YORKSHIRE TERRIER AND CHILDREN

Children and Yorkshire Terriers do get along, but it is best if they grow up together. While Yorkshire Terriers are tolerant of children, a child needs to know how to properly play with the dog and show him respect. Yorkshire Terrier’s won’t think twice about snapping at a child if the child is unintentionally abusive or is teasing the dog.

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TRAINING

When it comes to Yorkshire Terrier training, one of the most important things to remember is that you need to be consistent. Yorkshire Terrier more than any other dogs have bad memories, so even if you skip just a day of their training they are liable to forget everything they have been taught. It is essential that you continue using repetitiveness until you are sure that they understand and can then progress from there.

The reward style of training is much easier and more positive, and when the dog listens to you and makes progress you show him that he is doing well by giving him a reward. This is usually a dog treat, but you have other options as well. Even if you just pat him on the head this is a sign of affection and considered as a reward to the dog.

Training is the cornerstone to fending off problem behaviors before they arise. No matter what you are trying to teach your dog, it is important that you show them affection and let them know that you love and care for them.

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SENIOR FEEDING

Yorkshire Terrier have a long life expectancy, so most will make it to the over 7 age. There are some dog foods which have been designed specifically for older dogs and take into account their changing nutritional needs. Senior Yorkshire terriers should have a diet that consists of higher carbohydrates which are easier to digest. In all cases it is probably best to talk to your veterinarian to ensure that your Yorkshire terriers diet is providing the essential nutrients older dogs need.

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ADULT FEEDING

Once your Yorkshire terrier matures it is possible to start feeding it once a day, however you can continue to divide the meal in two offering half in the morning and half at night. If you are not sure about what to do you can always ask a veterinarian for recommendations on feeding your yorkie. It is still recommended that you supplement your Yorkshire terriers diet with nutrients and vitamins.

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YONG FEEDING

Until the teething phase is over, which should occur at about 6 months of age, they will need to be fed three meals a day. However, between 6 months and 1 year two feedings should be sufficient. At this stage in a young Yorkshire terriers life it is very important that you feed them a healthy, well-balanced meal in order for good development and growth. Nutritional deficiencies that are developed in youth are practically impossible to make up for later on. It would be beneficial to supplement your yorkies diet with some vitamins.

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PUPPY FEEDING

At a young age Yorkshire Terrier puppies will be energetic and will burn calories very easily. At first it is a good idea to feed them about four times a day. By doing this you are allowing them to get all the necessary nutrition they need. If you were to try and feed them all of it at once they may either burn it all before the end of the day and then go to sleep hungry, be sick because of the excess amount or leave part of the food because they can't finish it.

By feeding them in small amounts periodically every day they will get into a routine that will let them know that once they start getting hungry there will be food for them soon.

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FEEDING

Like most dogs a Yorkshire Terrier's feeding is part of every day life. The Yorkshire Terrier diet does not differ too much from that of other dogs, but it is different in size.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

No matter how healthy a Yorkshire terrier may appear you will always come across some sort of health issues. Some health issues that are often seen in Yorkshire terriers include lymphangiectasia, bronchitis, hepatic lipidosis, cataracts and keratitis sicca. Reactions to where the site of an injection is quite common which usually results in inflammation or even hair loss so do not be alarmed. Yorkshire terriers are infamous for their delicate digestive system and often suffer form vomiting and diarrhoea; this is commonly due to over feeding or foods not tolerated by the Yorkie.

They do tend to be fussy when it comes to food and will not eat what they don’t like so it is important to find a food that agrees with them and they like. Try and avoid mixing foods as they tend not to enjoy the different combinations of flavours. Due to the obvious small size of this toy breed anaesthesia can be a risk and some vets may not wish to perform operations. Another concern with the size of the Yorkshire terrier is that they seem susceptible to injury because of falls, other dogs as they will strike at bigger dogs or even the owner’s mistakes. This is another reason why Yorkies are not recommended for small children as they are likely to injure the dog. This may even be screened by breeders or rescue centres and most will not allow families with young children to have a Yorkshire terrier.

It is important to maintain the Yorkies weight at around 7 pounds as it could cause it to have a shorter life span of less than the average 12 – 15 years. Yorkie with weight problems Yorkies weighing 3 pounds or under are more prone to illness and chronic health problems with more problems regarding anaesthesia and injury.

