimir: "I’ve always really thought that since I’m a man, my dog should be large and attractive, so small dogs aren’t for me. But after meeting the Yorkshire Terrier breed, my perspective was drastically altered. It was at a friend’s birthday that I saw my first Yorkie. And ever since, my affection for this breed has only grown. Tim and Louis are my two house pets; they are brothers. Indeed, those two lumps of boundless energy exist!
Tatiana: "A tiny dog has always been my dream. I considered many different breeds before settling on the Yorkshire Terrier. After reading numerous reviews—both favorable and unfavorable—I came to the conclusion that each case is unique. A year ago, I purchased a puppy from reputable breeders, and overall, I’m pleased with my decision. Eva makes me extremely happy. She is a sweet and caring young lady. We are "in the same frequency band." I enjoy dressing her, doing her hair, and taking her to the salon for different treatments.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Breed Origin | The Yorkshire Terrier originated in England in the 19th century, primarily used as a working dog to catch rats. |
| Size | Small, typically weighing 4 to 7 pounds. |
| Coat | Long, silky, and requires regular grooming to prevent tangling. |
| Temperament | Alert, energetic, and can be quite protective despite their size. |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate exercise, such as daily walks, is enough to keep them healthy. |
| Training | Can be stubborn but responds well to positive reinforcement and consistency. |
| Grooming | Needs regular brushing and trimming to maintain the coat. |
| Health | Generally healthy but can be prone to dental issues and joint problems. |
| Living Conditions | Adapt well to apartment living but enjoy time outdoors as well. |
| Lifespan | Typically 12 to 15 years. |
Little dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier have enormous personalities. They are great companions for both individuals and families because of their lively and loving personality. They are ideal for apartment living due to their small size, but they need frequent play and mental stimulation due to their energy and curiosity.
Regular grooming is essential to the care of a Yorkie because of their long, silky coat, which requires frequent brushing to avoid matting. Important components of their wellbeing include regular dental care and consideration for their small stature. Although they are generally healthy dogs, they are susceptible to certain conditions, so regular veterinary checkups are crucial.
Yorkies are intelligent but can be a little stubborn when it comes to training. Teaching them basic commands and manners goes a long way when done with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They feel more at ease with other pets and in a variety of situations when they are socialized early.
All things considered, Yorkshire Terriers are devoted, affectionate dogs that greatly enrich the lives of their owners. If given appropriate care and attention, they can provide years of affection and companionship, making them a great asset to any home.
