Introduction

The petite Yorkshire Terrier, fondly known as the Yorkie, is a spirited and endlessly entertaining companion that lights up any home.

Originally, before becoming the beloved lapdog they are today, Yorkies played a vital role in keeping textile mills rodent-free. Scottish weavers who migrated to England in the mid-1800s relied on these tenacious little dogs to chase away pesky vermin, according to leading canine experts at Petscarelab.

A fully grown Yorkie stands a mere 7–8 inches tall and weighs no more than 7 pounds, but their vibrant and bold personality defies their tiny frame. One of their most striking features is their long, silky coat — a luxurious blend of deep blue and tan hues, often styled into a chic, short haircut that highlights their fashionable flair.

Caring for a Yorkie

Yorkshire Terriers make affectionate and lively family pets, equally happy in cozy apartments or spacious homes with room to dash around. These playful, sometimes bossy little dogs brim with energy and thrive when mentally engaged.

Due to their fine, hair-like coats, Yorkies require regular, thorough grooming to keep them looking their best. They’re also sensitive to chilly weather, so outfitting them with cozy dog coats or adorable sweaters is a must during colder months.

Yorkie Health Issues

Yorkies are known for their impressive longevity, often living 11–15 years. Generally a healthy breed, they can still face certain health challenges. For new Yorkie owners, pet health insurance can be a wise investment to help manage unexpected medical costs.

Hypoglycemia

Small and toy breeds, like Yorkie puppies, are particularly vulnerable to hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar. Frequent feeding is essential for keeping your pup’s energy steady. Warning signs of hypoglycemia include:

• Weakness or lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion or disorientation
• Trembling
• Seizures

If your Yorkie shows any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Dental Disease

Dental issues are common in aging dogs, especially small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier. Accumulation of tartar and plaque laden with bacteria can inflame the gums, leading to tooth and even bone decay over time.

Preventing dental disease starts with daily toothbrushing using a pet-safe toothpaste designed specifically for dogs. Regular professional cleanings under anesthesia are important too—these allow vets to thoroughly examine the mouth, remove stubborn tartar, polish teeth to prevent future buildup, and address any severe dental problems.

Patellar Luxation

The patella, or kneecap, typically rests snugly in a groove on the femur bone. In dogs with patellar luxation, the kneecap slips out of place, which can cause discomfort and may eventually lead to arthritis.

Mild cases can often be managed with anti-inflammatory medications and joint supplements to ease pain. However, severe luxation might require surgical intervention to stabilize the kneecap.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse happens when the windpipe weakens and flattens, often due to the gradual weakening of the cartilage rings that normally keep it sturdy. Yorkshire Terriers are genetically predisposed to this condition.

A telltale symptom is a persistent dry cough that worsens with activity or excitement. Most cases respond well to medication, but severe tracheal collapse may necessitate surgery to restore proper breathing.

Managing your Yorkie’s weight is crucial in preventing and controlling this condition. Always use a harness instead of a collar on walks, as collars can place damaging pressure on the delicate trachea.

Liver Shunt (Portosystemic Shunt)

A liver shunt is an abnormal blood vessel connection that causes blood to bypass the liver, preventing the organ from filtering toxins effectively. This leads to a toxic buildup in the bloodstream.

Signs of a liver shunt include stunted growth, confusion, circling behaviors, and sometimes seizures—symptoms that tend to worsen after consuming high-protein meals.

Most Yorkie liver shunts are congenital defects diagnosed through bloodwork, imaging such as ultrasounds or CT scans, and occasionally exploratory surgery.

Treatment ranges from specialized diets and medications to surgery, depending on the severity.

What To Feed a Yorkie

Choosing a commercial kibble or wet dog food that meets the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a reliable way to ensure your Yorkie gets a balanced, complete diet.

Puppies thrive on formulas made specifically for their developmental stage or those designed for “all life stages.” Adult Yorkies may benefit from a diet that supports dental health, which can be discussed with your veterinarian.

How To Feed a Yorkie

Adult Yorkies typically do well with two to three meals per day, while puppies require three to four smaller meals daily to keep their blood sugar stable.

Choose kibble sized appropriately for the small mouths of Yorkshire Terriers to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable.

How Much Should You Feed a Yorkie?

Feeding amounts depend on several factors: your Yorkie’s size, metabolism, whether they are neutered or spayed, and their activity levels.

Your veterinarian can help determine the perfect portion sizes by calculating your dog’s caloric needs. Feeding guidelines on dog food packaging also offer useful starting points.

Remember, treats can add up quickly—keep treats to no more than 10% of your Yorkie’s daily calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight.

Nutritional Tips for Yorkies

Most nutritious needs are met with a high-quality, AAFCO-approved diet. Your vet may suggest supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) to promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, strong joints, kidney function, and heart health.