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TEMPERAMENT

The temperament of the little Yorkshire Terrier that he has the honor of being at the number two position on the AKC breed popularity list. One of the world's smallest dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier is a cheerful, sociable, and adaptable little creature. Affection and loyal, yet courageous and confident, this is a dog that is suited to both experienced and inexperienced owners. These dogs make great companions and loving pets, with their love for being pampered or cuddling up with their owner. Yet, in true terrier style they have plenty of spirit, are agile, and have a very inquisitive nature. Training the Yorkshire Terrier shouldn't prove too much of a problem, as he is very intelligent and quick to learn. Housebreaking, on the other hand, can be quite a different matter. The Yorkshire Terrier can be very possessive of his food and belongings, and some have a tendency to bark too much. These little dogs will certainly bark to raise an alarm, making them effective watchdogs.

Early socialization is recommended with the Yorkshire Terrier to promote stability and confidence. Although he is not overly demanding in terms of exercise, he does have plenty of energy and will appreciate a place to frolic and play. However, this must be a secured and safe place, as he is inquisitive, agile, and an avid chaser, all of which could spell trouble should he escape. He can also be easily injured or bullied by larger dogs, so he should not be allowed off his leash when out and about. Despite his size, the Yorkshire Terrier will often try to dominate other dogs. They do tend to get along fine with other pets. When it comes to children they are best suited around older, gentle kids. These are very small dogs that can get easily injured and scared by rough, boisterous children. The Yorkshire Terrier is a versatile creature that is just as happy dashing around the garden and playing as he is cuddling up and getting thoroughly pampered.

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GROOMING

The Yorkshire Terrier is known for its long & flowing coat, to maintain this appearance the coat requires daily grooming. Yorkshire Terriers possess what is known as a ’single coat,’ simply meaning that they do not have an undercoat. Their hair is incredibly soft & silky & is often referred to as being very similar to human hair. This fact is wonderful for people that are perhaps allergic to normal animal fur.


Yorkshire Terriers do not have the normal ‘fur’ of other dogs therefore they are less prone to possess the normal ‘doggy’ smells another bonus is that the breed does not shed its fur as most other dogs do.

Their hair grows permanently & can become very easily matted so needs regular trimming hence the reason for the topknot. A lot of people mistake the band or bow placed so perfectly in the dog’s fur as just a decorative piece, in truth without it the dog’s hair would be constantly in its eyes.

Some owners prefer to keep their Yorkshire Terriers clipped short for ease, this is a good idea but you must ensure that you are prepared to keep this up every few months.

Before you brush your Yorkshire Terrier lightly mist their coat with a solution of warm water & a normal mild dog conditioner this will assist to soften the coat. If you groom the coat completely dry it can make it harder to work through any tangles & there is more chance that you will break the hair.

Refrain from using a natural bristle brush, as they are likely to ’snag’ the dog’s coat. The best type of brush for the fine, silky hair of the Yorkshire Terrier is a good quality pin brush with a rubber backing to it. Keep away from the pin brushes that have the little balls on the ends of the pins as they have a tendency to pull at the coat & break the fine hair.

After brushing your dog’s coat thoroughly use a wide toothed comb to gently go over the coat again as this will just ensure that you have removed all the tangles.


Grooming does not just involve the brushing & combing of your canine friend it should include checking your dog’s ears, eyes, teeth, paws & their nails. Of course these other checks do not have to be completed on a daily basis but it is a good idea to adopt a regular routine, perhaps every couple of days.

Take great care when clipping your dog’s nails if they are done frequently it makes it easier as you will not have to cut so much off each time you clip them, just ‘tip’ the very ends. If you cut too far down the claw you risk catching the ‘quick’ this is the term for the nerves & blood vessels that supply the nail. If the worst happens & you accidentally clip the quick, do not panic, have some powder to hand even talcum powder will do & pop some onto the claw in question. The powder will aid in coagulating the blood therefore stemming the flow.

Never attempt to stick anything into your dog’s ears, simply just wipe around the outer ear & very gently around the inner ear. Look at your dog’s ears regularly & become accustomed to their normal appearance, this way you will be instantly aware if anything alters.

It is important to clean your Yorkshire Terrier’s teeth regularly with a special dog toothbrush & paste, encouraging your dog to chew at hide based treats is also a good idea as this will help to reduce tartar building up.

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COAT CARE

If the coat is the correct silky texture, maintenance for it is relatively easy, requiring a daily brushing and a bath every month. Owners may trim the fur short for easier care. For shows, the coat is left long, and may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance. Hair on the feet and the tips of ears can also be trimmed.

The traditional long coat is extremely high maintenance. To prevent breakage, the coat may be be wrapped in rice paper, tissue paper, or plastic, after a light oiling with a coat oil. The oil has to be washed out once a month and the wraps must be fixed periodically during the week to prevent them from sliding down and breaking the hair. Elaborate care of the beautiful coat dates from the earliest days of the breed. In 1878, John Walsh described similar preparations: the coat is "well greased" with coconut oil, the dog is bathed weekly, and the dog's feet are "carefully kept in stockings."

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