Breed Specific: The Cute and Feisty Yorkshire Terrier

The feisty personality of the Yorkie belies its dainty look.

Bred to hunt rats, Yorkies are tenacious, brave, active and somewhat self-important, all the traits of a true terrier, making them excellent little watchdogs. They can be aggressive toward other dogs and strangers, thus are very inclined to bark. Yorkies are overall a healthy breed with a longer life span than many dogs. Their hypoallergenic coats are more like human hair than animal fur, which will need to be groomed regularly.

Males and Females – Height: 7-8 inches        Weight: 7 pounds

Discuss an appropriate diet with your veterinarian. Some dogs are prone to weight gain, so watch calorie consumption. While treats can be a great training aid, too many can add up quickly on this dog’s small frame. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming: The Yorkie’s coat should be treated similarly to human hair, brushing it daily to prevent knots and mats. To avoid eye irritation, trim hair on the upper part of the head or pull it into a topknot. A bath every week or so will keep coat and skin in good condition. Check ears weekly for debris or signs of infection. More detailed grooming instructions can be found on the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America’s website.

Exercise: Yorkie will benefit from mental and physical stimulation. Two moderate walks a day at a steady pace mixed in with chasing a ball in the back yard will keep him or her in good shape. Dog sports such as agility or obedience will challenge both mind and body.

Training: Starting from an early age, the Yorkie should be socialized to strange situations, people and other dogs. Start slowly with a calm and happy atmosphere. These intelligent dogs love their owners, so effusive praise and treats go a long way toward promoting good habits. Continuing with agility and obedience will keep the Yorkie healthy and happy.

Thank you to the AKC’s Yorkshire Terrier webpage for much of this information.

BASIC FACTS: Over the Yorkie’s 11-15 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise. Yorkies are a generally healthy breed.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• Knee issues
• Eye issues
• Heart issues
• Trachea issues
• Dental disease

Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your Yorkshire Terrier.

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

• Every 6-12 months, as advised by your veterinarian,until age 6, including a full physical exam and routine bloodwork
• Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.

Other Exams and Screenings

• Joint x-rays
• Regular eye exams
• Regular dental exams and cleaning

Reach out for more information by phone or text at 719-475-1747, or through our Pikes Peak Vet app!