Yorkie Terrier Puppy Information

The Yorkshire terrier has its roots in Britain, where it was originally a much larger dog of the working class, used to catch rats in clothing mills. By the early 19th century, the Yorkshire terrier had been bred down to its modern diminutive size and had found favor as a "posh pet" among the European elite. According to the American Kennel Club, the Yorkshire terrier, known among aficionados as the Yorkie, consistently holds a spot on the list of top 10 pet dogs in the United States.

  1. Appearance

    • As an adult, your Yorkshire terrier will develop a long, silky, steel-blue coat with tan markings. Yorkie puppies, however, are born much darker, and your Yorkie puppy will sport a fluffy, tan-and-black coat until he reaches maturity at approximately 1 year old. The typical Yorkie pup is a compact, well-proportioned little dog with medium-sized, round, dark, evenly set eyes, a black nose and semi-erect to erect ears. Yorkshire terriers typically reach 5 to 7 pounds at maturity. According to the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, as a rule, you can determine adult weight by doubling the weight of your puppy at 12 weeks of age.

    Temperament

    • According to Dog Breed Info, Yorkshire terriers are lively, affectionate, intelligent little dogs with an abundance of energy. In addition, because of their alert nature and acute hearing, Yorkies make excellent watch dogs. True to their terrier heritage, Yorkies posses boldness and bravery that belies their size, so it is up to you to "puppy proof" your home: Keep doors and low-set windows closed, remove toxins such as disinfectants and cleansers from your puppy's reach and keep your floor cleared of objects that may be chewed or swallowed. Further, watch your little one around large dogs, as he may feel the need to pick a fight that he can't win. Like all puppies, Yorkie pups need a lot of attention, care and socialization and are not meant to be left at home alone all day.

    Obedience Training

    • According to Dog Breed Info, because of the Yorkie's small size and unabashed "cuteness," some owners tend to ignore bad behavior. Nipping, sock-stealing and excessive yapping may be adorable in a 4-month old puppy but are unpleasant behaviors in an adult dog. However, be warned, your precious Yorkie pup possesses a strong stubborn streak, so it is vital that you let it know that you are alpha (leader of the pack). Your Yorkie pup will thrive in a structured environment with clear-cut rules.
      According to Train-Pet-Dog, because of their independent and stubborn nature, Yorkies can be difficult to house train. It will be up to you to provide consistent, patient, gentle training from the beginning to teach your puppy to be clean in the house.

    Care and Grooming

    • Yorkshire terriers are not low-maintenance dogs. According to K-9 Web, because of its abundant coat, your Yorkie will require (at least) twice-weekly brushing to avoid painful matting. In addition, special attention must be given to keeping your Yorkie's eyes free of fur and debris, and its teeth must be brushed on a regular basis to avoid the tartar build-up and decay common in toy breeds. To get your Yorkie accustomed to being cleaned and groomed, you should begin these practices when it is a small pup. If you wait until it is older, you will most likely meet with some resistance.

    Health Concerns

    • The Yorkshire terrier is generally a hardy, healthy little dog that, if well-cared for, can live from 12 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, the Yorkie is more vulnerable to certain illnesses and conditions than others. While your Yorkie is still a pup, it is beneficial for you to educate yourself on these vulnerabilities, making you better able to provide for the health and well-being of your tiny charge. According to K-9 Web, ailments to be aware of include: tooth decay, luxating patellas, open fontanellas, elongated palate, collapsing trachea, spinal problems, Perthe's disease, bronchitis, digestive disorders and sensitivity to anaesthesia.

    Warning

    • When searching for the right Yorkshire terrier puppy for your home, take the time to look in the right places. Shelters and rescues, like the Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue, are a good place to start. If you are looking for a breeder, you can acquire a list of reputable names from the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. Further, beware of breeders selling Yorkies labeled as "teacup," "tiny specialist," "doll-faced" or other similar monikers. According to the YTCA, these "breeds" are nonexistent, and the use of such terminology and the intentional breeding of extra tiny Yorkies is unethical and, tragically, often results in unhealthy puppies.