Choosing Yorkshire terrier puppies as pets or companions can be rewarding. They are excitable and independent, but cute.
Research
As when picking any breed of animal for a pet, it is wise to research the breed prior to actually adopting a member. Researching a breed can be done online, by reading books, contacting a veterinarian or by contacting a kennel that specializes in that particular breed.
Spend Some Time
The next step is to spend some time with members of the breed. This can mean visiting a kennel, animal shelter or dog show and inquiring about the particular characteristics of the breed.
Characteristics of Yorkshire Terrier Puppies
The Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) is a toy size dog, weighing less than 7 pounds fully grown, with a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. The breed is best suited for older children. They have long, flowing hair, which requires much attention and grooming. Since they were bred as ratters (chasing vermin in the mills), they possess a feisty temperament as a ferocious fighter. They have moderate exercise needs and need moderate training.
Hair, Not Fur
Born black and tan, the Yorkie's coat becomes a rich, glossy tan and blue shade as he matures, distinctive of the breed. This long, flowing hair gives the breed the distinction as one of the few breeds of hypoallergenic dogs, which do not shed. Typically, show dogs have their hair parted down the middle of the back and flow to floor level. Pet terriers usually have their hair cut shorter. Daily brushing, combing, grooming and trimming is required to prevent matting. Bathing is equally important, as well as carefully blow-drying the coat to prevent a cold and due to the dog's frailty. Teacup Yorkies are not considered true to the breed and typically are unhealthy, being plagued with health problems from the unsound inbreeding.
Temperament
Yorkshire terrier puppies love to give chase to anything that moves. They are high-strung, nervous, excitable, timid, wary of strangers, hypersensitive to loud noises and quick movements, prone to yapping and nipping and suffer from canine separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. If not properly crate trained, they can be very destructive if left alone.
Exercise and Training
Yorkies do not need much exercise, just a potty trip outside and some playtime and they're content. However, they will always need to be kept on a leash because they will give chase to anything, including animals 10 times their size. They are extremely difficult to train since they are very excitable and stubborn. Through repetition and patience, they can be housebroken but they can develop selective hearing in learning other tricks, performing only when they benefit. Although obedience classes are recommended, some are too excitable to actually do well.
Health
There are several health problems that Yorkies are susceptible to due to inbreeding:
- Cushing's disease
- Hemorrhagic gastric enteritis (HGE)
- Legg-Cave-Perthes (LCP)
- Pancreatitis
- Pharyngeal gag reflex (reverse sneezing)
- Collapsing trachea
- Eclampsia
- Hypoglycemia
- Liver shunts
- Luxation of the patella
Adopting a puppy from a responsible breeder will ensure that he is healthy and will provide companionship for a lifetime.