Yorkies, or Yorkshire Terriers, are great companion dogs to have. They’ve got a lot of personality to balance out their small size, and they are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, especially among toy dog breeds.
Their small size makes them great apartment pets, but be careful, as there may be some characteristics of the Yorkie that your neighbors may not be so fond of. If you’re interested in the Yorkshire Terrier and want to find out more about them, read on and discover why these pups are so popular!
The Personality of the Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are great pets for those looking for a small body with a big heart. These dogs have a lot of spunk and are often considered one of the more glamorous breeds in the dog world. This isn’t solely due to their appearance, though.
These dogs are often considered selfish and full of themselves, which is why they always seem to fit in perfectly as purse-dogs with their long, silky coats and perky nature. Of course, it isn’t just the coat that sets this dog apart as a crown jewel, but also their personality. These dogs seemingly forget their size and are always on the prowl to cause some mischief or go on an adventure.
Very much suffering from the “Big Dog in a Small Dog’s Body” syndrome, these dogs have the matching affectionate nature you often see in larger breeds. They love to cuddle up to their owners and will always lap up any affection you will give them. Then, they will return it to you in equal measure.
However, let’s not forget these are still terriers, which means they can be quite the fierce little fighter. They are very protective of their loved ones and can be suspicious of strangers. They’ll always be on the alert for intruders and strange sounds, barking at the slightest provocation to warn you of suspected danger.
While they are quite affectionate, their terrier nature makes them less sociable and friendly towards others, whether human, dog, cat, or squirrel. This means it’s especially important to train and teach them when and when not to bark. It’s also important to teach them some good manners when dealing with strangers.
However, with the proper training, these little buddies can learn very quickly and become respectable family members. It’s also during this time that you’ll likely see their softer side.
Once you’ve shown them affection and introduced them to their new home, they are quick to soften up and show their affectionate side. Be warned, as these babies will require a lot of attention and love, and they hate being left alone for extended periods of time. Thus, if you’re someone who spends most of their time away from home, maybe the Yorkie isn’t for you.
On the other end of the spectrum, you need to ensure that you aren’t over-protective of your pet. Their terrier nature makes them already rather protective over their owners. They form bonds quickly, and those bonds are incredibly strong. If you’re over-protective of them, it will only capitalize on their own protective and aggressive nature as a terrier and cause them to become neurotic.
However, the best way to handle this type of behavior is by taking them out every day for exercise and regularly playing with them indoors. This way, the Yorkie can acclimate to any environment, even apartment life, and it will become very calm towards other apartment complex people. Yorkies are quite adaptable dogs and can quickly learn new lessons if you treat them well.
All in all, Yorkshire Terriers are spunky dogs with small bodies but big personalities. They possess a loyalty that they will carry until death. They will serve you well as a diehard companion and friend.
Physical Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier
Suffering from essentially the dog equivalent of ‘Small-Man Syndrome’, these dogs have a small stature that hides their big personality. On average, they stand around 8 to 9 inches tall and never weigh more than 7 pounds, with the average being between 4 and 6 pounds.
Their overall sizes can be quite inconsistent from one Yorkie to another, and you can have a whole mixed bag in a single litter. Some puppies could be tiny, weighing less than a pound, while others might weigh five to six pounds at birth. You should also be careful of breeders advertising ‘teacup’ Yorkshire Terriers, as these are smaller because of a genetic disorder and have higher risks for health complications. Thus, they deserve and require extra care.
When getting your new friend, make sure that the person who is providing you with the dog has gotten health clearances. Health clearances prove that the parent dog has been tested and cleared of particular conditions. Yorkies are genetically predisposed to various health conditions, such as:
- Patellar Luxation: A common problem in smaller breeds of dogs, this is a condition that is caused by the three parts of the patella – the femur, the patella, and the tibia – not being aligned. It causes the leg to go lame and the dog to walk with a strange gait. Typically, symptoms will show up early on in life and can be corrected early on, but it can lead to complications like arthritis if not caught early on.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This degenerative eye disorder will eventually result in the loss of the photoreceptors in the back of the eye. PRA can be detected before blindness and can be helped or corrected.
- Hypoglycemia: This is, unfortunately, a common problem in smaller dogs who are prone to becoming stressed very quickly. It causes their blood sugar to plummet, which can lead to additional complications later on.
Conclusion
To conclude, Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with the soul of big dogs. They are affectionate, loyal, over-protective, and quite yappy and snappy if strangers get too close to them and the ones they love. Take care to give them a lot of attention, and train them right to become the perfect companion and member of the family.