What Lifestyle Is Good for a Yorkie?

With the right care and lifestyle, a Yorkshire terrier can live for up to 15 years. Not only are Yorkies great companions for humans of all ages, they are good guard dogs since their courage makes them a fierce and noisy opponent for invaders despite their small size. Enjoy the benefits of your Yorkie and help your pet achieve a happy, healthy life by meeting the needs and the ideal lifestyle of this small, energetic breed of dog.

  1. Environment

    • Yorkies are lightweight, making them ideal indoor pets that can thrive even in cramped living conditions, such as small apartments. Although these dogs have long hair, they shed very little, making them an even better option for an indoor pet, especially for people with allergies to pet dander. While Yorkies will thrive in a big backyard, they can be equally happy and healthy in your living room, since they require very little exercise and few outdoor play opportunities to maintain health and good behavior.

    Training

    • Yorkie̵7;s are strong willed and energetic, making them more difficult to train than more docile, subservient breeds. Good training is essential for a happy lifestyle for both you and your pet, however, since it is difficult to coexist with a poorly trained dog. The most strenuous element of training a Yorkie is housetraining. Implement the same training techniques as you would for other dogs, placing the dog outside to perform its bathroom needs and repeating a single command during the process. Persevere until your Yorkie begins to respond to the training, and do not give up even if housetraining your pet proves to be a time consuming process.

    Introducing Children and Pets

    • These dogs are friendly and usually good with children. Monitor very small children, however, since the Yorkie̵7;s small size can put it at risk of injury if children engage in rough play. While Yorkies normally welcome new pets, male dogs can sometimes act territorial when it encounters a new puppy or cat in your home. Introduce the two animals gradually and monitor them to prevent fighting until they have established territorial boundaries or developed a bond. Do not keep Yorkies and rodents in the same household, since the rodent-hunting instincts of these dogs lead them to chase and kill much smaller animals.

    Grooming

    • Since Yorkies have long hair, they require regular bathing, brushing and trimming to maintain their health and appearance and obtain their optimal lifestyle. To groom your Yorkie, wet its coat with warm water and gently untangle the fur with your fingers. Shampoo your pet with a product designed for dogs. Brush your pet̵7;s hair daily while it is dry using a comb or brush with long teeth that reach all the way through the thick, long pelt. Trim the hair around your Yorkie̵7;s rectum monthly to maintain good hygiene. Clean mucous from around your dog̵7;s eyes, since this can obscure vision and cause infection. Wipe your Yorkie̵7;s face with a warm, wet washcloth whenever you notice mucous buildup.