Grooming Requirements
Yorkshire Terriers are generally easy to groom. They require a daily brush to keep their coats tangle and knot free and to avoid matting of the hair. It is recommended to give them a bath every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coats clean, silky, and smooth.
It is beneficial to trim the hair around their eyes and ears, and clip their nails regularly. Their teeth should also be brushed regularly, preferably twice a month at home, and once every few months at the groomer for a more professional canine dental care routine.
As Yorkies are considered one of the most fashionable dog breeds in the world today, they come with a few signature looks and popular haircuts. Some owners opt for Teddy Bear haircuts, while others choose cuts like the popular puppy cut or the short hair clip.
Regular grooming is essential for Yorkies. For a comprehensive guide on grooming and overall care, check out How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog Guide
RELATED: Grooming your Dog at Home Guide
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire terriers are toy-sized dogs and don’t have high exercise needs. They enjoy long walks, canine games of tag and find, dog sports, adventures, and snuggles on the couch with their favorite humans. A short walk or two of a combined 30 to 40 minutes each day and some active playtime indoors are enough to keep the Yorkie dog healthy, fit, and content.
Health
As with all big and small dog breeds, Yorkies are not immune to health concerns. Although they are a healthier breed than others, they can develop certain health problems such as hypoglycemia - low blood sugar, obesity, and periodontal disease. To avoid any or all of these health issues, it is best to provide your dog with a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise, and make sure to avoid any type of rough play that may injure the dog.
Lifespan
The Yorkie lifespan is between 16 to 18 years, although there have been cases of this breed living much longer than that. The oldest living Yorkie is currently 28 years old. To increase their life expectancy, it’s best to stick to a strict well-balanced diet, provide plenty of exercise, and never miss a vet check.
Training
Yorkie puppies are smart, easy-going dogs. They are known to be quick learners when it comes to both basic commands and more intensive training. They are great in sporting competitions and can be trained in advanced agility, rally, and obedience. Combining active playtime with training sessions will works best with Yorkie puppies. It is recommended to use a calm tone of voice, positive reinforcement, and treat rewards when training a puppy.
Socializing and leash training a Yorkshire Terrier should go smoothly. They are naturally friendly and outgoing, and they love discovering novel places.
Yorkies are not overly-dependent dogs. They can be left alone for a few hours without the risk of them being yappy or destructive. They are not generally prone to separation anxiety, but it is always best to gradually get them adjusted to some alone time before leaving them alone for extended periods of time.
More useful information on raising your new puppy.
