Yorkshire Terrier Quick Guide(Updated)

This is a quick guide about Yorkshire Terriers based off my personal experiences. Please do your own research on the breed and come to your own conclusion based off your pet.

General

Yorkshire Terrier are a spunky toy breed. They are full of love and personality. Once their little paws step into your life, you’ll never be the same.

Their average lifespan is 12-15 years. However, there have been rare cases where they live up to 20 years.

They can grow from anywhere from 2 – 12lbs. although the average is closer to 5 – 7lbs.

Diet

Yorkshire Terriers are known for having digestive issues(Diarrhea especially). I relate that to the quality of food. Personally, I believe in home cook and/or fresh food. Sticking to foods with natural and limited ingredients seem to work best to reduce digestive problems.

Grains is a tricky subject. I have minimized grains in my Yorkshire Terrier’s diet due to dental issues grains can cause. Although, I believe brown rice and oatmeal are great sources of fiber.

Health

Yorkshire Terriers are known for some health issues common with the breed.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar is very common in Yorkshire Terrier and is a high risk while they’re young and/or under 5 pounds. It’s important to keep food frequent and available to reduce the risk. I recommend Nutrivyte or NutriCal and provide that when your Yorkshire Terrier is less interested in eating, going to be a long time before they’re next meal, or if they’re under a lot of stress. Its important to look out for the signs of Hypoglycemia and react quickly as it can be fatal.

Retained Deciduous teeth

It is very likely your Yorkshire Terrier will need a surgery to remove their baby teeth within the first 6 months of their life. It’s common in the breed for their baby teeth not to fall out, so they need to be removed to prevent crooked teeth and other dental issues. Some Yorkshire Terriers only need their canines remove while some will retain every single tooth. Usually this procedure can cost anywhere from $150 - $350 depending on your vet.

Collapsed Trachea

Signs of this can be concerning. Luckily, there are ways to minimize the risks. Never attach a leash to your Yorkshire Terrier’s collar. Collars on Yorkshire Terriers are for name tags only. Your Yorkshire Terrier will need a harness. Even with a harness, please ensure it doesn’t apply pressure to the neck, but instead the chest.

Allergies

Yorkshire Terriers commonly have allergies. Usually it’s not too bad, just casual scratching and maybe some sneezing in the morning. However, some Yorkshire Terriers have worst allergies and may need a regular anti-histamine from the vet.

Arthritis and other degenerative bone diseases

Although not common in their youth, Yorkshire Terriers are known for some bone degeneration when they’re older. To minimize risks, try orthopedic beds and pillows for your pet and try to minimize their jumping off couches, beds, and stairs. We recommend pet ramps or you can always carry your pet.

Dental

Yorkshire Terriers have little mouths that can overcrowd, especially if they suffered from Retained Deciduous teeth. So they are at risks of plaque. A dirty mouth can lead to worst things than bad breath. Therefore, get into the habit of brushing your dog’s teeth at least 3 times a week, although I prefer daily. Dental chews usually are not suffice for this breed.

Grooming

Yorkshire Terriers hair is almost like human hair. It’s beautiful and can continuously grow out. I recommend brushing your Yorkshire Terrier daily, bathe at least every two weeks, and apply a leave-in condition every non-bathing week, and at least professionally groomed every year with monthly touch-ups every month(this can be done at home if you’re comfortable).

This would prevent matts, keep hair moisturized, keep your Yorkshire Terrier from looking homeless, and minimize dry skin.  I also like treating my Yorkshire Terrier to a blueberry, coconut oil, and oatmeal wash every once in a while as it reduces tear stains, completely edible, and makes their hair extra shiny.

Miscellaneous

This is not a yard breed. Unless you have a proper kennel with roof covering(even then they must be supervised), Yorkshire Terriers must be on a leash. Reasons are they are small, they can easily escape any gap and they are viewed as prey. Large predator birds will attack and take them.

Dog parks and training facilities with large dogs are not recommended. Be wary while walking and always have a method to defend your dog. It’s very common in this breed to be killed by a larger dog.

Please be be wary of reptiles and amphibians. Many toads are toxic and if your Yorkshire Terrier eats one, it can be fatal. Yorkshire Terrier are small enough to be prey of larger snakes and for toxins to hit their blood stream more quickly. Yorkshire Terriers with commonly attack lizards and small bugs, stop this behavior early on to prevent them from eating toxic animal.