The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the United States today. These feisty, charming little dogs are one of the smallest breeds, but they have a big personality. If you’re lucky enough to have a Yorkie in your life, then there is some special Yorkshire Terrier information you need to know to help you keep your Yorkie happy and healthy.
1. Yorkshire Terriers are not just lapdogs
Although your Yorkie may be small, usually weighing less than seven pounds, these dogs started out as ratters and dogs to catch vermin in the textile mills of Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century. They were serious terriers and working dogs for their working class owners. Much admired for their beautiful coat and good looks, Yorkies caught the eye of the upper class and became popular as companion dogs. But they remain true to their terrier heritage. They still have a terrier personality. This means that they can be rough-and-tumble little dogs, not afraid to mix it up with much larger dogs, even when it’s a bad idea. Your Yorkshire Terrier is bold and unafraid. If you are walking your Yorkie, you should always keep an eye on him and be prepared to pick him up so he won’t get in the face of another dog. This is important Yorkshire Terrier information that can keep your dog out of trouble.
2. Yorkshire Terriers have strong personalities
Your Yorkie makes a wonderful companion. This is one of the reasons why they are so popular today. However, Yorkies do have strong personalities. They can be very determined and insistent about getting their way. It’s important for an owner to remain in charge in the home. Otherwise a Yorkshire Terrier will happily take charge. A Yorkie can become very spoiled in this regard unless an owner keeps control. The Yorkshire Terrier information you should know and remember is that your Yorkie may look cute and adorable, but he can be a little tyrant in the home if you allow him to be, demanding certain sleeping places, guarding food and toys, and showing other behavior problems. So, don’t allow your Yorkie to take charge.
3. Yorkshire Terriers require regular grooming
Yorkies are beautiful dogs. When their coat is properly groomed, it is long and flows to the floor. Their hair is fine and silky without any wave to it. Puppies are born black and tan and gradually lighten to become steel-blue and golden tan. However, if you want your Yorkie to have this kind of long flowing hair, it takes real work. You will need to brush and comb your dog several times per week. The coat also requires regular bathing and conditioning. You may opt to keep your Yorkie trimmed to make grooming easier. The important Yorkshire Terrier information to remember here is that this is a breed that does require a lot of grooming. You should keep this in mind before getting a Yorkie so you won’t be surprised later.
4. Yorkshire Terriers can have some special dietary requirements
Like some other toy breeds, Yorkshire Terriers can have special dietary requirements because of their size. Small breeds may need to eat an extra meal during the day because of their size and metabolism. It’s best to feed your Yorkie three to four small meals during the day so he can better utilize the calories. Otherwise some dogs can have trouble with low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, especially when they are young. As with some other small breeds, Yorkies can also be prone to having dental problems. You will need to pay particular attention to your Yorkie’s teeth and keep them brushed. Provide your Yorkie with some healthy dental chews to remove plaque and tartar. The important Yorkshire Terrier information to remember here is that Yorkies can have special needs. If you meet their needs, they will likely live a long and healthy life. Yorkshire Terriers usually live to be 12 to 15 years old.
5. Yorkshire Terriers are good companions for older children
Yorkies often make good companions for older children. They are intelligent, active, energetic, and playful. However, Yorkies are not usually recommended for small children because of their size. They may be tough little dogs but they can be injured by kids who play too roughly with them or by children who fall on them.
6. Yorkshire Terriers need regular exercise
Yorkies are very active little dogs and they need regular daily exercise such as a long daily walk. Although they make good apartment dogs because of their small size, they are quite energetic. The important Yorkshire Terrier information to remember is that Yorkies are quite active and if they don’t get enough exercise they can become destructive in the home. So, make sure your Yorkie gets some daily exercise. Yorkies make wonderful pets.
They are intelligent, clever, active, determined, and very charming little dogs. It’s very easy to lose your heart to a Yorkie. If you keep in mind the Yorkshire Terrier information provided here then you and your Yorkie should have a wonderful relationship.
