Dog Breed Info – The Yorkie

Breed Overview

Origin: 1800’s. Original function: Hunting small vermin, Today: Companion, lapdog. Colors: blue and tan.

The Yorkie terrier is a small creature. The ears stand erect. They have a long coat that must be groomed every day… that’s every day. because otherwise it gets terribly matted. If you have a Yorkie and let that hair grow out, you’ll live with a comb and brush in your hand. I had one, I know. They commonly come with a docked tail and eyes that say “I love you.”

They are little, fast, and ferocious when it comes to catching mice and rats which was their original purpose. Yorkie terriers are alert, lively and spirited. However, the Yorkie is highly selective as to which dogs he’ll make friends with.

Good all-purpose companion dog and house pet. Just don’t step on her!

Trainability

Not easily trained. Headstrong and stubborn. The Yorkie Terrier is intelligent and confident. Yorkies fit in with most family situations very well and respond to clicker training and positive reinforcement. It’s simple, easy to do and dogs love the method. Try it. Pick up a clicker at a pet store.
It is very important that the Yorkie terrier be socialized properly as a puppy, something to check for when adopting.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Yorkie Terrier? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Some Yorkie Terriers and puppies are difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, walk the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

A rescued Yorkie ready for his new home

The Yorkie Terrier is a pleasant, sweet, energetic and feisty little creature that requires an unusually high degree of socialization starting at around 4 or 5 weeks age. Due to it’s nature to “take over the house,” this dog needs a firm but kind hand to guide her through life. A Yorkie must be treated with respect, but also as an object at the bottom of the chain of command in the house! If the Yorkie ever gets the idea she is ALPHA (boss) there will be all sorts of trouble including but not limited to separation anxiety and a dozen other unwanted displays of doggie dominance.

Small dogs have a natural problem in that they often want to dominate the house and everyone in it. Small dogs must be heavily socialized starting very young and continued on. They need an owner and family that understands dogs and how to exert a firm but kind “pack leader” (alpha dog) dominance role over them. It is very important not to let the dog think he’s “boss!”

If you get a Yorkie Terrier with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Not always friendly. Just sometimes.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Not very friendly.

Friendly Toward Strangers

Gets along with some strangers, but can remain wary. Generally, No by my experience.

Playfulness

Fairly high. The Yorkie loves to play.

Low to somewhat affectionate.

No, too small and frail for little children. Generally not tolerant of children’s antics.

Good with Seniors over 65?

The Yorkie is well suited to Seniors. They have time to comb and brush the dog. A senior might not be able to walk the dog long distances each day or in bad weather which is fine. The Yorkie Terrier loves to play and fetch the ball, curl up on a lap and just “hang out” so that would keep a senior occupied. Checking with Yorkie rescue groups for an older dog may be a good idea. Yorkie adoption is wise since the dog has such a long life span and getting an older one is smart.

Living environment

Apartments, flats, farm, city condo — all OK.

Yorkie with personality

Energy level

Moderate to high.

Surprisingly, the Yorkie Terrier does not require a great deal of exercise. Yorkies love walks, car rides and back yard play. They can stay in the house and play and are well suited to those who can not go outdoors.

Excellent — She’s a tiny little watchdog!

NOT a guard dog. The Yorkie Terrier bark is loud and crisp and they WILL BITE (or nip) strangers if not directed otherwise. However, due to their size, this dog is not intimidating!

None to very little.

Heavy grooming needs. Must be combed and brushed EVERY DAY Long hair in face can be pulled back over head and pinned or tied.

Suggested Yorkie Terrier Reading

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In the event you decide to go looking for Yorkie puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Yorkie Breeders with puppies for sale.

Yorkie Rescue / Adoption

Yorkie adoption is a good alternative to raising a puppy. The work of house training and agony of going through puppyhood is eliminated. You’ll save a lot of time and money too. Give serious consideration to Yorkie adoption.

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Yorkie and are looking for a Yorkie rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Dog Rescue — Nationwide
At the time I am writing this, Petfinder is listing almost 900 Yorkie adoption possibilities for the USA. That figure will vary, but you’re bound to find something.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site that may give you some ideas. It’s worth checking out. For more adoptions, try surfing for Yorkie Terrier Rescue groups, pets, kennels, etc.

The kitty and the Yorkie

Here’s more good Yorkie information produced by someone who owns them and can speak from first-hand experience. Check this out:

All About Yorkie Terriers
The Most Complete Guide For Yorkie Terriers – Displaying our love for Yorkies we are confident that we can provide you with all the information you will need to be a successful owner!

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Yorkie eye problems of various kinds are detailed below.
These are detailed below in this list.