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What To Look For In A Yorkie (Ensure You Get A Healthy Dog)

Last updated September 24, 2022 By Mike Kelsen Leave a Comment

What To Look For In A YorkieGetting a new dog is exciting.

It’s a feeling of mixed emotions. You can’t wait, but you also don’t know exactly what you are going into and you are worried that you might not be a good owner.

But all that disappears once your little Yorkie is in your home.

Of course, that assumes you end up with a healthy pup, and you have a good idea what it needs to be happy and healthy.

That’s what we’re going to help you with today.

We’ll give you a rundown of what a healthy Yorkie should look like and we’ll cover the most important things you need to consider before bringing home your new Yorkie puppy.

Contents

  • 1 What To Look For In A Yorkie
    • 1.1 A Brief History
    • 1.2 Physical Appearance
      • 1.2.1 Head
      • 1.2.2 Body
      • 1.2.3 Legs, Feet, And Tail
      • 1.2.4 Coat
      • 1.2.5 Colors
  • 2 Things To Consider Before Adopting A Yorkie Puppy
    • 2.1 Yorkies Need Time And Attention
    • 2.2 Age
    • 2.3 Male Versus Female Yorkies
    • 2.4 Grooming
    • 2.5 Energy Level
    • 2.6 Vocal And Talkative
    • 2.7 Training And Living Space
    • 2.8 Yorkie’s Health
    • 2.9 Best To Adopt Or Go With Local Breeders
  • 3 What To Look For In A Yorkie: Conclusion

 

What To Look For In A Yorkie

Before we get into the things you should look for when deciding on a Yorkie, let’s take a brief look at this breed’s history. Then we’ll cover the standard appearance, so you know what to look for when selecting a healthy puppy.

 

A Brief History

The first-ever Yorkshire Terriers were brought to North America in the 1870s. They are originally from the United Kingdom and were named after the region of Yorkshire.

two yorkshire terriers

In the mid-1800s, England was at the height of the Industrial Revolution and they needed workers. Miners workers from Scotland would travel to England looking for work.

Many of those travelers brought small terriers with them and used them as ratters in the mines. These dogs hunted rats and other small vermin.

They were also considered a parlor dog and a companion, and were a common pet for wealthy people. They grew popularity and eventually became one of the most popular dogs in the 1950s, both in the United States and the United Kingdom.

 

Physical Appearance

Yorkies have a physical appearance that is quite distinguishable. The general appearance of the typical Yorkie includes a long, blue, and tan coat that flows from its body. This is this breed’s most distinguishing feature and the number one thing yorkies are know for.

They have a compact and well-proportioned body, and a self-assured posture and stance. The average Yorkie weight is under 7 pounds and most adults fall within the 5 to 7 pound range. Even a bigger Yorkie is never all that large.

 

Head

yorkie head

Generally, Yorkies have a small, flat head. They don’t have a round skull, and their muzzle isn’t very long, in comparison to other breeds.

The teeth are straight and they don’t have an overbite. They have a black nose, darker eyes, and their ears are small, pointed, and normally erect.

 

Body

One of the important things that a healthy Yorkie should possess is a relatively proportioned body. It needs to be compact, short, and the back should be level.

 

Legs, Feet, And Tail

The forelegs of a Yorkie are straight, and the hind legs are straight when seen from behind, but their stifles are slightly bent when you see it from the side. They have round feet and black toenails. Yorkie tails are docked most of the time, and carried slightly higher than their back.

 

Coat

long haired yorkshire terrier

According to the standard for Yorkies, their hair should be fashioned into a long coat. But this depends on the owner’s preference.

If you are in for a dog competition or just want to show off, you can make it long and shiny. But this makes it a bit more difficult to maintain and groom.

Yorkies can grow their coat long enough that it can reach the ground. If you don’t wrap the hair, it will drag on the ground. Not only does this make it dirty, it also makes the hair prone to breakage.

Wrapping is a process where you wrap a dog’s coat with some wax paper squares to preserve the hair and make it look beautiful.

The texture is another essential thing to look out for in a Yorkie’s hair. The straighter it is, the healthier it looks.

 

Colors

One cool thing about the colors of Yorkies is how they can change over the period of their life. When they are born, Yorkies are usually black and tan. But eventually, when they become adults, it turns blue, a darker deep steel grey, or almost black and bronze in combination.

Their body is blue or black from their back all the way to the neck and to the tip of the tail. And their head is mostly golden brownish, with a richer tan/gold combination on the ears and around the muzzle. Their chest and legs are also tan.

 

Things To Consider Before Adopting A Yorkie Puppy

Yorkie puppy

The Yorkshire Terrier is a popular choice. They are small and have a very playful and friendly demeanor, making them a perfect house pet and part of the family.

They can also be showcased through dog shows, with their physical qualities and fantastic posture. Yorkies may be small dogs, but they have big personalities and a lot of energy.

But they have some issues as well, and may not be the right furry friend for you. In addition, ownership of any dog, regardless of breed, requires a lot of responsibility with 24-hour care, health bills, and a lot of training.

Let’s take a look at the most important things to keep in mind, if you are considering getting a Yorkie.

 

Yorkies Need Time And Attention

Like most dogs, Yorkies love to spend time with their owner. They love cuddling and sitting on your lap whenever you’re seated. They also like to be carried around in your arms.

Basically, they just love to be near you as much as possible.

