Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as Yorkies, are beloved for their loyalty and spirit. These small dogs pack a lot of personality into a tiny package, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate their unique qualities.
With their petite size and big hearts, Yorkies have become a popular family pet and a favorite among dog lovers.
As you delve into the world of Yorkies, you’ll discover that there are several different breeds to choose from, each with its distinct features and characteristics.
Exploring the various Yorkie breeds can help you find the perfect pet to welcome into your home, one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Yorkies are small, spirited dogs that make wonderful companions and family pets.
- There’s a range of Yorkie breeds with unique features and characteristics.
- When choosing a Yorkie, consider factors such as breed standards, health and care, and temperament.
Different Types of Yorkies Breeds
Classic Yorkie Colors
Yorkies are typically known for their blue and tan, blue and gold, black and gold, or black and tan coat colors. These classic colors give the breed a unique and distinctive appearance.
The coat should be shiny, silky, and straight, making these dogs stand out among other breeds.
Rare and Designer Breeds
Plenty of Yorkie breeds are available today, with some being rare and others known as designer breeds. The Biewer Terrier and Parti Yorkie are examples of rarer Yorkie breeds with unique coat patterns.
Designer Yorkies include mixes such as the Chorkie, Morkie, and Shorkie. These Yorkie mixes are often bred for specific traits, like size or color.
Teacup Yorkies are another popular variation that is smaller than the classic Yorkie, often reaching only 3-4 pounds. They are bred specifically for their size and are not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club.
| Type | Color | Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Yorkie | Blue and tan, black and tan, blue and gold, black and gold, tan, red | 6-7 inches tall | 4-7 pounds |
| Teacup Yorkie | All colors | Under 6 inches tall | Under 4 pounds |
| Toy Yorkie | All colors | 6-9 inches tall | 4-7 pounds |
| Mini Yorkie | All colors | 7-10 inches tall | 7-12 pounds |
| Pocket Yorkie | All colors | 6-12 inches tall | 5-15 pounds |
Some key points:
- Standard Yorkie is the original breed standard size.
- Teacup Yorkie is considered a micro or miniature size. They are often the result of breeding two small Yorkies.
- Toy Yorkie is slightly larger than standard but still small.
- Mini Yorkie is larger than standard but not by much. Still considered a small dog.
- Pocket Yorkies encompass a wider range of sizes up to the upper limit of the breed standard but are not considered “large” Yorkies.
The most common colors seen are blue and tan, black and tan, blue and gold, and black and gold. But Yorkies can technically come in any color. Size and weight can vary slightly within each
Breed Recognition and Standards
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is responsible for establishing and maintaining Yorkshire terrier breed standards in the United States.
Maintaining the breed standard ensures that the individual dogs adhere to the desired characteristics of a purebred dog. Some designer Yorkies, like Teacup Yorkies, are not recognized by the AKC due to their size, while Biewer Terriers were recently recognized as a separate breed in 2014.
History and Origin
Yorkshire terriers originated in Yorkshire, England during the 19th century, and were initially bred as working dogs to catch rats and other small animals.
They are now one of the most popular toy breeds worldwide and have numerous breed variations, both recognized and unrecognized by breed organizations like the AKC. Their rich history, combined with their unique appearance and loving nature, ensures that Yorkies remain a beloved pet for years to come.
Health and Care
Common Health Issues
Yorkies, just like any other dog breed, can experience various health issues. Some common problems include dental problems, patellar luxation, collapsing trachea, and liver shunts, particularly in Teacup Yorkies.
It’s essential to schedule regular vet visits for wellness checkups to catch potential problems early and keep your Yorkie healthy.
Grooming and Maintenance
Grooming and maintenance are important for the overall health and well-being of your Yorkie. Regular grooming helps maintain their long, straight, and silky coat.
To prevent matting and tangling, brush your Yorkie’s coat daily, and trim their hair when needed. Pay extra attention to the areas around their ears, tail, and face.
Besides coat care, remember to trim your Yorkie’s nails to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Check their ears for debris or signs of infection, and keep them clean. Yorkies also require regular teeth brushing to prevent dental problems.
Diet and Nutrition
Yorkies have specific diet and nutrition requirements to maintain their optimal health. For the first 12 months of their life, choose a high-quality puppy kibble like Merrick Lil’ Plates puppy food to support healthy growth.
In general, Yorkies need a diet that’s rich in protein and meets their energy requirements. Depending on your dog’s specific needs, you might choose between dry kibble, canned food, or a combination of both.
