A-z - Animals

yorkshire terrier

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key point

  • Yorkshire Terriers are long-lived, small in size and full of energy.
  • They don't have much patience with small children and may snap at them impatiently.
  • They are especially energetic and will play all day long if you want them to.
yorkshire terrier 1

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Yorkshire terriers, also known as Yorkies, are the epitome of toy-sized dogs. It's a delicate thing that usually grows to no more than 7 pounds and no more than 9 inches at the shoulders.

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Although the teacup dog is considered a purebred dog, its origins are cross-breeding. He is a cross between the Clydesdale Terrier and the now extinct Paisley Terrier.

The Yorkshire Terrier may be small, but he's lively, tenacious, brave, and as pushy as a poop. They are very bold and popular among large cities and city dwellers across the country.

Yorkshire terriers have all the characteristics of a terrier. Yorkies are long-lived and love company. He's one of a kind and a great little watchdog that's sure to keep you entertained!



Yorkshire puppies and adults have different coat colors. They are naturally tan and black. Over the years, their coats turn blue, then the tan becomes more intense, almost golden.

evolution and origin

Yorkshire Terrier (Canis familiaris) - standing on grass
The breed's origins can be seen from its name; these small dogs were bred to Yorkshire by Scottish immigrants during the Industrial Revolution

©Imageman/Shutterstock.com

Yorkshire Terrier Health and Recreation

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As the name suggests, the Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire, England.
This breed of dog evolved alongside Britain's Industrial Revolution in the 1800s. This period saw Scottish workers migrating to the mines and textile mills in search of work. These immigrant workers brought with them a variety of small terriers known as Scottish terriers. The breeding of these different small terriers such as Paisley, Skye, and Clydesdale led to the birth of the Yorkshire Terrier. The breed was originally known as the Broken Terrier, later the Toy Terrier, and finally the Yorkshire Terrier in 1874.

Over time, the Yorkshire Terrier evolved from a ratter and retriever to a luxury pet. The Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred in the holes of mines and textile mills to exterminate rodents and other vermin that hid in the crevices. They evolved to hunt small animals that lived in burrows and rocky crevasses in forests, making the breed popular for their fearless hunting of prey.

Yorkshire terriers grew in popularity to the point that the breed was no longer restricted to the mines and forests as working dogs, but was brought home as pets. Its popularity rose due to its exceptionally small statues and silk fur. Its popularity gained ground in British society and the breed was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1886 and the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Types of Yorkshire Mixes

Torkie puppy playing outside
Torkies are just one of several Yorkshire Terrier mixes available

© Plain Photography/Shutterstock.com

The record books only record the little dog we know and love, the Yorkshire Terrier. There are several varieties mixed.

There's the Biewer (pronounced beaver) terrier, which is a new breed of Yorkshire terrier. The Biewer Terrier is one of those charming dogs with an elegant long coat.

Biewer is very rare. A purebred dog produced from the piebald genes of two Yorkshire terriers. You have Mismarked terriers, which are distinguished from Yorkies by their unique coloring.

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Breeders have done a lot with Yorkies. Designer Yorkies include the Chorkie — a Yorkie-Maltese mix. While teacups are associated with many types of dogs, the purebred Teacup Yorkie is known less for its size than its condition. Often, they are small due to health problems.

Yorkshire Terrier crossbreeds run the gamut. Some of these include:

