Breed: Yorkshire Terrier
Average Size: They vary in weight but usually are no larger than 7 lbs and no taller than 8 to 9 inches. Teacup Yorkies are much smaller.
Appearance: Yorkie puppies are born with a black and tan coat. As they mature the tan may range from a very light blonde to a darker brown, while the body may be black or silvery gray making for many different colored adults. Their nose, lips, pads on their paws and nails are darkly pigmented and the hair is normally straight but wavy hair is not unusual.
Lifespan: 10-15 years but Yorkies under 3 lbs generally have a shorter life span
Habitat: They can live happily in a smaller area like a condo or apartment but they do need exercise whether it is chasing a ball around the house or going for a walk. Yorkies should be an indoor dog.
Food: Yorkies should be fed small amounts multiple times a day since they have such a small digestive system. There are special foods made for Yorkies so talk to your Vet about any special requirements. Most Yorkies are healthy with a commercial human-grade dog food. They have a very sensitive digestive tract so sticking to a strict diet is recommended.
Temperament: Although a toy breed, Yorkies are generally very intelligent, independent and courageous. Each dog is different, some bark at strangers, but some are outgoing and friendly towards new people. The differences in behavior are largely based on how the owner trains or socializes the Yorkie. Most are confident and seem oblivious to their small size. This little dog is highly energetic, brave, loyal, and clever. Without proper training they can become suspicious of strangers and aggressive to strange dogs and small animals. They can develop jealous behaviors and become snappish if surprised or frightened. They are not recommended for families with small children because they are so small but are recommended for older, considerate children.
Special Traits: The Yorkie is an excellent watchdog. Yorkies typically get along well with other dogs and love to play together with them. As a breed they are generally quiet and intelligent, rather than noisy, choosing only to bark at real or perceived dangers to their family. Yorkies are energetic, but also need rest and prefer to spend downtime in privacy. Housebreaking is usually easy with simple consistency.
Other Important Info: Health issues often seen in the Yorkshire Terrier breed include bronchitis, lymphangiectasia, Portosystemic shunt, cataracts and keratitis sicca. Another common health condition in some Yorkies is their sensitive skin. The most common type of skin conditions are brought on by allergic reactions to seasonal pollen, pollution, food, and sometimes the air itself. Dogs that scratch and bite a lot at their skin can end up with massive hair loss. Vets need to be careful when using anesthesia because the small size of the Yorkshire Terrier means that it can have a poor tolerance. Factors such as stress, fatigue, a cold environment, poor nutrition, and a change in diet or feeding schedule may bring on hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can also be the result of a bacterial infection, or a parasite. The symptoms are drowsiness, shaking, low body temperature, seizure and lack of coordination since the brain relies on sugar to function.
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