Yorkshire Terriers might think they are a big tough dog, but this Toy breed needs to be cared for in a certain way in order to have a long and happy life.
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their playful, inquisitive manner and their small size. In fact, most Yorkies do not weigh any more than seven pounds. The appeal of the Yorkie is infectious, and according to the American Kennel Club, in 2006 the Yorkshire Terrier was the second most popular dog breed in the United States, with the Labrador Retriever being first.
Caring for the Coat
Many new Yorkie owners might be under the misconception that the dog only has a coat of medium-length. This is not true, since Yorkshire Terriers are a long-haired breed through and through. However, many owners, unless they are showing their Yorkies, prefer to keep the coat at mid-length or shorter. The coat of a Yorkie is unique, in that they have fine hair instead of fur. This is beneficial to people who have allergies or don’t want a dog who excessively sheds, because Yorkies shed very little.
When people get their Yorkies as puppies, they probably won’t need to have it groomed for a couple of months. The same goes for when the puppy grows into adulthood, since a trim of both the coat and the claws lasts about two months at a time. However, it is beneficial to give the Yorkie a general bath in the tub (although they are small enough to be bathed in the sink) once a month. During this time, pay special attention to the ears and the eyes, since both areas seem to be magnets for dirt. Also, food will often get stuck in the Yorkie’s beard, so be sure to brush the Yorkie with a comfortable grooming brush several times a week.
Housebreaking
One of the defining characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier is its independence. While this can lead to many humorous instances, it does not bode well in the area of housebreaking. Yorkie puppies love to chew, so it is necessary to have plenty of chew toys available so that they don’t start chewing on other, more valuable things.
Some people disagree with the idea of containing their small dogs in a larger crate for most of the day, but in the case of Yorkies, it can actually be beneficial when the owners are not at home. The reason for this is that Yorkies are so small and inquisitive that they tend to get themselves in trouble and could injure themselves. Keeping them in a crate while away at work also minimizes the chance of mess if the dog has already been crate trained. However, if other pets are present, the problem of marking never seems to go away when the dog is out of the crate. Rather than getting frustrated, realize that Yorkies have a very high sense of scent, and males especially feel the need to mark their territory. With patient training, the markings will subside.
Yorkie Health
Since Yorkies are so small, they are susceptible to certain maladies. As Yorkies age, they can often get cataracts, so if a Yorkie's eyes are looking a bit dull, be sure to take the Yorkie to the veterinarian as soon as possible. One of the most common is a collapsing trachea. Basically, it means that the trachea is too small, so the dog struggles to breath and “honks” when excited or in the midst of doing exercise. Sometimes this is a minimally invasive condition, as it is in the case of my Yorkie, but other times it can become quite incapacitating, and might require surgery. One thing to keep in mind is that Yorkie necks are too delicate for the standard leash and collar, so it is a good idea to get them a harness.
Yorkie nutrition is, of course, a very important facet of taking care of your Yorkie. Don’t feed a Yorkie table food, because Yorkies are gluttons and don’t know when to stop eating. The result can be an overweight Yorkie with health problems. To that end, Yorkies can also get tired of certain kinds of dog food, especially if it is dry dog food. Ideally, the diet should be a mix of both dry and wet food, especially considering that Yorkies are prone to dental problems. An excellent dog food brand is Beneful.
Yorkshire Terriers are charming and adorable, but they also take a lot of patience to raise. To find out more about Yorkies, check out Choosing A Yorkshire Terrier. Their impetuous, independent nature can be annoying at times, but more often than not people will be amused by this intelligent little breed. This wonderful little companion will be around for many years with the proper care.
