Shimmering steel blue and sparkling gold in the sunlight, a Yorkshire terrier’s illustrious fur is something to behold. With two-toned fur cascading downward, Yorkies are prized toy dogs due to their regal appearance and sassy attitude. Yorkie puppies love bonding with their humans through consistent and loving affection.
Now a pristine lap dog, Yorkies had humble beginnings. In the 1800s, the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire bred Yorkies to be not sweet, but tough. With possible connections to the Watershed, Clydesdale, Paisley, and Skye terriers (and even malamutes!), a Yorkie’s miniature stature allowed it to squeeze between cracks to catch rodents in textile mills.
One very notable Yorkie named Huddersfield Ben kept the breed alive. Though terriers on average only weigh seven pounds, Huddersfield Ben clocked in at over 11 pounds and was a champion rat catcher in the mid-1800s. He sired a litter of puppies that many say are the ancestors of modern Yorkshire terriers.
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Yorkshire terrier puppy facts
Between their Rapunzel-like hair and bossy personality, Yorkie puppies will fit right into a highly entertaining household. Here are some important Yorkshire terrier facts to get you started:
| Size | Small. Adult Yorkshire terriers weigh approximately 7 pounds and grow to a height of 7-8 inches. |
| Breed Characteristics | For such a small dog, the Yorkshire terrier is well-proportioned and walks with a look of confidence. The rich bluish-grey and tan coat is naturally straight and hangs from the head and evenly off the body. Their coat is hypoallergenic. |
| Temperament | Though dainty-looking, toy dogs often come with a big personality. A favorite among city dwellers, Yorkies thrive in apartments and big-city living, as long as they have a calm and pleasant residence to come home to. They can even become quite the watchdog if needed. |
| Grooming and Health Needs | A Yorkshire terrier’s coat sports hair rather than fur. Like human hair, it needs to be brushed daily to keep its illustrious shine and should be washed and trimmed when needed. Unchecked, a Yorkie’s hair can grow longer than two feet!
Not just a fashion statement, Yorkies often have a little bun on top of their heads. Yorkies’ eyes can get easily irritated if fur gets into them, so getting a bang trim or putting it in a top knot is ideal. Before getting a Yorkshire terrier puppy, consider checking for health conditions such as dislocated kneecaps (also known as luxating patella) or eye issues. |
| Training | Positivity is the name of the game when training a Yorkie. They thrive on pleasing their humans, so positive reinforcement with treat giving is how to win a Yorkie over for life. When introducing them to new people, dogs, or places, it’s best to do so slowly as they may be overwhelmed at first. Due to their high intelligence, they love participating in agility courses and obedience school.
Creating fun games and tricks is an essential ingredient for a happy Yorkie pup. |
| Energy Level | Yorkshire terriers have energy to burn! Due to their small frame, that can be done with steady walks and outbursts of energy at a local park or backyard. Participating in small dog group outings can be helpful in getting rid of excess energy while learning how to socialize. |
| Life Span | Yorkshire terriers live between 11 – 15 years on average. |
Who is the best human for a Yorkshire terrier?
Known for being great city dogs, Yorkshire terriers are ideal for apartment environments. They can be a bit skittish at first, so slightly older children who understand how to handle small animals are preferable. Having the patience to devote to a Yorkshire terrier puppy is key, as they’re an intelligent, affectionate breed that loves being with their humans.
They enjoy learning new things, so take the time to get to know your Yorkie puppy’s spunky personality and don’t hesitate to train them in basic obedience and fun tricks.
Getting a Yorkshire terrier puppy
Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new Yorkshire terrier puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically sourced Yorkshire terrier puppies.
Knowing what you’re in for when you get a Yorkshire terrier puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, it’s up to you to be prepared for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.
Adopting Yorkshire terrier puppies
It may be surprising to know, but adopting a Yorkshire terrier puppy is possible. According to the AKC, most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for the owner. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out there that are looking for a new forever home.
The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs that have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. This means you may end up with a dog that’s already been housebroken, and doesn’t need these common medical procedures. You may also find a Yorkshire terrier mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in.
Finding a Yorkshire terrier rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. The AKC also has an excellent list of Yorkshire terrier rescues on their site.
Finding a Yorkshire terrier breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are lots of puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the Yorkshire terrier puppy seems too good to be true, there’s likely something going on. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.
Yorkshire terrier puppy resources
After you find the right Yorkshire terrier puppy, it’s time to prepare your home! Here are a few resources to help you in your journey:
How to Survive the First 24 Hours with Your New Puppy
How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone?
How Often Should I Walk my Puppy?
The Essential New Puppy Checklist
The Best Pet Insurance: A Pet Parent’s Guide
