Owner guide - This is not a breed for young children

This is not a breed for young children, but it is an ideal choice for stay-at-homes. The Yorkshire Terrier does make an alert watchdog, and its exercise needs are minimal.

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Use any good shampoo

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 your Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Do not use a nylon brush, which will break the dog's hair

Do not use a nylon brush, which will break the Yorkshire Terrier'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 Yorkshire Terrier's ears and feet.

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Yorkshire terriers can be very noisy

Yorkshire terriers can be very noisy, so think about your neighbors when considering this breed as a pet.

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Terriers typically have little tolerance

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

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Invest in nutritious food for the Yorkshire Terrier

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

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Get a little dog coat for the Yorkshire Terrier

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

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Pay special attention to the Yorkshire Terrier's eyes and teeth

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

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Get your Yorkshire Terrier's ears checked

Get your Yorkshire Terrier'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.

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Trim Yorkshire Terrier's hair

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 Yorkshire Terrier are firmly "set," at around six months of age.

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Yorkie Terrier's anus clean

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

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Wash mucus

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.

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Brush your Yorkshire Terrier's hair daily

Brush your Yorkshire Terrier's hair daily to keep it free of tangles. Bathe Yorkshire Terrier 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.

Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Lover