Yorkshire Terrier Breed Information

Yorkie Personality

The ultimate pampered pet. This is an assertive and affectionate breed. A Yorkie expects to sit on someone’s lap or to be taken along, no matter what the plan. If left behind for a time, it may misbehave. This breed is a real bundle of energy that is eager to express its point of view. It makes for a good watchdog despite its size, and is very intelligent. View our Yorkie Puppies for sale.

Yorkie Puppies

Usually 3 puppies in a litter. Very tiny bitches may have trouble delivering even 1 or 2 pups; indeed some are too small to risk breeding. Puppies are born black, with tan markings over eyebrows and on chin, chest, and feet. Mature in 2 years. View our Yorkshire Terrier Puppies for sale.

Comments about Yorkies

Developed in Yorkshire, England, during the Victorian period, this tiny toy derived from a mixture of terrier breeds, none of which have survived. Originally a worker's dog—and a particular favorite of British weavers— the Yorkie was soon adopted by all classes. This breed has been shown in the United States since 1878. Like the toy poodle, it is now a status symbol. Good Yorkshires can be expensive.

Yorkshire Terrier Potential Health Problems

Yorkies are generally healthy overall. Suseptible to eye iritations and inadequate tear production. Tendency toward early tooth loss and bad breath. Low blood sugar, epilepsy, slipped stifles, liver disease, and progressive retinal atrophy are possible.

Care and Exercise for your Yorkie

Needs daily brushing to keep long coat in finest condition, and periodic professional grooming. Usually long topknot is tied with a ribbon in center of head. Some alternative nonshow trims are often used to reduce the task of grooming a Yorkie. Bathing should be done with great care to avoid chills. Blow-dry after bath. Requires almost no exercise; running about inside an apartment or house is sufficient. Paper- train and keep indoors rather than expose a Yorkshire Terrier to bad weather and the risk of chills.

Yorkie Recommendations

The Yorkshire Terrier is an excellent pet for those who want to fuss and to be cared about in return. Easily trained, it can learn almost anything, although most people spoil their Yorkies. The breed is fine with children as long as they are not rough; it also gets along well with other pets, including cats. Be careful when closing doors—a Yorkie can be killed if hit by one.

Ideal Appearance of the Yorkshire Terrier

Tiny. Yorkshires weigh up to 7 pounds, but can be as light as 2 or 3 pounds. Although standard does not specify height, dogs usually measure 6” to 7” tall. Small head with rather flat top. Dark eyes with dark rims. Small, erect, V-shaped ears. Compact body with level topline. Round feet with black nails. Glossy, fine, silky coat hangs evenly to ground; is straight, not wavy. Coat is very important; is parted on face and from head to docked tail. Permissible colors: steel-blue on back and tail; golden tan on head, chest, and legs. Black nose.

Suited to Urban Life: HIGH
Good Watchdog: YES
Exercise Advisable: LOW
Grooming Care: HIGH
Size Group: TINY