They are also very curious and active. Do not be surprised that this breed can sometimes be a little moody and stubborn. This attitude is imprinted into their genes. As a result, this breed of dogs might not be suitable if you have young children in the house.

On the other hand, it means Yorkies can be great service dogs. The only problem is that they are small, but as long as you don’t need them to perform tasks where size is an issue, many Yorkies excel as service dogs.

 

Age

young Yorkie

When adopting any pet, you need to consider its age. Your local dog breeder should be able to give you all the pertinent information as to when their dogs were born. If not, find a new breeder.

You want to make sure that the puppy you get is older than 10 weeks. Better yet, older than 12. Younger puppies should be under the care of their mom, so that she can nourish them with her milk. Read “When Do Yorkie Puppies Open Their Eyes?” for a lot more on caring for newly-born puppies.

 

Male Versus Female Yorkies

Once you’re decided on a Yorkshire terrier as the breed you would like to adopt, you need to consider if you want a male or a female dog. There are a lot of significant differences when it comes to gender.

Are boy or girl Yorkies better? It depends. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Taking care of a female Yorkie is perhaps more complicated than males because you need to consider their heat cycle. Female Yorkies also tend to be more needy and high maintenance.

On the other hand, females will bond with the entire household, while males tend to bond only with a single person. Females are also generally easier to train.

 

Grooming

yorkie being groomed

The Yorkie’s coat is a dream to a lot of dog owners, but it can also be a nightmare to some. Maintenance of their beautiful fur can be a lot of work.

It requires a lot of grooming and brushing to make sure that the coat doesn’t tangle. That is why some owners keep the hair as short as possible.

The ears and anal glands also need to be monitored and checked by a veterinarian regularly. Your dog needs proper vaccinations and a yearly health check too. This article has a Yorkie vaccination schedule for you.

Grooming is probably the hardest challenge you’ll ever encounter when you own a dog, especially a Yorkshire terrier. They have long, fine, and silky hair that needs constant brushing and grooming. They require regular trimming too.

 

Energy Level

Yorkies may be small, but they have a mighty personality. They have this nonstop energy and they tend to be very active and jumpy. When they reach their limit, they sleep. But when they wake up again, be ready for another jump in action.

 

Vocal And Talkative

yorkshire terrier barking

This particular breed of dogs is known to be yappy. They love to bark, yap, and excite people whenever there are people around them.

They are very territorial when it comes to their surroundings and environment, and they can be loud when someone or something encroaches on their domain.

This makes them great watchdogs. But it can be a bit of a problem if you live in a place where your neighbors are within earshot and barking will annoy them. You will need to train your Yorkie to stop barking so much.

 

Training And Living Space

All dogs need to be trained. Without it, they will not have the discipline required to live among us humans. Yorkies are no exception.

They need to be trained and housebroken, and they need to learn how to socialize with other people, other dogs, and other animals. It requires time and effort, but you’ll be happy in the end if it all goes well.

Yorkies are indoor dogs. They like to get out of the house, but tend to want to get back inside fairly quickly. This tiny breed needs to spend most of its time in the safety of a home.

 

Yorkie’s Health

Dogs don’t live forever. It’s a sad truth all dog owners have to face. The expected Yorkie lifespan is about 14 to 16 years.

They are prone to knee injuries, dental issues, trachea problems, and several other common health issues. That is why it is important to get your dog a regular checkup, all vaccinations, and regular grooming. You want to make sure it is living the best life possible.

Yorkies’ tiny bodies and light bone structure makes them prone to accidents. They can easily suffer injury at the hands of other dogs or humans. They are very jumpy as well, which can lead to a bad fall.

 

Best To Adopt Or Go With Local Breeders

newly adopted yorkie

It is always recommended to adopt dogs. There are so many out there that need a good family. In lieu of adopting, you should also consider local breeders. They are cheaper than buying from a pet store, and generally more humane.

Contact your local breeders and make several visits. If the list above didn’t provide enough information, any good dog breeder will be able to supply you with any additional information you want, when it comes to taking care of your dog.

When adopting or getting a puppy from a dog breeder, do not rush things. Take as much time you need before getting one, because a dog is not an impulse purchase. It is a long-term commitment. You taking responsibility for another life.

All Yorkies are adorable. They are fun little creatures that will bring you endless joy and happiness. They are also quite elegant and have come a long way since their first appearances centuries ago.

You can never go wrong with this dog breed. They will make you happy and it is up to you to make them happy. And it shows in their faces when your Yorkie is healthy and happy.

Before you decide on getting a Yorkie, or any other dog breed, you need to think about the time and schedule. Always think that you are raising another living being.

Yorkies are lovable creatures that demand a lot of attention and love. You also need to check your budget. Owning a dog can put a real dent in your wallet. They are not cheap to maintain. With Yorkies, grooming costs can really add up, whether in terms of money or time, if you choose to do it yourself.

 

What To Look For In A Yorkie: Conclusion

Owning any dog can be a challenge, both physically and financially. But this breed is all worth it. Yorkies are affectionate, adventurous, curious, loving, and fun dogs.

They will reciprocate all the love you can give them many times over. They are a great partner in crime, and a great stress reliever.

These are essential things to consider when looking for a Yorkshire Terrier. And there are more things to come as you move along the journey of raising your dog.

But it’s all worth it. The joy and happiness it brings is out of this world and can’t be explained through words. It will change your life for the better.

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