With their long lifespan of 12-15 years and relatively low exercise needs, Yorkshire Terriers make delightful, long-term companions for those ready to welcome a tiny but mighty friend into their lives.
Top 6 vital stats about the Yorkshire Terrier...
1
Social
Extremely sociable
2
Exercise
20+ mins per day
3
Grooming
Brush once a day
4
Feeding
2 - 3 times a day
5
Training
Highly intelligent but stubborn
6
Shedding
Moderate shedding
Yorkshire Terrier health conditions & temperament
Do Yorkshire Terriers need a lot of grooming?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers with their fine, silky coats, do indeed require a significant amount of grooming to maintain their appearance and health.
Do Yorkshire Terriers suffer from health conditions?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to certain health conditions that prospective owners should be aware of.
Do Yorkshire Terriers bark a lot?
Yes, these small canines may display a tendency to vocalise frequently, particularly in response to unfamiliar stimuli or perceived threats.
General temperament of Yorkies
Yorkies may may have a reputation for being “yappy," proper training can help channel their alert nature into being excellent watchdogs. It is a behaviour often rooted in their instincts as alert and territorial animals.
Yorkshire Terrier feeding & attention
How often do Yorkshire Terriers need feeding?
Puppies typically require four meals a day, while adult Yorkies do well with two to three smaller meals.
Are they social?
Yes, they thrive on attention and engagement with their owners, as well as with other dogs when appropriately socialised. Yorkshire Terriers are often seen as the life of the party, showcasing their spirited nature in various settings.
Easy to train?
It depends, Yorkshire Terriers, with their compact size and vivacious personality, can indeed be quite trainable with the correct approach.
Can Yorkies be stubborn?
Despite their sometimes stubborn nature, they are intelligent and capable of learning a variety of commands and tricks.
Yorkshire Terrier personality & good to knows
Good with children?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can indeed be good companions for children, provided that there is appropriate supervision and that both the dog and the children are taught to interact with each other respectfully.
Good with small living spaces?
Absolutely, Yorkies can live in an apartment. Their small size and adaptable nature make them ideal for apartment living. Yorkshire Terriers do not require extensive outdoor space for exercise, which is often limited in an urban setting.
Good with other pets?
Yes, Yorkies can be quite sociable and may get along well with other dogs if they have been properly introduced and socialised from a young age.
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with other pets?
These dogs are intelligent and can be very loyal to their families, which can translate into positive relationships with younger members. Yorkies are known for their bold and confident nature, which sometimes leads to them being unaware of their diminutive size when interacting with larger breeds.
Did You Know?
A Yorkshire Terrier’s coat has a similar texture to human hair so it is important to brush them everyday to avoid tangles
Yorkies are sensitive to cold and may need sweaters in chilly weather
Several celebrities own a Yorkie including Nene Leakes, Kevin Jonas, Kelly Clarkson and Missy Elliot
Package available for your Yorkshire Terrier includes
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Complementary treatment
Up to
£500
per illness/injury
Up to
£750
per illness/injury
Up to
£1000
per illness/injury
3rd Party Liability (dogs only)
Up to
£1M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Death from Illness*
*Death from illness does not apply to dogs aged 9 and over & cats aged 11 and over
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Death from accident
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Yorkshire Terrier Training & Exercise
Training tips
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Yorkies respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, which harness their eager-to-please nature.
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Consistency is key when training Yorkies; establish a routine and stick to it, using short, frequent sessions to maintain their attention.
Keeping them happy
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These pint-sized pooches thrive on affection and interaction, making regular playtime and cuddles essential for their well-being.
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A daily walk or two, coupled with indoor play sessions, will satisfy their exercise requirements and keep their mischievous minds engaged.
Exercise
- Daily walks are essential for these pint-sized pooches, ideally split into two 15-20 minute sessions to match their short legs and prevent overexertion.
- For a gentler option, especially for older Yorkies, try swimming in shallow water under close supervision – it's low-impact and great for joint health.
Game ideas
- Hide-and-seek is a perfect indoor activity, utilising their keen sense of smell and natural curiosity. For outdoor fun, set up a miniature agility course with small jumps and tunnels, catering to their agile nature.
Yorkshire Terrier Common Health Conditions
Dental problems
- These diminutive canines may face issues such as dental problems due to their small-sized mouths.
Patellar luxation
- Luxating patella is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs which effects their knee caps.
- When the knee cap comes out of its groves, your Yorkie will not be able to move or extend their knee properly and this is what is called luxating patella.
Hypoglycemia
- Yorkies are susceptible to hypoglycemia, particularly in puppyhood and if they are under stress or do not eat regularly.
Regular health check ups
- Regular veterinary check-ups, balanced diet and a stress free environment are key to maintaining your Yorkie’s health.
Yorkshire Terrier Health & Social Maintenance
Feeding
-
Adult Yorkies typically weigh between 1.4-3.2 kg and should consume approximately two or three meals a day.
Grooming routine
- Yorkies long hair can easily become matted and tangled if not brushed regularly.
- Professional grooming is often recommended every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat trimmed and tidy.
Other maintenance
Need to knows
- Yorkshire terriers are brave, exhibit a high level of energy, feisty, and fiercely loyal to their families, making them eager participants in both play and social interactions.
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Yorkies may have a reputation for being “yappy," proper training can help channel their alert nature into being excellent watchdogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early socialisation is crucial to prevent the development of 'small dog syndrome' and ensure your Yorkie is well-adjusted.
Yorkies also excel at puzzle toys, which challenge their intelligence and keep them occupied for hours. A game of gentle tug-of-war with a soft rope toy can satisfy their playful instincts, while fetch with tiny balls or plush toys taps into their retrieving heritage.
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