  • Corkie: A cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Cocker Spaniel. It was originally bred to hunt woodcock and vermin.
  • Borkie: A Yorkshire Terrier-Beagle crossbreed, this breed is known for its strong attachment to its owners. The first of them was born in the 1990s.
  • Chorkie: A cross between a long-haired or short-haired Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier. They tend to have the prominent eyes of their Chihuahua parents and the vigor of both parents.
  • Dorkie: A dachshund-Yorkshire terrier cross that is very affectionate and gets along with other furry companions.
  • Havashire Terrier: A cross between a Havanese and a Yorkshire terrier, this breed is known for being intelligent and having a mind of its own.
  • Griffonshire: A crossbreed of the Brussels Griffon and Yorkshire Terrier, known for its intelligent, rude and affectionate nature.
  • Pug: A pug-Yorkshire terrier cross, this breed is friendly with friends and strangers alike. It's also generally healthier than pugs who are generally in poor health.
  • Morkie: A Maltese-Yorkshire terrier cross, this mix may be more like one parent than the other. It has a reputation for being a bit mischievous, which belies its extremely cute appearance.
  • Torkie: A cross between a Toy Fox Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier, this adorable little dog is known for being protective and prone to snapping when upset.
  • Snorkie: This cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Yorkshire Terrier is a very intelligent and excellent guard dog despite its small size.
  • Yoranian: A Pomeranian-Yorkshire terrier mix, this fluffy, cuddly furry creature is not only good with kids, but also very lively.

Owning a Yorkshire Terrier: 3 Pros and Cons

yorkshire terrier
Despite their diminutive stature, the Yorkshire Terrier is known for being lively and bold.

Yorkies are consistently on the AKC's top breed lists. She's a little package with a huge personality. Still, ownership doesn't mean you're golden. To balance things out, here are three pros and three cons associated with dogs.

advantage! shortcoming!
Sheds are light and shed-free making Yorkies one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers. Other dogs you don't need to worry about are Norwich terriers, Italian greyhounds, and general terriers. Physically Fragile <br>Due to their tiny size, your miniature dog may require close supervision and monitoring. They are vulnerable. Don't let your Yorkie run free in the open space around other people. Be aware when they are around young children who may become aggressive at play.
Doesn't Require Much ExerciseUnlike many dogs, Yorkies only need about 30 minutes of physical activity each day. That's half the time for most canines. Your dog will be delighted to take the toy for a walk or play in the yard. Get spoiled easily <br>It's not necessarily the dog's fault. Owners tend to treat the Yorkie like a flower, take him around and so on. In dogs, this can lead to squealing, suspiciousness, and even obscenity.
Potential to live in peace with other pets <br>In general, Yorkshire Terriers have no problem with other dogs in the household. These puppies can also learn to get along with cats if given proper socialization training. Burglary will be a task <br>These dogs are known for their stubbornness and ability to break the rules, especially when they are spoiled. These puppies really need early training and a clear understanding of who's boss!

size and weight

Yorkshire terrier in the garden
Male and female Yorkshire terriers are usually able to grow to the same maximum weight

© Mr. SUTTIPON YAKHAM/Shutterstock.com website

Yorkies tend to be inconsistent in size. For puppies, a litter can have one pup weighing 4 lbs and the other up to 6 lbs. And, often, one of the puppies turns into a 15-pound adult dog.

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On average, these miniature dogs are eight to nine inches tall at the shoulder. They won't weigh more than seven pounds, with four to six pounds considered optimal.

height (male) 8 to 9 inches
height (female) 8 to 9 inches
weight (male) 7 pounds
weight (female) 7 pounds

common health problems

yorkshire terrier
Yorkshire terriers may suffer from skin allergies, hypoglycemia or dislocated kneecaps

© Anna Vasiljeva/Shutterstock.com

Yorkshire was the victim of three health problems. These are acquired genetic or congenital disorders. Only a few breed-specific conditions are inherited. Your Miniature Terrier is exposed to these health risks throughout its life cycle.

You should speak to a breeder or veterinarian early on to help with quick diagnosis and treatment. Here are the health hazards your puppy could fall victim to.

  • hypoglycemia
  • Legg-Perthes disease
  • Skin allergies
  • retinal dysplasia
  • kneecap dislocation

Temperament and Behavior

A tan puppy wearing a tuxedo
Yorkshire terriers are very intelligent and can be aloof and fierce despite their cute appearance

© Artsiom Kuchynski/Shutterstock.com

All dogs need early socialization. Yorkshire terriers are no exception. They need exposure to different sights, sounds, people and experiences. Socialization of miniature puppies increases their chances of well-rounded development and friendliness.

