Considering adding a furry friend to your family? You might be wondering if a Yorkshire Terrier is the right breed of dog for you. Here are a few things you should know about Yorkies before you make your decision.
Considering adding a furry friend to your family? You might be wondering if a Yorkshire Terrier is the right breed of dog for you. Here are a few things you should know about Yorkies before you make your decision.
Though they only weigh an average of 7 pounds, don’t let their size fool you—they have the heart of a lion and aren’t afraid to use it. Whether it’s taking on another dog twice their size or keeping up with kids who are twice their age, these little guys love a good challenge.
It’s important to be patient and consistent when potty training your new pup, as it may take a little longer than usual to get them fully trained. However, once they’re potty trained, they make excellent indoor dogs who are perfectly content snuggling on the couch with you.
Be prepared for lots of shedding—Yorkies are known for their thick, lustrous coats, which shed frequently. If you’re not a fan of dog hair floating around your house (or if you have allergies), then this may not be the breed for you.
They don’t like being left alone and may develop separation anxiety if left by themselves for too long. If you’re gone all day for work or school, it’s important to either find someone to check in on your pup or look into doggy daycare so they can socialize and play while you’re away.
These pups require a lot of grooming—their long coats need to be brushed every day, and they also need to be trimmed every few weeks so they don’t get tangled or matted. If you’re not up for the daily brushing (or paying someone else to do it), then a Yorkie might not be the right breed of dog for you.
They tend to bark at anything and everything, from strangers passing by the house to leaves falling from trees. While some people find this annoying, others find it endearing (just be prepared for your dog to alert the whole neighborhood whenever someone steps foot on your property).
Be sure to keep an eye on their food intake so they don’t end up putting on too much weight—these guys are prone to obesity, which can lead to health problems down the road if not properly managed.
They make great running or hiking buddies (just be careful not to overdo it, as they can easily get tired and overheat).
Because they were originally bred as Chase: rats in factories and coal mines in England during the Industrial Revolution, Yorkies still have a strong prey drive and like to chase small animals—so if you have cats or other small pets at home, beware that your new pup may see them as potential targets (though with proper socialization starting at a young age, this behavior can usually be avoided).
Last but certainly not least, these pups make great lap dogs and will snuggle up with you any chance they get—which means lots of cuddles (and dog hair) on your clothing!
Yorkshire Terrier make great companions for those who are looking for an active but loving dog who will follow them around everywhere they go—just be prepared for some shedding and barking! If you think a Yorkie might be the right breed of dog for you, consider adopting one today!
Are you looking to adopt a new Yorkshire Terrier? If so, Puppy Connector is the perfect resource for you! We have a comprehensive database of puppies for adoption from breeders all over the country, so you can find the perfect pup for your home. Visit our website today to learn more!