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Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed Introduction
Yorkshire Terrier also nicknamed Yorkie is a playful and energetic dog developed in the 19th century. It has been used in the development of other breeds such as the Silky Terrier. A Yorkie is one of the smallest dog breeds of the terrier type. When left alone, this breed often exhibits separation anxiety which is the reason that some dog owners keep two dogs. Yorkies are easy-going dogs and are great with older adults and children.
Yorkshire Terrier History
Yorkies were developed in the 1800s in Yorkshire, England. This was when workers from Scotland moved to Yorkshire to work in factories, textile mines, and coal mines bringing with them the terrier types dogs either Paisley Terrier or Clydesdale Terrier. These dogs were bigger in appearance than the Yorkies we know today and it is thought there were used to catch rodents in the mills.
It is believed that Clydesdale Terriers were likely crossed with other types of terriers may be the Skye Terrier, the English Black, or Tan Toy Terrier. The Waterside Terrier is also likely to have contributed to the development of Yorkie. A Waterside Terrier was a small dog with a long blue-gray coat. In the early days of the breed, any dog in the shape of a Terrier having a long coat with blue on the body, ears trimmed, tail docked, and fawn or silver-colored legs and the head was considered a Yorkie.
However, in the late 1860s, a dog named, Huddersfield Ben, a popular Paisley-type Yorkie defined the breed type. It was owned by a woman residing in Yorkshire, Mary Ann Foster. Huddersfield Ben is also considered the father of the modern Yorkies. This breed also acquired its name, Yorkshire Terrier in 1870 because that is where most of the breeding had taken place.
A Yorkie was first introduced in North America in 1872 and was registered with the AKC( American Kennel Club ) in 1885. During the reign of Queen Victoria, a Yorkie was a popular pet and show dog in England.
Yorkshire Terrier Lifespan
A Yorkie has a lifespan of 13 to 16 years with others living between 13-20 years. However, underweight Yorkies (under 3 pounds or 1.4kg) have a shorter lifespan since they are prone to health problems such as chronic vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, undersized Yorkies are more easily injured and sensitive to anesthesia. A female Yorkie named, Bonny was reported to have had a lifespan of 28 years. Another Yorkie named Jack passed on in 2016 after it was attacked by another dog and had reportedly lived for 25 years. This signifies that the lifespan of a Yorkie may vary from dog to dog depending on how well it is taken care of.
Lifespan Female
A female Yorkie has a lifespan of 13 to 17.5 years. This is because a female Yorkie lives an additional 1.5 years as compared to their male counterparts.
Lifespan Male
A Male Yorkie has an average lifespan of 13-16 years. However, some male Yorkies may live longer than the average life expectancy into their late teens or even in their twenties.
Lifespan 17 20 Y Healthy
This breed is considered to have the longest lifespan as compared to other breeds. The average lifespan of this breed is 13 to 16 years. However, other Yorkies may live between 17 to 20 years.
Yorkshire Terrier Grooming
A Yorkie has a coat that is similar to human hair and dog owners may trim the coat short for easier care. Bathing your pet depends on the trim that you have opted for. For shows, the coat is left long and trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance. The sanitary area is also trimmed for cleanliness as well as the pads of the feet. The top third of Yorkie’s ear should be shaved and trimmed around the edge.
A pet trim requires the dog owner to invest time and energy into caring for the coat of their Yorkies. This trim is also recommended for owners who don’t have time for the upkeep and to keep the pet styled on a regular basis. A Yorkie in a pet trim requires a bath twice a week with regular brushing while a show coat requires a weekly bath. Keeping the coat healthy and long can only be achieved if the coat is kept clean. Every four to six weeks, this breed should be trimmed either by its owners or professional groomers. Regular brushing several times a week prevents coat matting and tangling.
Grooming Needs
When brushing the coat of your Yorkie, you may use a slicker brush, metal toothed comb, and a pin brush. This breed should only be bathed using high-quality shampoos and conditioners only made for a drop silky coat. Using a conditioning spray protects the coat from breakage and damage when grooming. In case of matting or tangling on your pet’s coat, work out the tangle by starting to brush from the end of the coat slowly working your way to the skin. Occasionally check the coat and skin of your Yorkie for health issues or parasites.
