Ideas on How to Care for a Yorkshire Terrier

Image Source: Unsplash User Fernanda Prado

Yorkies are known for their playful, inquisitive nature and their small size. In fact, most Yorkies don't weight more than around 7lbs.

Grooming

Many new Yorkie owners might think that their dog only has a medium-length coat, since baby Yorkies tend to look like that. This is untrue, since mature Yorkies are a longhaired breed, through and through. However, many owners (unless they decide to show their Yorkies professionally) prefer to keep the coats shorter for the sake of easier grooming. A Yorkie's coat consists of hair as opposed to fur, which makes them a preferred choice for some with allergies.

A trim of both the coat and the nails lasts about 2 months at a time. However, it's beneficial to give a York a general bath in the tub (actually, the sink would be even better) once a month. Special attention should be paid to both the ears and the eyes, since those areas seem to be magnets for dirt! Also, food will often get stuck in a Yorkie's beard, which can be gently brushed out.

Housebreaking

Independence is the Yorkie's middle name. While this can lead to lots of adorable instances, it does not bode well when it comes to housebreaking. Some people prefer to keep their Yorkies in a larger crate for much of the day when they aren't home, thereby crate training the Yorkie since dogs don't like to go to the bathroom where they sleep. There are others who, rather than do that, will train their Yorkies to use litter boxes.

If other pets are present, the problem of marking never seems to go away when the Yorkie is allowed to roam freely throughout a home. Rather than getting frustrated, it's important for owners to realize that, like many of their fellow terrier breeds, Yorkies have a high sense of scent, with males feeling a particular need to keep their territory marked. With patient training, the markings can subside; tinkle belts can be used as a backup.

General Health

As Yorkies age, their eyes can start looking a little dull, often due to cataracts. Another common malady is a collapsing trachea, wherein the dog makes honking noises in its struggle to breather, particularly during times of stress, so it's important to minimize exertion in those cases and consult a veterinarian for treatment methods. Another thing to keep in mind is that Yorkie necks are too delicate for a regular collar and leash - use a comfortable harness instead.

Table food is a no-no for Yorkies, and they should only have a minimal amount of dog treats, since they'll just keep eating and eating to the point of gluttony. Yorkies can also grow tired of certain dry dog foods, so it's a good idea to keep things balanced and interesting for them by mixing a little wet food in with their usual kibbles.

So, yes, Yorkies take a lot of patience to raise, though their intelligence, charm, and adorableness eclipse any annoyances! With the proper care, this too-cute tiny companion can live 10-12 years, or more!