Yorkshire Terrier
As one of the most popular toy breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier is undoubtedly a popular canine companion worldwide. Their lovely, carefree nature and loyalty make them a wonderful addition to any loving home.
Yorkshire Terrier At A Glance
| Lifespan | 13-16 years |
| Temperament | Yorkshire Terriers are known for their bold, confident, and affectionate temperament, often displaying a lively and spirited personality despite their small size. |
| Suitable | Yorkshire Terriers are ideal for individuals or families looking for a small, affectionate companion with a bold personality that thrives in indoor living environments. |
| Health | Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to specific health issues such as patellar luxation, dental problems, and tracheal collapse, requiring regular veterinary check-ups and proactive care. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $6,232.47 |
| Skin Condition Allergy | $2,363.76 |
| Patella Luxation | $5,054.54 |
| Eye Condition | $510.98 |
| Neurological Condition | $9,014.80 |
| Ear Condition | $1,080.56 |
| Heart Condition | $2,518.00 |
| Cruciate Disease | $5,714.73 |
| Neoplasia | $8,647.28 |
| Lumps & Bumps | $1,857.13 |
*PetSure Data 2024
Trainability
Your wee Yorkie might be a little dog; however, according to life in the mind of this adorable breed, they are far from being a small dog. For this reason, training is paramount to ensure your dog is well-trained and understands doggy manners. Having a good ‘recall’ command and establishing yourself as a leader is essential to responsible pet ownership. Early and consistent training can help iron out problems like barking and socialisation with as many sights, sounds, people, and environments as possible. Puppy preschools are an excellent way to introduce your Yorkie to other pups of all shapes and sizes and also begin some basic training. This breed can excel at dog sports and other obedience skills if well-trained. Due to their high prey drive, off-leash running should be in a secure location, and always ensure you have trained your dog accordingly to guarantee they are safe when running free. Beginning training at an early age is also advisable. It is better to prevent a problem than cure it. The key to this breed is consistency and not giving up. For success, keep training fun and entertaining and part of everyday life. This breed loves to please, so training will be a pleasure as long as you are happy (and armed with some tasty morsels of food).
Grooming
Grooming needs to be taken into consideration before you decide on this breed. They will need professional attention, mainly if you have decided to keep your Yorkie with a full body of hair instead of clipping. Their hair can be very soft and tangle easily. If you have decided to clip and trim your Yorkie (as most owners do), a gentle brush daily will help keep the coat soft and clean. Ask your local groomer for advice on coat care for this breed. Like all dog breeds, getting your pup used to having their feet, mouths, and ears touched is essential. This makes veterinary care a breeze and also can help you detect if there is a problem that requires your attention. Nail clipping should also be done from an early age.
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Common Health Complaints – Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are generally a robust and healthy dog breed; however, like all dogs, they can suffer from a range of common complaints. Here are the top 10 health conditions commonly seen in Yorkshire Terriers.
- Patellar Luxation - Patellar luxation is where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position, leading to lameness and discomfort. Treatment options range from rest and pain management medication to surgical correction to realign the kneecap and stabilise the joint.
- Dental Problems - Yorkshire Terriers are prone to dental issues such as periodontal disease, tartar buildup, and tooth decay. Treatment may involve professional dental cleanings under anesthesia and at-home dental care like regular brushing and dental chews to maintain oral health.
- Tracheal Collapse - Tracheal collapse is where the trachea (windpipe) collapses, causing breathing difficulties, coughing, and respiratory distress. Treatment options include weight management, medications to manage coughing and inflammation, and, in severe cases, surgery to support the trachea.
- Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt) - A liver shunt is a congenital condition where blood flow bypasses the liver, leading to toxic substances not being adequately filtered from the bloodstream. Treatment may involve dietary management, medications to manage symptoms, and, in some cases, surgical correction to reroute blood flow.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease - Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a condition where the hip joint's blood supply is disrupted, leading to degeneration of the femoral head and hip pain. Treatment options may include rest, pain management medication, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery to remove the affected femoral head.
- Hypoglycemia - Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is common in small dog breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and can lead to weakness, seizures, and coma. Treatment involves managing blood sugar levels through frequent small meals, monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia, and seeking veterinary care if symptoms occur.
- Pancreatitis - Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Treatment may involve supportive care such as fluid therapy, pain management, and dietary modifications to manage symptoms and prevent recurrences.
- Collapsed Trachea - Collapsed trachea is a condition where the cartilage rings in the trachea weaken, leading to breathing difficulties, coughing, and respiratory distress. Treatment may involve weight management, medications to manage coughing and inflammation, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to support the trachea.
- Eye Problems (e.g., Retinal Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy) - Yorkshire Terriers may be prone to various eye problems, including retinal dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, leading to vision loss. Treatment options depend on the specific eye problem and may include medications, surgery, or management strategies to slow disease progression and preserve vision.
- Allergies - Yorkshire Terriers may suffer from environmental allergies (atopy) or food allergies, leading to skin irritation, itching, and discomfort. Treatment involves identifying and avoiding allergens and medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergy shots prescribed by a veterinarian to manage symptoms.
Yorkshire Terrier owners need to be proactive in monitoring their dog’s health, seeking veterinary care promptly if any health concerns arise, and following their veterinarian’s recommendations for treating and managing these common health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help maintain the overall health and well-being of Yorkshire Terriers.
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Exercise Requirements
Being a terrier, your Yorkie will require a good dose of daily exercise. An excellent off-leash romp and a brisk morning walk will keep him happy and entertained. But in saying this, because of their small size, a good play session will also keep them well-exercised. They love to explore and adventure alongside their beloved owners. Like with all breeds, keeping them well-exercised will help keep them out of mischief when they are alone.
Intelligence
Being a terrier breed, your Yorkie is smart. Plus, this dog will be like your little shadow and will not take well to endless tedious hours left alone. Consider using intelligent toys to ward off boredom, and always leave after adequately exercising your Yorkie with a play session or a good brisk walk. Treat balls and special ‘home alone’ toys will work well; remember to pick them up when you come home, as they are only’ alone’ toys. This is also an excellent way to check for damaged toys that can lead to internal blockages. Ripped and damaged toys belong in the bin.
Family Friendly
Due to their small size, this breed isn’t recommended for families with tiny children. However, in saying this, many Yorkies have enjoyed a wonderful life growing up around little humans. The key is supervision and common sense. Do not allow your children to carry the dog – sitting cuddles only and teach your dog manners. A dog needs to be taught how to interact with children correctly, and children need to be taught how to behave around a dog correctly. They can easily be taught to love other pets if socialised suitably around them. This is also true of young children; if you are considering this breed and do not have children, it’s a good idea to invite friends and family over with young children so your dog can interact with them during puppyhood.
Indoor/outdoor?
This breed is a people pleaser and will not enjoy life outdoors. They make great apartment dogs and thrive with those with ample time for affection and love. The breed will feel the cold quickly and need lots of warm areas in the winter and cool regions during the summer. As a terrier, you must regularly check fence lines for any possible dig-escape routes. If you need to leave your Yorkie for a long time, consider doggy day-cares and minding facilities.
Responsible Breeding
Acquiring a Yorkshire Terrier from a reputable breeder is paramount to welcoming a healthy addition to your family. Prioritise inquiries about hereditary issues and insist on meeting both parents to assess temperament. Contact your local breed club for guidance and thoroughly research your chosen breeder. Ensure they provide evidence of regular genetic testing in their breeding program. Though it may require more time than a spontaneous purchase, this diligence can prevent heartache and distress from caring for an unwell puppy.
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