Avoid brushing your pet when the coat is dirty. During the first 6 to 18 months of life of a Yorkie, the coat will transition from a fluffy coat to a luxurious silky coat of an adult. During this period, brush the coat on a daily basis since it is more susceptible to matting or tangling. Nail trimming should be done every two weeks. Brushing Your Yorkie’s teeth at least once a day using a finger brush is highly advisable. Ears should be cleaned using a cotton ball and a simple dog ear cleaner. Clean the tear stains at the corner of your pet’s eyes using an eye wash pad.
Haircuts
- A Show cut- where the hair is trimmed to the floor-length. Trimming may also be done on the paws on the feet, ears, and around the sanitary area.
- Teddy Bear Cut – the hair on the coat is trimmed to the same length all over the body. However, the hairs on the face are cut in a circular motion to resemble a teddy bear.
- Puppy Cut – this is an easy-to-maintain grooming style where the hair is kept at around one or two inches all over the body including the ears, legs, and head.
- Kennel cut – it is ideal during summer which consists of very short hair on the body with the hair on the tail, head, and legs kept a smidge longer.
- Schnauzer Trim – this cut is achieved by trimming your pet’s ears and the mustache a little longer. A small skirt of hair is also left on the bottom third of the legs and body.
Head Grooming
While grooming the head of your Yorkie, the hair on the upper part of the head should be pulled up into a topknot or should be trimmed short to avoid eye irritation.
Shedding
This breed is regarded as a light shedder all year round as compared to other breeds. When the shedding takes place, there is a possibility that a Yorkie owner will not notice much hair on the floor. This is because the hair of the Yorkie falls back on the coat after shedding. A dog owner will only notice the shedding when bathing or brushing the coat. However, heavy shedding occurs when the Yorkie transitions from a fluffy puppy coat to a luxurious silky coat of an adult between 6 to 18 months of life.
Coat
It has a single coat that is distinctive and looks like human hair. The common type of coat in Yorkies is a silky coat. However, some dogs have cotton coats that are much thicker and not able to grow long. This type of coat also often has hair that has waves to them. A Yorkie with a cotton coat should not be bred since the coat texture is a heredity trait and it is considered faulty in this breed.
Yorkshire Terrier Hypoallergenic
Yorkies are considered nearly-hypoallergenic since they shed at minimal levels all-year-round and have a silky coat that looks like human hair. However, saliva, mucus, and dander also cause allergic reactions in people who suffer from dog allergies. Yorkies produce dander though in less quantity. Allergists agree that at times a particular allergy patient may be able to tolerate a certain type of dog, however, they agree that the few tolerable pets cannot be stretched to fit all allergic people and the entire dog breeds.
Yorkshire Terrier Training
Yorkies are an easy dog breed to train since they are intelligent and have a nature to work without human assistance. In order to raise a well-mannered and well-adjusted Yorkie, ensure that it is properly socialized from the age of 12 or 16 weeks. Yorkie breeders and experts highly recommend that a pup should remain with the mother and other litter mates until the age of 12 weeks. Although, others stay until the age of 16 weeks. Bringing a puppy home earlier than 12 weeks could lead to eating problems and anxiety.
Socialization training may take different forms including exposing your pooch to different situations, people, animals, sights, smells, and sounds like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, lawn mowers, whistles, and sirens. Enrolling a Yorkie in socialization classes will also serve as a form of socialization. Puppy classes also help a dog owner to identify and correct bad habits.
Yorkies are also naturally smart and quick to learn with many being food and/or praise motivated. Some of the treats that may be used for training include shredded cheese or cheerios. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as yelling or shouting. Teach your Yorkie pup to walk on a lead using a harness than a collar due to their small size.
Training Tips
Some of the command words that you should train your Yorkie include sit, lay, and stay. Remember to teach a command word one at a time until a Yorkie understands before proceeding to the next command. A Yorkie may also participate and excel in rally, obedience, and agility. Effective housebreaking requires potty training, crate training, and establishing a feeding schedule. Crate training particularly teaches your Yorkie to be alone and keep it safe against harm while in the house. A crate should be a safe place that a pet retreats to.
Remember to crate positive associations with the device through the use of treats and praise. The door of the crate should always remain open when you are home. This makes your pet understand that a crate is not a forced experience but rather its own special refuge. Put the crate where there is a lot of ongoing family activities to prevent separation anxiety. At no time should a crate be used as a form of punishment.
