Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie has a high energy level and requires daily exercise. This breed is not your average couch potato, despite their size. They are extremely active, and they require daily walks to keep them out of mischief. Caution needs to be taken if your Yorkie has collapsing trachea. Excessive exercise for these dogs can lead to respiratory distress. Any concerns you may have in regard to your dog’s breathing should be addressed with a veterinarian.

A balanced diet is essential for Yorkshire Terriers. Yorkie puppies need to be fed at least 4 times a day to prevent hypoglycemia, since they are unable to maintain their blood sugar at this age. Adult dogs need to be fed twice a day with a high-quality diet. Check with your veterinarian to see what brand of food they recommend for this breed. Dry food is always a good choice, since Yorkies are prone to dental disease.

The Yorkie is a non-shedding breed. Their haircoat requires regular brushing and bathing to prevent matting and knotting. If these conditions are left untreated, matts may become very painful. It is best to brush them at least 2 to 4 times a week, and get them accustomed to professional grooming at a young age.

The Yorkie is predisposed to several diseases that afflict toy breed dogs. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is common in Yorkie puppies until 5 months of age, as they lack the ability to maintain their blood sugar. Skin allergies and alopecia are also common issues, as are gastrointestinal problems like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and pancreatitis. Always be careful feeding your Yorkie table scraps, especially fatty foods like ham and steak, since these could exacerbate their stomach issues.

Yorkshire Terriers are predisposed to: retinal dysplasia, cataracts, chronic mitral valve disease, congenital liver shunts, luxating patellar, urolithiasis, tracheal collapse, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and pancreatitis.

Yorkies can be aggressive with strangers, so they need to be properly trained and socialized at a young age, especially for those with children in the household. This breed is highly intelligent and understands basic commands like “sit” and “stay” as early as 6 weeks of age. They are, however, rather stubborn, and may resist house training. Healthwise, It’s best to start brushing teeth early (6 to 8 weeks), since this breed is prone to dental disease.

The Yorkie has a high energy level and requires daily exercise. This breed is not your average couch potato, despite their size. They are extremely active, and they require daily walks to keep them out of mischief. Caution needs to be taken if your Yorkie has collapsing trachea. Excessive exercise for these dogs can lead to respiratory distress. Any concerns you may have in regard to your dog’s breathing should be addressed with a veterinarian.