Don’t let their small stature fool you; these dogs have a feisty personality. They’re courageous, playful and friendly, and they’re incredibly loyal and protective of their owners. You can rest assured you’ll never have a dull moment with a Yorkie in your home.
Named after the Yorkshire region of England, this dog breed was the result of combining different types of terriers. Yorkies rose in popularity during the late 1800s because of their strong hunting skills. Industrial workers would take Yorkshire terriers into mines to find any vermin that might be lingering about.
People soon discovered Yorkshire terriers weren’t just good at sniffing out prey; they were also incredibly brave during hunts. Soon, hunters began bringing these feisty little dogs with them on hunting expeditions. Thanks to their small size, the terriers could easily fit in pockets and be brought on trips.
It wasn’t long before Yorkshire terriers caught the eye of English royalty. High-class people were attracted to the breed’s unique fur coat, small size and loyal personality. Wealthy families quickly adopted Yorkies to serve as pets. Shortly after, the breed made its way to the United States, where it soon found homes with families looking for small, playful dogs.
One of the biggest advantages of having a Yorkshire terrier is that you don’t have to sweep your floors constantly to get rid of dog hair. Thanks to their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, Yorkies are fairly easy to groom. However, it’s important that you take the time to execute proper grooming — doing this helps keep your Yorkie happy and healthy.
Yorkies have fur that’s similar in texture and consistency to human hair. To prevent matting, their coat should be brushed regularly, especially if it’s long. These dogs should also be bathed on a weekly or biweekly basis.
Because Yorkies are prone to ear and eye infections, your grooming routine should include keeping these areas clean. Hair on the upper area of the head should either be trimmed or tied back to reduce the risk of eye irritation, and ears should be checked weekly for debris.
When it comes to loyalty, you can’t find a dog more loyal than the Yorkshire terrier. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and can become very affectionate. Yorkies love cuddling on the couch, playing games and just spending time with their loved ones.
Another positive trait shared among Yorkshire terriers is their above-average intelligence. This high brainpower, coupled with their eagerness to please their owners, makes them easy to train. Yorkies also enjoy mental stimulation. To keep them entertained, it’s helpful to buy engaging toys and set up scavenger hunts.
Finally, Yorkshire terriers are incredibly playful and enjoy doing different activities with their owners and loved ones. However, they can get a bit tenacious and excited, especially around children and strangers. To be on the safe side, you should always supervise interactions between Yorkies and children.
Most Yorkshire terriers require little to moderate levels of exercise, making them the perfect pets for busy families, individuals and senior citizens. For most Yorkies, exercise needs can be fulfilled with one or two short walks around the block. Because they’re small dogs, walks should be taken at a steady pace.
Sometimes, Yorkshire terriers have small bursts of energy, so along with a daily walk, they should have the opportunity to run around for about 10 to 15 minutes. Yorkies enjoy playing fetch, participating in dog sports and playing games with other dogs.
Proper exercise is key to keeping your Yorkshire terrier healthy. Of course, you have to supplement this with a high-quality diet that features proteins, minerals and vitamins. You should also keep an eye out for any health problems, as Yorkies are more susceptible to eye and ear problems.
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