Yorkshire Terrier Potty Training
Housebreaking should start at the age of 8 weeks when the puppy is still with the breeder. However, once your get a Yorkie pup at the age of 12 or 16 weeks, start potty training. It is important to remember that the bowel and bladder muscles develop and strengthen as the pup grows up.
From the age of 12 weeks ( 3 months) a Yorkie pup can hold for at least three hours. Therefore, potty breaks should be every three hours, immediately after the pup wakes up, after naps, before bedtime, and after meals. Prior to potty training, a dog owner should decide whether they want their Yorkie to eliminate indoors or outdoors especially for apartment dwellers who don’t have an easy access to a street or yard.
For indoor potty training, dog litter boxes are available in pet stores. Consistency is key to prevent confusion. For a dog that eliminates outside, choose a specific spot and it should not be near a patio deck or BBQ. Once you take your puppy outside using a harness or collar whichever you prefer, remain in the designated area for 15 minutes to allow the Yorkie to pee or poo. This allows your pet to choose a specific spot and the bowel and bladder muscles to relax enough to release bowel or urine.
Before your pet gets to the age of 16 weeks( 4 months), take it outside at least once during the night. Remember to watch your dog for signs that it wants to eliminate such as whining, restlessness, sniffing, circling, or squatting. Give your Yorkie a treat once it pees or poos at the designated area. This will help it to associate going outside with eliminating.
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
- Independent.
- Friendly.
- Courageous.
- Intelligent.
- Confident.
- Playful.
- Energetic.
- Curious.
- Fond of attention.
- Very protective.
Barking
Yorkies tend to bark a lot which makes them excellent watchdogs as they will sound the alarm when anyone gets close. Frequent Barking may be a problem at times and may be resolved with exercise and proper training. A Yorkie is also known to be yappy, however, there are reports that a contented Yorkie is a quiet one.
Exercise
This breed was developed as a working dog, therefore, it needs a lot of both mental and physical exercise stimulation. A twenty-minute walk per day will do but also indoor games and training are recommended to keep their minds engaged.
Height
A Yorkie has a height of 6 to 7 inches ( approx. 15 to 18 cm).
Weight
A Show dog Yorkie should have a weight of 4 to 7 pounds ( approx. 1.81 to 3.18 kg) while a pet Yorkie may weigh between 12 to 15 pounds ( approx. 5.44 to 6.80 kg). However, a Yorkie weighing less than 3 pounds (approx. 1.4 kg ) is considered undersize.
Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
Yorkies have a delicate digestive system with vomiting or diarrhea resulting from the consumption of food outside of a regular diet. Some of the other health issues in Yorkies include keratitis sicca, bronchitis, cataracts, lymphangiectasia, periodontal disease, Hypoglycemia, Tracheal collapse, Portosystemic shunt, Luxating patellas, Distichiae, Hypoplasia of dens, etc.
Types
- Designer Yorkies – this refers to the dogs that have bred with other breeds. An example of a designer Yorkie is a Morkie which is a crossbreed of a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier.
- Black Yorkies – it is an exceedingly rare Yorkie that is definitely not purebred.
It also has a unique demeanor as compared to purebred Yorkies coming from the other parent. - Biewer Yorkshire Terrier – originates in the 1980s and it is known for its unique coloring that includes the standard Yorkie colors and the addition of white coloration. Following an extensive analysis, this dog was determined to be an independent Yorkie-based breed. Biewers also has elements from Havanese, Bichon Frises, Maltese, and Yorkies.
- Mismarked Yorkies – this is not a distinct breed of Yorkie but rather one of the dogs that have atypical markings and colorations on their bodies.
- Teacup Yorkies – these are Yorkies that have been intentionally bred to be of smaller size and can be able to fit in a handbag. However, they are more vulnerable to health issues than the original Yorkies.
- Parti Yorkies – Unlike the Yorkie that have two color coats, a Parti has three colors on their coats.
Mating
The heat cycle of a Yorkie lasts between 2 to 4 weeks. The duration of the cycle may vary from cycle to cycle and changes as the dog matures. A female Yorkie experiences the first heat cycle at the age of 5 to 6 months. The cycle may reoccur twice or thrice a year. Once she ages, this breed experiences a heat cycle once a year. A dog that has vaginitis condition may have a prolonged and frequent heat cycles. Check with the vet to ensure that a Yorkie is not experiencing this health issue.
