Small, yappy dogs can be a nuisance to some, but they are just perfect to others. Yorkshire Terriers, often affectionally dubbed ‘Yorkies’, are small dogs, often only 8-9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 4-6 pounds.
Yorkshire Terriers, despite their diminutive size, are known for their feisty nature. This yappy little dog is full of personality and will be sure to show it off! They sport a lovely long, silky coat that comes in tan hues and colours. They might experience some dental problems, so be sure to check with a vet beforehand so you know what to expect.
They can make a great companion pet to anyone seeking a pooch to stick by their side. Their spirited nature might make them a bit of a handful, especially if they try and upset bigger dogs. It should also be considered that they can be quite yappy, so perhaps don’t consider them if you have thin walls. Their small bodies can also be at risk when around playing children.
Despite their yappy-ness, Yorkies are beloved by many, they make perfect pets for those looking for a dog that can cosy up to them on a couch.
Read more: How to Look After Retrievers
Behaviour
As mentioned before, Yorkshire Terriers can be quite a handful with their feisty nature. It’s a big personality wrapped up in a tiny package! While their behaviour could come across mostly as playful, it could turn combative if they are not socialized properly.
Make sure you let your pup have plenty of positive interactions with other dogs to reinforce more social behaviour. You could do this through treats, or a playdate with a friends dog. Making sure they are in a closed neutral environment could be good.
For exercise they should only need a moderate walk, and indoor play. Playful and energetic, these dogs love to play indoors. Make sure they have lots to play with to keep them entertained. If you have small children in the house, make sure they don’t play around the dog to much to avoid them accidentally stepping on your pooch.
Training
Like all dogs, Yorkies need training too. While they are quite intelligent and can definitely be trained, they aren’t as trainable as Retrievers. They can also be quite stubborn, making training them a hassle. If you have a puppy, be sure to be patient with them. Young dogs need lots of attention, but they also can’t keep their attention for long. Here are some things to keep in mind when training a puppy:
- Short training sessions: Try and keep them under 15 minutes.
- Don’t be separated for too long: Young dogs can exhibit separation anxiety, and this can hurt training.
- Accidents: Small dogs mean small bladders. Use pee pads to help prevent indoor accidents.
- Use positive reinforcement: Like most dogs, Yorkies react well to treats and playtime. Be sure to give them lots of love if they do as they are asked to help build up some positive behaviour.
You might also consider training them to not bark as often. Some ways you can do this are:
- Playing with them.
- Playing music.
- Distracting them with play.
- Make sure they get plenty of exercise.
Dogs can start barking a lot if they become anxious or if they have a lot of pent-up energy. This can then be especially troublesome if your dog already barks a lot. Trying to get a dog to bark less can be a real challenge, and you might need to seek professional help if it becomes excessive. Make sure they get plenty of exercise and attention before putting them to bed. If your dog still barks, then it might be good to seek advice from a professional.
Differences in Breeds
Yorkshire Terriers don’t have any different breeds. Though you can usually expect a Yorkie to be small, energetic and friendly with people it knows.
Conclusion
Yorkies are popular for a reason. Their feisty nature gives them an endearing personality while their tiny size and pretty coat makes them look very cute. If you are thinking about getting a Yorkie, then you should consider adopting a rescue or finding a reputable breeder.
Read more: How To Look After Jack Russell Terriers