They will be great companions and friends, but you, the owner, must be prepared. Yorkshire need leaders and limits. Early training, when they are puppies, can increase the chances that bad habits will be easily corrected later.

In the dog world, Yorkies are above average in intelligence. This helps make them easy to train. They are energetic, communicative, and very, very independent. All these characteristics create different temperaments.

These miniature dogs can also be unfriendly and ferocious. But, again, with proper training and socialization, you can reduce this behavior.

care

Yorkshire Terrier and Beagle Cheese
Yorkshire Terriers have a lot of energy if you let them run all day

© iStock.com/Przemysław Iciak

Keep up with veterinary visits, as your dog is a fragile animal. If they are particularly small, keep an eye out for them. This could be a sign of some kind of disease or disorder. This dog has a lot of energy and you want to make sure they get some rest.

Your poop likes to be busy and will run all day. That's why your dog needs a small space of his own, perhaps an indoor dog playpen. It allows them to rest or take a nap.

A gated room is probably fine for adults as long as it's not too big. Use changing pads to avoid accidents, but don't rely on them as a substitute for indoor braking or walking.

best dog food

Yorkshire terrier sitting on table with sour cream bowl and jam jar.
Yorkshire Terriers need a rich meal before starting a training day to prevent hypoglycemia

©iStock.com/yacobchuk

Care must be taken when feeding Yorkies. Because of their miniature size, they don't need a lot of food. They also may not be as active as other dogs. Eat according to size and activity. A moderately active dog only needs about 150 calories per day. Break feedings into smaller meals, up to four meals a day.

To help prevent hypoglycemia, make sure to feed your Yorkshire Terrier a solid meal at least ninety minutes before exercise and activity. Be sure to choose a dog food that contains enough protein and fat. Due to their long coat, you should also consider a formula rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.

At AZ Animals, we've researched the ingredients in Hill's Science Diet Adult Formula and believe it's the best dog food for Yorkies. It contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids (which support the Yorkie's long coat), as well as smaller kibble, making it easier for small dogs to eat and digest.

Read more about the best dog food for Yorkies, including our picks for the best dog food for puppies, adults and seniors.

train

Yorkies are curious and intelligent, so learning is in their nature. They are also independent. Consistent, sensible training and leadership will ensure their behavior. If you're sending them to obedience school, it's important that you take all of the teacher's advice to heart. With a firm but positive hand, Yorkies are quick learners.

Maintenance and Grooming

Yorkies need daily brushing to keep their coat soft, silky, and free of mats, tangles, and debris. The trick is to never brush dry the coat. Dry brushing can break your dog's fine hair. But you don't have to bathe them first. Just a squirt of poop. Use a shine conditioner or plain water. After wetting the coat, brush the dog safely.

Occasional professional grooming is always recommended. But if you're cutting hair at home, check with your veterinarian or breeder, or check out the plethora of YouTube videos.

While there are many grooming tools out there, you want the one that works best for your dog. Again, this is a discussion with a professional. They will help you decide if your pet needs a double-sided comb or a rotary pin comb. And make sure you have a nice haircut kit.

When showering, don't use a lot of shampoo. Use half the recommended dose of the product. Rinse twice to make sure all the shampoo is washed away.

Brush your teeth for a few minutes every day. With routine, the resistance of usually stubborn dogs is weakened. At least, brush once a week. You can also shave once a month or twice a year.

exercise

Yorkshire Terrier (Canis familiaris) - walking across the grass
Yorkshire Terriers are energetic and could benefit from an exercise program

©tsik/Shutterstock.com

Lively, energetic, Yorkshire Terriers love to take part in fun activities. But we as owners must remember that these animals are small and fragile. You can't push them to extremes. Thirty minutes a day is a good length of time. Don't take them for long runs or bike rides.

Stick to a schedule with your puppy. They are smart and will be mentally prepared to go out. They might even be waiting for you so they can relax before breaking the rules.

