How to Care for a Yorkshire Terrier

This alert, intelligent terrier, like other dog breeds, has special characteristics and, therefore, some special needs. It is a spirited dog with a generally even disposition. Yorkshire terriers can be very noisy, so think about your neighbors when considering this breed as a pet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Be prepared to spend time on grooming and bathing this breed. Because they have long coats, Yorkies must have baths and their coats must be trimmed short or shaved for convenience and hygiene.

2. Brush your pet's hair daily to keep it free of tangles. Bathe him only when he is dirty, usually weekly. Brushing will keep the hair clean, except on the side of the body where urine collects on a male. Wash this area daily with a damp cloth and warm water. Brush the dog dry in front of a small hair dryer if you have one handy.

3. Wash mucus from the corners of the dog's eyes, daily if needed, with a cloth or wad of cotton soaked in warm water. Mucus will rot your pet's hair if it's not removed. Dry him off carefully.

4. Take special care to keep the hair around the Yorkie's anus clean. It is common for this hair to become matted with feces.

5. Keep the hair on the top third of the ear flaps trimmed very short. This way, excessive hair won't weigh down the ears before they are firmly "set," at around six months of age.

6. Get your dog's ears checked regularly for excessive wax and mites, and ask your vet to pluck the hair from inside his ears. Hair on his feet will need trimming occasionally.

7. Pay special attention to the Yorkie's eyes and teeth. Long hair should be kept out of his eyes. As with most toy breeds, Yorkies may have tartar buildup on the teeth ' so they need regular brushing. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best products and method.

8. Get a little dog coat for the Yorkie for cold weather. Yorkies do not have an undercoat to keep them warm. A store-bought coat will keep your pet warm and cozy.

9. Invest in nutritious food for the Yorkie. These dogs eat very little, so their food needs to be healthful.

10. Note that terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many Yorkies are eager for a spirited argument.

11. Expect a Yorkie to live a healthy 15 years if all goes well.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a nylon brush, which will break the dog's hair. Use a soft comb with small teeth at one end and large teeth at the other end. Use the small end for whiskers and brushing around the eyes. Use blunt-nosed scissors for trimming hair on your dog's ears and feet.
• Use any good shampoo that you would use yourself and finish with a good conditioner, rinsing it out thoroughly. Wet tangles with warm water and work them out with your fingers as you bathe the dog.
• This is not a breed for young children, but it is an ideal choice for stay-at-homes. The Yorkie does make an alert watchdog, and its exercise needs are minimal.

[monicab46]

on 10/9/2009 I have a yorkie who just can't seem to stop nibbling on himself around his feet and underside, until he turns tehm into little sores. What can I do? Also, he stinks weekly whats the best shampoo?

[candylady]

on 5/25/2009 I am looking for a 2nd dog for my miniature mix pinscher is the yorkie a good breed to get even if it is a puppy

[serur1]

on 5/17/2009 we have a year old bishon and are thinking about taking in a nine year old yorkie who needs a home and has very few teeth. our bishon is very jelous of the yorkie and i just wondered if yorkies are good with other dogs and if you think the two could ever get along.

[littleangle]

on 12/27/2008 Thank-you for your advice, much needed. Regalempress? Cleo is getting much better with all race's now, she was only about 6months when this behavior started, i think it was because i was all she saw she knew nothing else, she's now a year old & love's all...i was stunned after reading what you said about me & her..wow, thought this was a site for ANY & ALL advice, did not mean no harm. Thank-you wilted, sorry to hear about your lose.
l'll sign out as....Dog owner who love's all :)

[WiltedMagnolia]

on 11/22/2008 Little Angel...

I'm so sorry your dog acts like this around people who are a different race than you. Maybe it's simply because they are a different race, and she's never been around anyone other than those of your race? I don't really know, for I've never had this experience.

Also, for the person who said she and her dog were 'racist', she didn't just say 'colored', she also said 'black'. Why is it ok for blacks to call whites 'White' or 'Whitey', but it's not ok for us to say 'Black'?? Geez.

Anyway, good luck to you and Ms. Cleo!! :)

I just got my second Yorkie, our first had to be re homed, for he was a very agressive dog, biting us for no reason, he'd been abused. :( We tried, but could not help him. He was homed with a older lady, and has been fine. :)
My baby, Linus, is a sweetheart, He was abadoned, and then his mate was killed by American Pitts right in front of him