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Important things to know

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How to look after your puppy

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Quick Facts:

Breed Origins: England ( 1800's )

Breed usage: Hunting Small Vermin

Dog Weight: 4 - 7 Pounds

Dog Height: 8 to 9 inches to the shoulder

Average life span: 12 – 15 years

Characteristics:  As tiny and glamorous as he may be the Yorkshire Terrier retains many of the traits of his working terrier ancestors. He is bold, game, tenacious, can be stubborn and, despite years of being bred solely as a companion, he will hunt and courageously tackle large rodents. He is also a most loyal and unstintingly affectionate fellow who needs a great deal of human company and attention. Unfortunately, because of his appealing appearance, his natural air of importance and his diminutive stature, he tends to be subjected to pampering and spoiling - treatment which can lead to exhibitions of bossiness, jealousy, over-protectiveness and other behavioural problems. He is as much of a dog as is a Rottweiler and failure to provide him with sensible rules by which to live does him a great disservice. Despite his dainty looks he is quite hardy and extremely energetic loving to play games and investigate whatever may be going on. This adventurous side of his nature, coupled with an independent streak, make it essential that gardens are securely fenced as he will not think twice about getting out to follow whatever has aroused his curiosity. He is an effective watchdog and will raise a long and loud alarm should anyone or anything approach his territory. The Yorkie can develop into a nuisance barker so it is wise to educate him from an early age as to when barking is inappropriate. He is generally quite good with other dogs but his assertiveness can occasionally get him into trouble and, in an encounter, he will resolutely stand his ground against all odds - the aphorism “discretion is the better part of valour” being quite foreign to his nature. For individuals or families with older children who are seeking a small dog full of vim and vigour the spirited, loving and loveable Yorkshire Terrier may fit the bill.

Temperament:  The Yorkie is one of the livelier terrier breeds and although it is a toy breed the Yorkie still retains its ancestry reflecting in its personality. Remembering that the personality traits will differ from individuals, it is safe to say that they are generally courageous, independent and intelligent. They attitude to strangers does vary, they are known to bark, be outgoing and welcome strangers or seem withdrawn. Yorkies are quick to find their rightful place in the house treating the humans as a pack. Although genetic tendencies play a part in the Yorkies behaviour, it is largely based on its training, up bringing and social life. It is important to nurture these breeds as some maybe timid and nervous, but most seem to follow a bold and confident personality.

A Yorkie is surprisingly bold for such a small dog and will typically assert itself as the alpha dog if other breeds are present; however they do tend to play and get along well with other dogs. These dogs have a great mixture of inquisitiveness, self confidence and an instinct to protect which makes brilliant companions. The size of the Yorkie doesn’t however stop it from sometimes challenging larger dogs so be careful. One brilliant famous case was when a 12 pound Yorkshire terrier defended a stranger in this case an elderly woman who was being hassled by an Akita which weighed nearly 8 times more. However bold a Yorkie maybe it can land itself in serious trouble and suffer severe injury, for these reasons they are not recommended for very small children.

Grooming & Training:  Yorkshire terriers are best known for their long flowing coat, and as a pet, it is important that the coat is brushed daily using both a comb and a brush to ensure all knots and tangles are removed. This all avoid frequent trips to a professional groomer. If there is a topknot it is especially important to take it down, and simply brush out and redo. Leaving the topknot up may damage the coat and it is vital as it may be to tight for the dog. As any other breed, hair under and around the tail should be checked for faeces. Checking the teeth regularly is important as tooth problems are common in these dogs as their mouths are small and over crowded. Therefore make it a habit to include brushing the teeth part of the daily groom. Do not worry if this all sounds time consuming, once mastered, the daily groom should take no longer than 15 minutes and is vital for the dogs happiness and health. Luckily bathing should not be done more than once a month and probably best every 6 weeks.

This is a naturally active breed and the exercise needs of the Yorkie will, in large part, be filled by games and his general busyness around the house and garden. Daily walks are also necessary as he takes great pleasure in getting out and about and these excursions will keep him mentally alert as well as physically fit. Off-lead exercise is not recommended unless in a safe area as his hunting instincts may triggered by the sound of a mouse or other small animal and he could run off and into trouble. He is sensitive to the cold so should wear a coat in inclement weather.

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