Some of the common signs that a Yorkies exhibits while on a heat cycle include nesting behaviors, increased urination, bloody discharge, tail flagging, swollen vulva, change in appetite, and moodiness. Dogs don’t experience menopause and a Yorkie may also get pregnant at the age of 15 years. If a Yorkie owner does not want to mate her dog, she should have it spayed.
Before mating a Yorkie, ensure that both the male and female have undergone genetic testing to ensure that they have no genetic health underlying issues. It is highly advisable to wait until the dog has attained the age of 2 years before mating, to give the genetically linked faults the time to express themselves. Ensure that both the Yorkie stud and the female Yorkie are not related prior to mating.
Pregnancy Length
A Yorkie has a pregnancy length of between 58 to 65 days. However, if a Yorkie mother has not delivered by day 67, call a vet.
Litter Size
A Yorkie may whelp a litter size of 2 to 5 puppies. However, the average litter size for these breed is 3 puppies.
Yorkshire Terrier Food
While feeding a Yorkie, stick to the regular food diet since they have a delicate digestive system. Finding the best food for your Yorkie will help your pet to stay strong and healthy as well as avoid digestive-related issues such as vomiting.
A Yorkies food has no nutritional requirement for carbohydrates and the best Yorkie food will include a collection of minerals as well as vitamins. The best quality food of a Yorkie is made up of real whole-food sources, therefore, animal protein like poultry and meat should be the focus. The food should also contain higher than average fat and limited carbohydrate content.
It is important to note that not all dog foods have the same calorie content, so compare the calories per cup to the feeding recommendations of your Yorkie’s weight and age.
Some of the dog foods for Yorkies include Orijen Regional Red, Canidae Multi-Protein Formula Dog Food, Health Extension Little Bites Dog Food, Wellness Complete Health Small Breed, Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dog Food, Merrick ‘Lil Plates Small Breed Dog Food, etc.
Feeding Guide
A Yorkie pup should feed 3 to 4 times a day, in the morning, lunchtime, early evening, and evening in small portions. The evening meal should be fed two hours before bedtime. Snacks which are dry treats should be given between meals. Adult Yorkies should eat 1/4 to 1/2 cups of kibble per day spaced over two meals.
Yorkshire Terrier Allergies
Food, skin, contact, environmental, and inhalant or airborne allergens cause allergic inflammation in Yorkies. The common allergies that affect Yorkies include:
Food allergies – Yorkies have a delicate digestive system that may result in vomiting or diarrhea if they consume foods outside of a regular diet. This makes them more susceptible to food allergies and food intolerance. A true food allergy in a Yorkie results in an immune response that can have a range of gastrointestinal symptoms and skin irritation signs.
Skin allergies – This inflammation may be due to flea allergy dermatitis, environmental allergens, food, or contact allergens.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergies that affect Yorkies include fleas, ragweed, pollen, dust and dust mites, house molds, mites, and grass. A show Yorkie has a particularly long coat that is likely to collect various environmental allergens especially fleas. Flea biting cause severe biting and scratching of the skin surrounding the bite until it is raw. Flea allergy will mostly affect the hind legs and the base of the tail.
Common signs of environmental inflammation include a runny nose, swollen eyes, scratching, and itchiness on various body parts including the muzzle, face, ears, paws, groin, armpits, belly sides, and between the toes. A dog owner may control flea allergy by use of modern flea medicines at least once a month. To control inflammation from environmental allergens, wipe the coat with a damp cloth every time the dog returns in the house after an outdoor activity.
Other Allergies
Contact allergies as the name suggests results in inflammation when an allergen comes in contact with the skin. Some of the contact allergens that cause allergic inflammation include carpet cleaning detergents, grooming products such as shampoos, lawn chemicals, plastics, medication, latex, and bed linens. Itchiness, biting, licking, scratching, and irritation is experienced in the body parts that come in contact with the allergen including the belly sides, paws, and around the mouth. Contact allergens may result to secondary infections due to excessive scratching and biting.
Inhalant allergies – some of the inhalant allergies include pollen, dander, weeds, perfumes, cigarette smoke, etc. Some of the allergy symptoms in Yorkies include vomiting, sneezing, red inflamed skin, itchy ears, swelling of the face, ears, earflaps, or eyelids, diarrhea, rough patches, bumps, cracks, or redness.
