Everything you need to know about Yorkshire Terriers
- Life Expectancytypically 12+ years
- SheddingLong length with low shedding
- SizeSmall
Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, are typically less active dogs. They are small and dainty, with a long, silky coat. Yorkshire Terriers can be a mixture of colours including black, blue, tan and gold.
There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Yorkshire Terriers, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.
Thinking about giving a Yorkshire Terrier a forever home? Here are some Yorkshire Terrier facts that might help you decide.
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Caring for Yorkshire Terriers
Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Yorkshire Terrier.
Health issues
Before you give any dog a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.
Yorkshire Terriers are brachycephalic, which mea...
Before you give any dog a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.
Yorkshire Terriers are brachycephalic, which means they have short noses, flat faces, or both. They can struggle with various health issues related to this body shape. Find out more about brachycephalic dogs and potential health problems.
To find out more about potential health issues for Yorkshire Terriers, speak to your local vet. Some vet practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations’ where you can get advice on potential health conditions, management options and a rough idea of associated costs.
If you’re thinking of buying a puppy, they’ll also be able to give you advice on finding a responsible breeder, as well as testing for inheritable diseases.
Whatever the breed, all dogs need basic preventative health care like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. You’ll also need insurance to help cover the cost of vet bills.
Why dog insurance is important
Vet care essentials
Why dog insurance is important
Preparing for your new dog
Your puppy
Preparing for your new dog
How to have a happy vet visit
Visiting the vet
How to have a happy vet visit
How to perform a health check on your dog
Vet care at home
How to perform a health check on your dog
How much food does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
The amount of food a Yorkie needs depends on their:
- age
- size
- activity levels
- fitness
- weight.
You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, tak...
The amount of food a Yorkie needs depends on their:
- age
- size
- activity levels
- fitness
- weight.
You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, taking your dog’s individual needs into account.
Your dog's body condition is helpful for deciding how much food to give your dog. You can find more about body condition scoring from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA).
If you’re not sure, ask your vet for advice.
How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
Yorkshire Terriers need regular exercise and stimulation, but they might not manage long or strenuous walks or mountain hikes.
Yorkshire Terriers are also at higher risk of developing heat stroke. Take a look Yorkshire Terriers need regular exercise and stimulation, but they might not manage long or strenuous walks or mountain hikes. Yorkshire Terriers are also at higher risk of developing heat stroke. Take a look at our warm weather advice for more information. Like all dogs, they will need training and will benefit from daily enrichment. If you enjoy regular relaxing strolls, this breed could be a great match for you. Things that you need to think about when exercising your Yorkshire Terrier include their: For example, young or growing dogs might need a few shorter walks each day, rather than one long one. Older, injured or ill dogs will have different exercise needs which should be tailored to them based on advice from your vet. Some dogs will need peaceful walks without many other people or dogs around. Others will enjoy meeting new people and play dates with their furry friends. Check with your vet if you need advice on exercising your dog. Enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained Recipes and enrichment How to find a good dog walker Outside the home
Enrichment activities to keep your dog enterta...
How to find a good dog walker
How much grooming does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
Due to their long hair, Yorkies need regular grooming, often every day. They are likely to need professional grooming. You can also choose to keep their hair short in a ‘puppy cut’ and a professional groomer can trim ...
Due to their long hair, Yorkies need regular grooming, often every day. They are likely to need professional grooming. You can also choose to keep their hair short in a ‘puppy cut’ and a professional groomer can trim it every 6–8 weeks.
To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a time. Teaching your dog to feel relaxed and confident will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone.
What size crate do you need for a Yorkshire Terrier?
When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:
- sit and stand up at their full height
- turn around without touching the sides
- lie down fully stretched out
- comfortabl...
When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:
- sit and stand up at their full height
- turn around without touching the sides
- lie down fully stretched out
- comfortably wag their tail.
It's important to build up the time dogs spend in their crate gradually and to help them associate it with good things happening.
Playpen and crate training a puppy
Training at home
Playpen and crate training a p...
Yorkie behaviour and training
Even if you think you know about Yorkshire Terriers, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.
What’s the temperament of a Yorkshire Terrier?
Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Yorkshire Terrier temperament is different.
As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world....
Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Yorkshire Terrier temperament is different.
As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to situations in different ways.
For example, some dogs might like meeting other dogs and some may not. Some might like new experiences and others may need to go slowly.
How to understand your dog's body language
Understanding your dog
How to understand your dog's body language
Introducing your puppy to the world around them
Your puppy
Introducing your puppy to the world around the...
Introducing your new dog or puppy to your current dog
Life at home
Introducing your new dog or pu...
Are Yorkies easy to train?
You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s small food treats, toys or lots of praise, tra...
You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s small food treats, toys or lots of praise, training with rewards is the best way for your dog to learn.
As dogs are clever animals, they need suitable mental and physical exercise so that they don't get bored. Learning useful life skills such as recall, loose lead walking and settling are just as important. This ensures that you and your dog can spend enjoyable time together, both at home and out and about.
Positive reinforcement – training with rewards
Training techniques
Positive reinforcement – training with rewards...
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children?
Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...
Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are some universal ways to behave safely around them and treat them with respect.
As this is an important skill for the whole family — adults included — why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? It’s suitable for children aged seven to eleven.
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