1. Size: The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed, typically weighing between 2 and 3 kg and standing around 20-24 cm at the shoulder
2. Yorkie: The nickname “yorkie” is also used for the Yorkshire Terrier in most languages
3. Challenging: Yorkshire Terriers are notoriously difficult to raise and train
4. Kids: The Yorkshire Terrier’s small size, delicate body and unique personality make it generally not recommended for homes where small children (under 6 years old) are present. You should train your Yorkshire Terrier to interact with children
5. Other pets: Yorkshire Terriers should not be kept in homes with other pets – especially small pets such as rabbits, rats, birds, etc. – as it’s almost torture for the terrier to not be allowed to chase them (due to its hunting instinct and fiery temperament)
Fact: Although Yorkshire Terriers are fragile and susceptible to a number of diseases, they are some of the longest-living dogs around
6. Watchdog: Yorkshire Terriers don’t like strangers and therefore make good watchdogs. They may not be able to put down burglars, but they can certainly be used to alert the owners in an ordinary household. Yorkshire Terriers are also very protective of their family
7. Personality: The Yorkshire Terrier’s personality is generally strongly influenced by being a terrier; they are energetic, feisty, smart, cunning, brave, adventurous, independent and loyal. Yorkshire Terriers are also quick learners and will always try to please their owners
8. Barking: Some Yorkshire Terriers can have a tendency to bark at everything and everyone. This is best remedied by early and proper training of the dog
9. Fighting: Despite being small dogs, Yorkshire Terriers think they are big. Therefore, they will often try to pick fights with larger dogs. It’s important to keep your small terrier under control
10. Indoor dogs: Although Yorkshire Terriers – like all dogs – benefit from being walked, they are indoor pets and are therefore well suited to city life, such as apartment living (unlike many other dogs)
Facts about the Yorkshire Terriers health
- Cold: Yorkshire Terriers are not good at withstanding the cold (they don’t like the cold either) and get cold easily – especially if they are wet or in damp environments
- Diseases: Other diseases and health problems that are particularly common in Yorkshire Terriers include: digestive problems, diarrhea, bronchitis, loose kneecaps, tracheal collapse, allergies, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), dysplasia (cell changes), eye diseases and liver problems
- Fragility: The small bodies of Yorkshire Terriers make them very intolerant to anesthesia (anesthesia). In addition, their small body size makes them very vulnerable to other dogs, children, falls and clumsy owners
- Digestion: Yorkshire Terriers can have a delicate or sensitive digestive system and can therefore be picky eaters. Eating difficulties can also be caused by problems with teeth or gums. It is always recommended that you contact a veterinarian if your Yorkshire Terrier has difficulty eating
- Lifetime: Despite their fragile health and potential diseases, Yorkshire Terriers generally live 10-15 years, making them some of the longest-living dogs around
- Teeth: Yorkshire Terriers tend to keep their milk teeth (especially the canines). Once your puppy is around 5 weeks old, you should check their teeth frequently. If you notice an adult tooth emerging in a spot where a baby tooth is still present, take your puppy to the vet. You should also brush their teeth, as tartar can become a problem
Other facts about Yorkshire Terriers
- Buy: When buying a Yorkshire Terrier, always make sure you buy from a reputable and/or professional dog breeder
- Smallest dog: The world’s smallest dogs (there are 2) are Yorkshire Terriers
- History: The Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred in 1900s England (in Yorkshire) to catch rats in weaving mills and coal mines. It was also used for rat-baiting, which was a sport where you filled a large box with rats and bet on how long it would take a Yorkshire Terrier to kill them all