They love catch balls, frisbees and catch or bats. With natural hunting characteristics, retrieving is a good sport for the Yorkie.

puppy

Small yorkshire terrier puppy 7 weeks playing in the garden
Special care must be taken to provide the Yorkshire Terrier with a firm and loving hand

©anetapics/Shutterstock.com

If you're thinking of getting a Yorkshire terrier puppy, check out breeders and rescue and shelter operations. Buying one outright could prove costly, so give the rescue a chance.

Do your research. You'll get a friendly, loving, and energetic friend. But you also get a dog who needs your attention and a firm hand. You will be in charge of its grooming, feeding and more.

children

Young children should not be left with Yorkies unsupervised. Children may play excessively, and a frail Yorkie may become flustered. They may snap or growl at children who do not harm them. It's important to set boundaries for your pet's and child's interactions. Socialization can help a lot, as can training and positive discipline.

similar dog

Here are three dog breeds like Yorkshire terriers.

  • Yorkillon: A mix of Yorkie and Papillion creates this adorable miniature dog. They are a great company and won't hesitate to let you know if something suspicious is going on.
  • Havashire: Havashire is literally the size of a teacup. Breeders created these puppies by mixing Havanese and Yorkies. They bond with their families and are very protective of themselves. But without proper socialization, what you're looking at is a dog that may be very happy to be around your visitors.
  • Maltese: This white miniature dog is a cross between a Yorkie and a Morki. This dog is also known as Maltiork, Malkie, Yortese, and Yorkiemalt. They are dressed in beautiful white coats, what you see is what you get.

Here are some popular and great names for Yorkshire terrier puppies.

  • Alfie
  • Oscar
  • Bailey
  • Bella
  • laura

famous yorkshire terrier

Probably the most famous Yorkie is the Smoky. During rescue operations during World War II, Smoky saved American lives. She dragged a communications cable through a 60-foot culvert, keeping troops clear. The pup visits wounded soldiers in the hospital, possibly making Smoky the first therapy dog. The book Yorkie Doodle Dandy is about Smoky. Six monuments commemorate her. A dog museum in the AKC.

Other famous Yorkies include:

  • During the Nixon administration, a Yorkie lived in the White House.
  • Pinocchio has appeared on the Today Show and The Oprah Oprah Show.
  • Whitney Houston has a Yorkie named Doogie on the reality show Being Bobby Brown .

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Yorkies can be a great choice for families as long as owners are willing to spend a lot of time with their pets and have no children under the age of 10.

Frequent and excessive barking is one of the biggest complaints Yorkshire Terrier owners have about their beloved pets. While talking loudly and being vigilant are great for home security, homeowners should consider desensitizing doorbells and other common triggers.

Yorkies are one of the smallest dog breeds. Adults are generally only 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 3 and 7 pounds.

Yorkshire terriers belong to the animal kingdom.

The Yorkshire Terrier belongs to the class Mammalia.

Yorkshire terriers belong to the phylum Chordate.

Yorkshire terriers belong to the canine family.

Yorkshire Terriers belong to the order Carnivora.

Yorkshire terriers belong to the genus Canis.

Yorkshire terriers are covered in hair.

The scientific name of the Yorkshire Terrier is Canis lupus.

Yorkshire terriers are great companions. They are preferred for mixing with other dogs because breeders want the ideal pug.

Yorkshire terrier puppies range in price from $600 to $2,500. The average price is $1,200. The cost for the first year will be around $3,855. After that, you'll spend $1,230 per year. Over the dog's lifetime, the price to own a Yorkie is about $18,615.

Yes, if they are properly trained and socialized.

The Yorkie's lifespan is 13 to 16 years.

Won't. These safe dogs won't affect your air quality.

They are hunters, loving and very popular with breeders who want to breed a new pug.

Yorkshires are resistant to training and can spoil easily, making them difficult to deal with.

The main difference between the Yokie and the Morkie is that the Morkie is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkie. Morkies tend to be larger and can be overly protective of their owners.