Yorkshire Terrier Food Allergies
The delicate digestive system of a Yorkie makes it susceptible to food intolerance or sensitivities and food allergies. Although true food allergies are rare, they also affect this breed. A true food allergy results in an immune response that causes a range of symptoms from skin irritations symptoms to gastrointestinal stress. Some of skin conditions symptoms include pruritus, dermatitis, crusting lesions, hives, and facial swelling. On the other hand, gastrointestinal stress causes acute vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Yorkie owners may have a challenge of distinguishing food allergy and food intolerance. Food sensitivities don’t result in an immune response but occur due to a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of your pooch. Some of the food ingredients that cause food intolerance include beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, fish, milk, eggs, soy, corn, wheat, chemical, preservatives, and additives.
Some of the symptoms of food intolerance include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, chronic ear infections, poor skin and coat, and foot infections. Pet parents should work closely with the vet to manage the symptoms and determine what is causing the inflammation.
Yorkie Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Yorkies may be a result of inhalants, environmental, contact or food allergens. A Yorkie has a long coat and if not properly cared for may trap allergens and reduce airflow. Common allergens that trigger skin allergies include fleas, dust, pollen, detergents, and mold. The saliva of fleas causes allergic reactions on the Yorkies’ skin. A Yorkie with healthy skin is relatively smooth to the touch. However, any changes including cracks, swelling, rough patches, or redness could be a sign of skin allergy.
Yorkie Allergies Treatment
The first thing that a vet does is rule out any other condition that may be causing the symptoms that your Yorkie is manifesting. This is because diagnosing an allergy is often complicated since different allergies exhibit the same symptoms.
If most symptoms point to an allergy, an allergy test will be proposed. Contact and environmental allergens are easy to treat since the allergen will be removed for instance the change of grooming products and wiping the coat after an outdoor activity. Flea allergy is also easy to treat by use of modern flea medication at least once a month.
Regular brushing of the coat will also help to spot allergy symptoms. In order calm the inflamed red skin, use sulfate free, organic, hypoallergenic shampoos. Manage the hot spots using an organic spray. In extreme cases of allergies corticosteroids and antihistamines are prescribed.
Treating food allergies may involve a series of methods including:
- Elimination diet that involves a food trial of feeding your Yorkie a novel that is usually one source of protein and carbohydrate for 8 to 12 weeks. In this method, the Vet monitors for reactions, change the foods, and then introduce challenge tests to check for allergies again and again. When your Yorkie is on the elimination method diet, avoid giving your pooch flavored medications, table food, treats, or supplements as they could influence the outcome of elimination diet.
- There are creams offered to soothe the sore skin.
- If the vet has not been able to identify the foods that your Yorkie is allergic to, a switch to a special diet for life may be recommended such as feeding your dog a raw diet.
Biting
A Yorkie pup is likely to bite as it explores the textures, people, and things in their surroundings. There is also rampant biting when pups are teething due to discomfort. Puppy biting may seem adorable but not anymore after the puppy develops in an adult Yorkie with serious biting problems. Dog owners are encouraged to curb biting before it develops into a problem through redirection and bite inhibition training.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Colors
The American Kennel Club recognizes four choices of colors in Yorkies including black and gold, blue and gold, black and tan, and, blue and tan. However, Particolors exist though they are not correct for the breed standard. A Particolor Yorkie has a white coat with black-blue and tan. The white is a result of the recessive piebald gene. Some Yorkies may possess other colors such as brown color, solid golden, liver, or chocolate.
Names
The most important activity that a Yorkie owner engages in after adopting a pup from a rescue center or responsible breeder, is getting it a name that will be used for a decade plus. Some of the names are inspired by characteristics of the dog, origin, coat color, celebrities, books, food, songs, and movies. Regardless of the name that your settle with, remember to choose a name that will freely roll out your tongue. Resist from choosing a name that will make your embarrassed once you utter it out loud in the public places.
Names that have vowels are easy for Yorkies to understand. Avoid choosing a name that rhymes with any command words to avoid confusion. Give your pet a name that is not used by other household members or people who frequent your home to avoid confusion.
Names Male
- Oscar.
- Buddy.
- Milo.
- Bentley.
- Henry.
- Max.
- Gizmo.
- Teddy.
- Cooper.
- Ziggy, etc.
Names Female
- Luna.
- Stella.
- Bella.
- Lucy.
- Mia.
- Zoe.
