The Yorkshire Terrier has been on the Top 10 AKC registration list for more than a decade. These little terriers have huge personalities that win people’s hearts. However, even with its many charms, a Yorkie is not for everyone, or every family. When Yorkie puppies aren’t properly matched with new owners, or placed by responsible breeders, these dogs end up abandoned in local shelters. Here are some Yorkie characteristics to keep in mind when deciding whether a Yorkshire terrier is for you.
Yorkshire Terriers’ Daily Grooming and Maintenance Needs
Yorkshire terriers can have long, silky coats that are prone to matting, especially under the legs and chest area. The beautiful Yorkie hair continues growing. If you choose to keep your dog with a long coat, called a “show coat”, you’ll need to brush it every day. Shorter clips, called “puppy-cuts”, don’t need as much attention but can still develop mats without regular attention. If you enjoy fussing, primping, grooming, brushing and dressing-up then a Yorkshire terrier might be the perfect dog for you. Otherwise, consider a shorter hair breed that doesn’t need special grooming.
Yorkies are High Energy and Active Dogs
Yorkies are pure terriers and, like most terrier breeds, are very energetic dogs. Their small size can fool the unprepared, new owner who was expecting a more sedate puppy dog. Yorkshire terriers need daily exercise and playtimes in moderate amounts. These feisty terriers excel in many sports generally thought of as “big dog” sports, such as agility training, tracking, Frisbee games and flyball.
Yorkies: Barking and “Big Dog” Attitude
Yorkshire terriers are alert dogs who will notify you of strangers in the surrounding area. For most homeowners this is a welcome benefit. For apartment dwellers a sharp, piercing bark each time the neighbor has a visitor could cause problems. The Yorkshire terrier alertness, coupled with their desire to protect their territory, can also mean problems with intruding dogs. An endearing trait of the Yorkie is the “big dog” attitude in such a small package. However, that attitude creates problems should the Yorkie ever tangle with an actual big dog! Your Yorkshire terrier should never be allowed off its leash when out for a walk – their terrier instincts mean they’ll readily dash off after an interesting scent, and their territorial attitude gets them attacked by another dog.
Yorkshire Terriers and Children?
The great debate in the Yorkie world is whether Yorkshire terriers and children mix. Some breeders won’t sell their puppies to anyone with children under 12 years of age. Other Yorkie breeders, who have young children themselves, are more comfortable placing their puppies in carefully-screened households with children. If you have children and want a Yorkie, try getting a larger dog as well. Multiple dog households have the advantage of allowing children to spread the attention to more than one pet. Of course, no young child should ever be left unsupervised with any dog, so responsible pet ownership (and parenting) is the key to prevent dog/child problems. Under no circumstances allow children to hold a Yorkie while standing up; even a young toddler weighs enough to seriously injure the delicate bones of a Yorkshire terrier.
Spoiling and Training Your Yorkshire Terrier
Their small size and cute expression means a Yorkshire terrier may be spoiled and indulged, rather than properly trained. Yorkies are considered a difficult breed to housebreak, often because their owners never crate train them. Allowing your adorable puppy to develop bad habits; like jumping on the furniture, begging for table scraps or urinating inside, means you’ll soon have a stubborn and tenacious adult dog who rules the house, instead of respecting you. Proper puppy training is simple when done consistently; and good manners are especially important for Yorkies.
The Yorkshire terrier is the second most popular dog in the United States for many good reasons. Yorkies are loving, compact, playful, and energetic dogs with tons of personality. However, with this terrier-might comes a few traits not perfect for every household, so please consider carefully before selecting your Yorkshire terrier.
Angela England - Angela England is a problogger, mother of four (yes I know what causes that), speaker, teacher, labor doula, gardener and so much more.
Join the Conversation