Omega-3s can be found in fish oil, skin and joint supplements, or specially formulated diets designed to support cognitive and overall wellness.

Yorkie Personality and Temperament

Yorkies pack a confident, courageous spirit into their small size, often showing a bossy streak. Generally affectionate and sociable with both family and visitors, each Yorkie has its own unique personality.

Many Yorkies are gentle with children and other pets, but adult supervision is essential to prevent accidental injuries, especially given their tiny stature.

Yorkie Behavior

Though small, Yorkies carry a big attitude. They often imagine themselves as much larger and louder than they really are, which can lead to frequent barking.

With consistent training to manage barking, Yorkies adapt wonderfully to apartment life. Keeping them mentally stimulated with play and challenges helps curb nuisance behaviors. Above all, Yorkies are curious, confident companions eager to be engaged.

Yorkie Training

Yorkies are intelligent but can be stubborn and sometimes less motivated by food rewards, making training a bit of a challenge.

The key to success is patient positive reinforcement—use praise and tasty treats to keep your pup enthusiastic. Keep training sessions short and enjoyable to maintain their focus.

Early socialization is crucial, helping your Yorkie grow into a friendly, well-adjusted dog.

Fun Activities for Yorkies

• Engaging nose work games
• Brain-boosting puzzle toys
• Agility exercises to build coordination
• Classic fetch sessions

Yorkie Grooming Guide

With their long, silky locks, Yorkies demand considerable grooming, especially when sporting a luxurious full-length coat. Some owners opt for the easier-to-manage short Yorkie haircut.

Skin Care

Yorkies can develop dry, flaky skin. Using a moisturizing shampoo along with omega-3 supplements can nourish their skin and help prevent dryness.

Bathing more than every two weeks is not recommended, as it can strip away essential natural oils.

They are also prone to clogged pores, causing bumps and inflammation. Special medicated shampoos, like those containing benzoyl peroxide, can help cleanse and soothe the skin.

Coat Care

Daily brushing is essential to prevent tangles and mats if you keep your Yorkie’s coat long. For those with a shorter puppy-style cut, weekly brushing usually suffices.

A small, gentle pin brush works best for delicate Yorkie fur.

Professional grooming every six to eight weeks keeps their coat healthy and stylish.

Eye Care

Yorkies often develop tear stains beneath their eyes. Wiping the eyes gently with a damp cloth or using an eye cleaning solution daily can reduce buildup.

Keeping hair around their eyes short or tied back prevents irritation and allows clear vision.

Ear Care

Inspect your Yorkie’s ears weekly and clean them when necessary to ward off infections. Persistent debris or redness warrants a veterinary checkup.

Consult your vet for the safest ear cleaning products tailored for Yorkshire Terriers.

Dental Care

Maintaining your Yorkie’s dental health is vital. Brush their teeth daily with vet-approved toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Regular professional cleanings and additional dental protections like chews, special diets, or water additives can help keep their smile bright and healthy.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Yorkies are wonderfully loyal companions, though their bossy, vocal nature requires patient training.

Before bringing a Yorkie home, explore pet insurance options to offset costs related to common health issues like liver shunts and hypoglycemia. Prioritize oral care with daily brushing to stave off dental problems.

Regular grooming, even with shorter haircuts, is necessary to keep these little dogs looking and feeling their best.

With dedication to grooming and health care, a Yorkshire Terrier can be a joyful, loving addition to the family.

How long do Yorkies live?

On average, Yorkshire Terriers enjoy a lifespan of 11–15 years.

How big do Yorkies get?

Adult Yorkies typically stand 7–8 inches tall and weigh up to 7 pounds.

Are Yorkies hypoallergenic?

Thanks to their unique coat, Yorkies are often considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is truly allergen-free, Yorkies can be a better fit for allergy sufferers. It’s wise to spend time with the breed before adoption to gauge your reaction.

How much do Yorkies cost?

Yorkshire Terrier puppies from reputable breeders range from $800 to $2,500, with special lineage sometimes commanding higher prices. Adoption through shelters or breed-specific rescues is another option.

Do Yorkies shed?

Yorkies shed constantly but at much lower levels compared to many other breeds.

Are Yorkies a good family dog?

Loyal, playful, and affectionate, Yorkies make excellent companions. However, families with very young children should be cautious as these tiny dogs can be accidentally injured during rough play.

Are Yorkies high-maintenance?

Yorkies require considerable grooming, especially if their coats are kept long and flowing. A shorter Yorkie cut significantly reduces upkeep and is more manageable for busy pet parents.

Should I buy a teacup Yorkie?

Avoid purchasing “teacup” Yorkies or any dog bred to be unnaturally tiny. These dogs often suffer serious health problems. Steer clear of breeders advertising teacup Yorkies, and opt for healthy, responsibly bred companions instead.