- Emma.
- Phoebe.
- Ava.
- Lady.
- Penny.
- Daisy, etc.
Teeth
This breed has two sets of teeth in its life. The first set of teeth is the 28-piece milk teeth in pups and the second set of teeth in Yorkies is the 42 piece of permanent teeth. Yorkies may have problems if the milk teeth don’t fall out as the permanent teeth erupts. This happens when the new teeth don’t grow right underneath the deciduous teeth.
Retained teeth may result in tooth decay since the food can easily be caught between the permanent and milk teeth. Like many other small breeds, Yorkies are also prone to dental diseases. This is because they have a small jaw, and their teeth can become crowded and may not fall out naturally. This will lead to plaque buildup and bacteria may develop on the surface of the teeth leading to periodontal disease.
Ear Infection
A Yorkie has pointy ears that allow air flow preventing accumulation of moisture. However, they also allow dirt and debris to collect. Other causes of ear infections in Yorkies include moisture accumulation from swimming, allergies, excess wax, dirt, or debris, yeast imbalances, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, excessive cleaning, ear mites, injury to the ear canal, and overgrown hair in the ear canal that prevents air flow and traps moisture.
A Yorkie is predisposed to three types of ear infections; externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Externa otitis is far more common and causes inflammation to the cells located in the ear canal. Failure to treat inflammation to the external ear canal results to infection in the middle(media) and inner ear canal(interna). Failure to treat media and interna ear infections results in vestibular signs, facial paralysis, and deafness.
Ear Infection Symptoms
- Odor.
- Dark discharge.
- Redness.
- Head shaking.
- Scratching of the affected ear.
- Swelling of the ear canals.
- Pain.
- Crusting in the ears.
One your notice the above symptoms, give your vet a call and book an appointment. Upon arrival, the vet will conduct physical examination looking out for ear infection signs before taking a swab from the affected ear. If the dog is in in too much pain, he may be sedated to facilitate cleaning of the affected ear using a cotton ball and medicated ear cleanser.
Hair Loss
Yorkies are light shedders and excessive hair loss should be a concern. Some of the causes of hair loss in Yorkies include:
Cushing’s disease – This is a health condition as a result of tumor in the pituitary gland that affects Yorkies. This condition causes frequent urination, hair loss on the perineum, neck, lesions on the skin, thinning of the coat, lack of energy, and obesity.
Mange – A Yorkie is affected by mange that results in sores, hair loss, and scrabs due to demodex mites. These insects cause rubbing, itching, licking, and scratching of the affected body parts.
Hormones – A female Yorkie experiences a heat cycle twice or thrice a year. During this period there is increased hormone levels that result in thinning of the coat or hair due to increased estrogen levels. A dam is also prone to losing hair after whelping puppies as they tend to blow of their coats. However, the hair grows back in 6 months.
Allergies – A Yorkie is affected by various forms of allergies including skin, contact, food, and environmental allergies. Allergies cause excessive biting, scratching, licking, itchiness and irritation. Biting and licking causes hair loss, secondary infections, and sores.
Hypothyroidism – This is a condition that manifests when the thyroid gland inadequately produces thyroxine hormone that helps in controlling metabolism. Therefore, there is thinning of the coat and the hair falls out easily usually on the tail, back of legs, neck area, and the sides of the body.
Stress – Yorkies are human-oriented pets that experience separation anxiety if left alone for long hours. This causes stress, anxiety, and restlessness. As a way of relieving some of this tension, a Yorkie may excessively lick the hair on the paws which causes lick granuloma that causes hair loss in the excessively licked body parts.
Yorkshire Terrier Eye Problems
This breed has sensitive eyes which are prone to several eye problems over time. Some of the eye problems that Yorkies suffer from include:
Cataracts – this is an eye problem that results in cloudy and whitish pupils that affects the vision of the Yorkie. If left untreated it causes blindness.
Entropion – this eye condition makes the lower or upper eyelid roll inwards making the eye rashes to rub against the cornea. Rubbing causes inflammation to the eyes which resulting in pain.
Dry eye syndrome – is an eye condition that reduces the amount of fluid produced by the tear glands to the extend that they are no longer able to keep the eyes moist.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – this is a group of inherited degenerative diseases that affects the photoreceptors cells of a Yorkie eventually leading to blindness.
