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Yorkshire Terrier Breed Information
Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) are feisty, adventurous and spunky little dogs. They are sporty and wild, cuddly and affectionate, and they love to travel and explore. They are highly devoted family-oriented dogs. Yorkshire Terriers have amazing, colorful personalities. They are loving, fun, playful, and fond of attention. They love to perform tricks and they are great at canine sports. Yorkies are elegant toy-sized small breed dogs with an average weight between 4 and 6 pounds and an average height between 8 to 9 inches. They have a glamorous long silky hypoallergenic coat, sparkly dark eyes, a little black nose, and small pointy ears.
Summary
Adult Height
10-16 yrs
Adult Weight
10-16 yrs
Life Span
10-16 yrs
Training
Determined
Shedding
Minimum
Energy
Moderate
Breed Type / Mix
Purebred
Temperament
Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Playful
Characteristics
- Yorkshire Terriers are alert watchdogs and cherished lap dogs.
- Yorkie puppies are quick learners, obedient, and easy to train.
- Adventurous Yorkies make excellent travel companions.
- They live an average of 16–18 years, enjoying long, healthy lives.
- Affectionate and devoted, they excel as therapy dogs.
- Hypoallergenic, Yorkies have low-shedding coats ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Adaptable to apartments or large homes, they thrive in various spaces.
- Suitable for active or relaxed lifestyles.
- Friendly with children and other pets.
- Cheerful companions for families, singles, seniors, and first-time owners.
- Ranked 10th in U.S. popularity by the AKC.
- Recognized by the AKC since 1885, they have a long-standing reputation.
Appearance
Gracious and elegant, the Yorkshire Terrier carries itself with pride and confidence, often holding its head high. As a member of the Toy Group, the Yorkie is a small dog, known for its compact yet well-proportioned body.
- Size:
- Weight: Typically ranges from 4 to 6 pounds.
- Height: Adults are usually 8 to 9 inches tall.
- Sex and Size Variations: Female Yorkies tend to be slightly smaller than males. Additionally, there are smaller versions of the Yorkie, including Teacup, Miniature (Mini Yorkie), Toy, and Micro Yorkies.
- Teacup Yorkies are the smallest of the bunch, typically smaller than the standard breed size.
- Physical Features:
- Body: The Yorkie has a small, compact, well-proportioned body.
- Face: A medium-length muzzle, dark sparkling eyes, and small, pointy ears contribute to the Yorkie’s signature appearance.
- Coat: Yorkies have long, straight, silky, and soft coats. Their hair is glossy, hypoallergenic, and sheds minimally.
- Coat Color: The breed standard features golden tan and steel blue. Puppies are born with a darker coat that lightens as they mature.
Yorkie Sizes and Colors
Although the official recognition of certain variations is still debated, Yorkies can be found in a range of sizes and coat colors.
Popular Yorkie Sizes:
- Parti
- Teacup
- Toy
- Miniature (Mini)
- Micro
- Micro Teacup
Common Yorkie Colors:
- White
- Black and Tan
- Black
- Chocolate
- Merle
- Black and White
- Blonde
- Brown
- Silver
- Black and Brown
Rare Yorkie Colors:
Some rarer colors include solid shades such as silver, brown, white, black, and blonde, as well as parti color combinations like black and brown or black and white.
Temperament
- Energetic and Playful: Yorkshire Terriers are lively dogs who love activities like running, hiking, fetching, and chasing. They especially enjoy interactive games like “hide my treats so I can go seek.”
- Athletic and Agile: Despite their small size, Yorkies excel in canine sports, performing impressively in agility, rally, and obedience competitions.
- Fearless and Protective: Known for their big personalities, Yorkies are bold and feisty, standing their ground regardless of the size of their opponent. They make excellent little warriors and vigilant companions.
- Curious Explorers: These dogs have an adventurous spirit, often investigating every corner of their surroundings with a tenacious, inquisitive nature.
- Independent and Entertaining: Yorkshire Terriers are spunky and resourceful, able to keep themselves amused with toys and games.
- Affectionate and Devoted: Deeply loyal to their human families, Yorkies thrive on attention, love to cuddle, and enjoy being the center of attention as they entertain and perform for their owners.
- Similar personality traits: The Yorkie shares its small yet hardy and friendly nature with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, making them equally delightful companions.
Care
Grooming Requirements
- Coat Care: Yorkshire Terriers need daily brushing to prevent tangles, knots, and matting. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks is recommended to maintain a clean, silky, and smooth coat.
- Trimming Needs: Hair around their eyes and ears should be trimmed regularly, and their nails should be clipped as needed.
- Dental Care: Brush their teeth twice a month at home and schedule professional dental care every few months to prevent periodontal disease.
- Haircuts: Popular Yorkie haircuts include the Teddy Bear cut, the Puppy cut, and the Short Hair clip, aligning with their reputation as one of the most fashionable breeds.
- Importance of Grooming: Regular grooming is vital to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Exercise Needs
- Low Exercise Requirements: Yorkies are small dogs with modest exercise needs.
- Daily Activity: A combined 30 to 40 minutes of activity, including short walks and indoor play, is sufficient to keep them healthy and content.
- Preferred Activities: Yorkies enjoy long walks, games like tag and find, canine sports, and snuggling with their humans.
Health
- General Health: While healthier than many breeds, Yorkies can develop conditions such as hypoglycemia, obesity, and periodontal disease.
- Prevention: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and gentle play can help avoid these health issues.
- Lifespan: Yorkies typically live 16 to 18 years, with some reaching well beyond that. Proper care can extend their life expectancy.
Training
- Intelligent and Quick Learners: Yorkies excel in learning basic commands and advanced training for sports like agility and rally.
- Training Tips: Use a calm voice, positive reinforcement, and treat-based rewards. Combine training with play to keep sessions enjoyable.
- Socialization: Yorkies are naturally outgoing, making leash training and socialization relatively easy.
- Independence: While not overly dependent, Yorkies should gradually be accustomed to alone time to prevent any potential stress when left alone.
History
From a hard-working utility dog to a beloved lapdog, the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, has a rich history.
- Origins: In the early 19th century, Yorkshire Terriers arrived in England with Scottish workers migrating to the industrial region of Yorkshire. The dogs quickly became known for their excellent hunting skills, particularly in rodent control in the mills and mines of the area.
- Relationship to Other Breeds: It is believed that the Yorkie is related to the Skye Terrier, a breed common in northern England.
- Victorian Era: By the mid-1800s, the Yorkshire Terrier became a favored luxury pet of the wealthy, particularly among court ladies, symbolizing status and elegance.
- Arrival in America: The breed was recognized in the U.S. by 1870, where it officially became known as the “Yorkshire Terrier.”
- Historic Achievements: Throughout history, the Yorkie has been a show dog with numerous accolades, a war hero who saved lives during WWII, and the first-ever therapy dog.
- Celebrity Fans: Famous admirers of the Yorkie include President Richard Nixon, Audrey Hepburn, and Natalie Portman, all of whom have owned one of these delightful dogs.
Yorkie Mixes
Due to their popularity, the Yorkshire Terrier has become a parent to many hybrid breeds, some of which are quite popular in the U.S.
Most Popular Yorkie Mix Breeds:
- Morkie
- Yorkie Poo
- Yorkie Chon
- Shorkie
- Chorkie
- Yorkie Pom
- Havashire
Other Yorkie Mix Breeds:
- Snorkie
- Dorkie
- Yorkie Russell (Jorkie)
- Pugshire
- Yorksky
- Corkie
- Borkie
- Carkie