Yorkies have a playful, affectionate, and feisty temperament with moderately high or high energy levels. They are attention-seekers that love to ham it up. Despite their small size, they often have the personality of bigger dogs, courageous watchdogs that are protective of their owners but occasionally snappish with children. Training is recommended when bringing a Yorkie into the family home.
In general, Yorkies are healthy dogs with a typically long life span. However, there are a few health problems that tend to plague Yorkies. Some of the conditions are more severe and are prevalent in several of the toy breeds. They include dental disease, heart disease, and blood sugar regulation.
Caring for your Yorkie can average $180 per month or almost $2,200 annually for food, supplements, grooming, and dental care alone. The cost of a Yorkie’s care and cost can climb much higher if it’s diagnosed with a serious illness or condition, including those mentioned above.
Preparing for such costs by purchasing health insurance may significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. An alternative to pet health insurance is a pet savings account.
If you plan to enter your little Yorkie in dog competitions, expect to spend more for grooming and maintaining your dog’s long coat.
While many may consider the Yorkie a pampered pooch from the Victorian era, the breed has a working-class beginning. Scottish weavers migrating to England fancied the Yorkshire terrier because it could chase rats and other rodents in small spaces inside the weaving mills. Yorkies also were used as rat killers in coal mines.
The dogs got a boost in reputation in 1886 when the Kennel Club of England recognized the Yorkshire terrier breed. They soon became fashionable, especially as a lady’s companion. Yorkies were first reported in America in 1870, and in 1885, the American Kennel Club recorded its first Yorkie, a female.
Caring for a new puppy of any breed can be overwhelming. You’ll need to make your first trip to the vet and schedule your dog’s vaccinations. It’s also important to puppy-proof your home, prepare for teething, and obtain a free ID tag through an organization like FidoAlert.
Here are some other care suggestions specific for the needs of Yorkies.
Because of their small size, Yorkies can comfortably live in apartments or larger residences but need regular exercise.
👉 Yorkies have less muscular support around their necks. Invest in a harness versus a leash for outside time.
The Yorkie’s beautiful coat takes work to stay clean and tangle-free. Whether you are growing it out for dog shows or keeping it trimmed, expect to work on your Yorkie’s coat several times a week. For dog competitions, keep the coat moderately long and perfectly straight with the help of once-a-week baths. Otherwise, bathe them every other week. A pin brush, metal-toothed comb, and slicker brush as well as pet shampoos and conditioners made specifically for a drop silky coat can help with at-home baths.
Trim your Yorkie every four to six weeks, either with a professional groomer or at home. As with any other breed, regularly trim your dog’s nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth.
Yorkies don’t need a special diet beyond high-quality commercial dog food. They are known to be picky eaters, so you may need to experiment with different brands.
Other tips include:
Yorkies are intelligent dogs with feisty, fun personalities. While they can be a little tough to train, Yorkies are loyal pups that want to please their owners. When teaching your pup to walk on a leash, be prepared for a fighter instinct if your Yorkie spots another dog on your walks, even a larger breed, that they perceive as a threat. They may resist such walks on cold or rainy days, so we suggest investing in doggie jackets and booties. Be patient while training — treats like Cheerios or shredded cheese will help reinforce good habits.
Not quite sure that a Yorkie is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:
They certainly can be. If you opt for a full-bred Yorkies from a reputable breeder, expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $10,000. The ones at the top of the pay scale are the American Kennel Club champions, and you’ll want to get the proper documentation from the breeder. Adoption fees for mixed-breed Yorkies at a shelter or through a rescue group are much less.
Yorkies consider themselves little watchdogs and will bark if they suspect a threat to their home and people. However, if someone comes into the home whom the family knows, Yorkies typically warm up quickly.
Yorkies are known for being stubborn when it comes to housetraining. They may resist going outdoors when it’s cold or rainy weather. Owners can overcome this by choosing one specific area outside for their pooch to do their business, wrapping their Yorkie in sweaters and booties, scheduling time for potty breaks, and rewarding success.