Make sure to provide fresh water for your Yorkie to drink at all times.
To prevent obesity and ensure proper nutrition, establish a feeding schedule, and avoid giving your Yorkie table scraps or human food.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet and feeding frequency for your Yorkie. With proper care, grooming, and nutrition, your Yorkie will stay happy and healthy throughout its lifespan.
Behavior and Temperament
Yorkies are well-known for their playful and energetic nature. They enjoy engaging in activities with their owners and are always eager to play. Their small size makes them perfect lapdogs, providing you with endless cuddles and affection.
These little dogs are also quite intelligent. Surprisingly, they rank 17th among 90 breeds in terms of intelligence. Training your Yorkie may be a fun and rewarding experience, but be prepared to face their stubborn nature at times. Patience and consistency are key when teaching your furry friend.
Yorkies tend to be feisty and brave, sometimes even acting bossy. This can be both amusing and a bit challenging, but it’s part of their charm. They are very affectionate with their family, making them wonderful companions for anyone.
Just remember that early socialization is essential to make sure your Yorkie is well-rounded and gets along with other animals and people.
In summary, Yorkies have a delightful mix of characteristics like playfulness, energy, intelligence, and affection. With proper training and socialization, they make fantastic pets for various types of households.
Embrace their unique qualities and enjoy a lasting bond with your charming little friend.
Training and Socialization
Yorkies are known to be loyal companions and they can make a great addition to your family. Proper training and socialization are essential for ensuring your Yorkie grows up to be a well-behaved and happy canine.
So let’s dive into how you can achieve this!
To begin with training, it’s important to start with basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. As your Yorkie masters these skills, gradually move on to more advanced commands.
Keep in mind that mental stimulation is key to their development, so introducing new tricks and challenges will help keep them engaged and happy.
Make sure you provide a consistent daily routine for your Yorkie, as this will help reinforce their training and create a sense of security. Encourage positive behaviors with praise and rewards, but don’t forget to gently correct them when they act out.
When it comes to socialization, it’s crucial to expose your Yorkie to different people, environments, and other animals.
Their interactions should be gradual and controlled, with calm behavior being rewarded. Some tips to help your Yorkie become more social include:
- Organizing doggy playdates with a variety of breeds
- Taking them for walks in different locations
- Introducing them to new experiences such as car rides and trips to the vet
To help your Yorkie adapt to being a member of your family and to develop a close bond with them, involve them in daily activities.
This might include bringing them along on errands or allowing them to join in on family outings.
Remember that Yorkies are energetic and require regular exercise, so incorporating playtime or walks into their routine will also contribute to their overall well-being.
In conclusion, providing the right training, care, and socialization for your Yorkie will ensure they develop into a well-rounded and happy companion, perfect for individuals and families alike.
Just remember to be patient, and consistent, and to shower them with love and affection, and you’ll have a lifelong friend by your side.
Adoption and Buying Advice
Choosing a Reputable Breeder
When you decide to buy a Yorkie, it’s essential to choose a reputable breeder. A responsible breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs, ensuring they follow ethical breeding practices.
To identify a reputable breeder, look for:
- Health Clearances: Breeders should provide you with proof that the parents of your potential Yorkie have undergone necessary health testing.
- Pedigree: A trustworthy breeder will be able to provide a detailed pedigree for your pup, showing the ancestry of your Yorkie.
- Breeding Practices: Make sure the breeder follows responsible breeding practices, such as allowing dogs enough time for recovery between litters, and not breeding dogs that are too young or too old.
It is crucial to avoid puppy mills, where dogs are often irresponsibly bred and not properly cared for. By choosing a reputable breeder, you’re ensuring that your Yorkie comes from a healthy, loving environment.
Considerations for Adoption
Adopting a Yorkie is another great option, as it offers the opportunity to provide a loving home to a dog in need. Many shelter dogs and rescue organizations have Yorkies available, which can be an excellent alternative to buying from a breeder.
When considering adoption, keep the following in mind:
- Understanding the Yorkie’s background: rescue organizations and shelters may have limited information about a dog’s history, but they often attempt to provide as much information as possible.
- Health considerations: although adopted Yorkies may have unknown genetic backgrounds, shelters often check their overall health and provide necessary medical care before adoption.
- The adoption process: be prepared to go through an adoption process to ensure that the Yorkie you’re adopting is a good match for your family and lifestyle.
Whether you decide to buy from a reputable breeder or adopt a Yorkie, do thorough research and ask relevant questions to make the best choice for you and your new furry companion.