Eye Infection
Eye infections in a Yorkie may be caused by allergies, fever, Lyme diseases, bacteria, virus or Brucellosis. However, the most common cause of eye infection in this breed is bacteria. This kind of infection easily affects the eye following trauma to the eye, dry eye disease, and virus which give the bacteria the perfect opportunity to invade the eye since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised.
Bacterial infections are due to scratch or injury to the eye. Scratch to the cornea encourage bacteria invasion which prevents healing of the wound. Foreign elements such as hair, fur, dust, debris, and plant material lead to an eye infection. Some of the common symptoms of eye infection include light sensitivity, watery eyes, excessive blinking, red or blue eyes, dull iris, and a varying discharge. If a Yorkie has a thick yellowish-greenish discharge then the eye infection is due to bacteria while a clear discharge is due to viral infection. Inflammation in Yorkies are treated with ointment or drops.
Eye Discharge
Also referred to as eye boogers, eye gunk, crud, or goop which may be a sign of Conjunctivitis, inflammation that occurs in the lining of your dog’s eye. Some of the causes of Conjunctivitis may include tear duct problems, allergy, birth defects, dry eye, foreign materials, or distemper. Eye discharge may also be a result of Epiphora, excessive tear production. Other causes of eye discharge may include ear infections, yeast infections, poor diet, eye infections, and ingrown eyelashes.
Eye Color
The eye color of a Yorkie is directly related to its coat. According to AKC, this breed has dark eyes meaning very dark brown or black eye color. However, there are some dogs of this breed that have hazel, green, light brown, and dark blue eye colors.
Head Shape
A Yorkie has a more round-shaped skull.
Yorkie Seizure
A seizure is the temporary disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. A Yorkie may suffer from three forms of seizures; primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. Primary seizures are hereditary, however, the cause is unknown. For this reason, they are referred to as idiopathic seizures.
Secondary seizure result from brain tumor, trauma, and stroke. Yorkies are also affected by reactive seizures due to the reaction of the brain to a metabolic problem such as toxins, low blood sugar, and organ failure. A Yorkie is mostly affected by low blood sugar(Hypoglycemia) because it has a shorter timeframe to convert glycogen into glucose to supply brain and other tissue with fuel.
A seizure may last between 1 to 3 minutes. Therefore, it is highly advisable not to put anything in the mouth of the pooch since it may be dangerous to the dog owner and the dog itself. Some of the symptoms that a Yorkie exhibits before, during, or after seizure include urination or defecation, stiffening of the muscles, staring, disorientation, loss of consciousness, hiding after an episode, and a foaming mouth.
Collar Size
The collar size of a Yorkie is equivalent to the neck size since the collar rests around the neck. However, for a dog owner who uses a collar, he or she should be able to insert two fingers between the neck and the collar. The collar size | neck size of a Yorkie is 6 to 12 inches ( approx. 15 to 30 cm ).
Harness
A Yorkie is a small-sized breed that is prone to tracheal collapse. Therefore, a harness is much preferred by owners since it distributes the pressure on the back, and shoulders instead of the neck. However, a collar may be used to hold the ID tag. Although, the leash should only be attached on the harness.
Tail
According to AKC the tail of a Yorkie should be docked to a certain medium length. The tail is also carried a lit bit higher than the level of the back.
Muzzle
Even though a Yorkie is a non-aggressive breed, it also muzzled at certain times in a situation where the dog owner is not sure how the pooch will react to a new stimuli. A dog that is in pain is likely to bite. AKC encourages dog owners to create positive associations with the muzzle through the use of praise and treats. This will come in handy when the muzzle is really needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How To Stop Yorkshire Terrier Barking
The barking of a Yorkie may stop through proper training of the command word Quiet. Hold a treat above the nose of your pet and wait for it to sniff. This will stop it from barking. Give it the treat while repeating the command word Quiet. After several occasions, your Yorkie will understand the Quiet command.
Is a Yorkie a Yorkshire Terrier
Yes, this breed is nicknamed Yorkie which refers to the same dog, Yorkshire Terrier.
Is a Yorkshire Terrier Hypoallergenic
Yes. Yorkies are light shedders as compared to other dog breeds. Furthermore, Yorkies also have silky hair that looks like human hair.
Yorkshire Terrier Quick Facts
- They are also referred to as Yorkies.
- They are hypoallergenic.
- This breed was ranked 34th in The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren.
