It’s an exciting moment when you and your family decide you want to get a dog. But it also comes with the sometimes overwhelming decision of picking which breed is the right fit for your household.
Consider one of the most popular breeds in the United States: the Yorkshire Terrier. This affectionate, high-energy dog tends to be very cuddly and open to strangers, making them a potential worthy addition to your family.
The Yorkshire Terrier’s Temperament
While tiny in size, Yorkshire Terriers have big, friendly personalities that are often described as feisty yet affectionate. They’re loving towards their families and have the reputation of treating everyone like their best friend, including strangers.
Today, they may be known for their long, smooth coats and dainty bows. But there once was a time they rounded up vermin in underground tunnels, which explains their need for plenty of mental stimulation. When you consider this, plus their high-energy personalities, they’re the perfect fit for dog sports where they can show off their skills, including events like agility, therapy work, and Earthdog trials.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
Members of the Toy Group, Yorkshire Terriers are smaller in size, reaching an average of 8 inches in size and 7 pounds in weight, making them an ideal choice for city dwellers who may not have space for larger breeds. They also have an average lifespan of 11–15 years old.
One of their most notable traits is their human-like hair. Much like humans, their hair doesn’t stop growing. It should be trimmed to keep the hair neat, typically at a length long enough to graze the floor. You should also be prepared to clean their teeth and ears, as well as trim their nails regularly.
If you plan on competing in conformation, your Yorkie will likely require more intensive grooming, including weekly baths, rather than bi-weekly.
How Much Training Do Yorkshire Terriers Need?
Yorkshire Terriers can be stubborn and independent, but that doesn’t mean they’re not willing to learn. Their highly adaptive nature and eagerness to please can help when it comes to training. However, prospective owners should be prepared to be patient and willing to offer positive reinforcement.
Yorkies also known to be good with children, thanks to their easygoing personality and tiny size that doesn’t make them intimidating.
A Yorkshire Terrier would be a great fit for active households since they require lots of mental stimulation. That also means they’ll require walks to get their energy out, and since they’re a social breed, they’re sure to be vocal if their needs aren’t being met.
Are Yorkshire Terriers Good for Families?
Families will be happy to know that Yorkshire Terriers are a loving breed that’s playful and cuddly towards their owners and strangers. They also tend to like other dogs, which means they can thrive both alone or in a family with more than one pet.
Though the breed is generally affectionate, they have a tendency to be protective of their owners. You’ll want to make sure set them up for success with appropriate training and socialization and, like with any other breed, never leave them unattended when around young children.
How Social Are Yorkshire Terriers?
Yorkshire Terriers get along with their owners, strangers, and other dogs, too, which makes them an ideal match for people who live an active lifestyle. They’re very adaptable, so they can live in a variety of environments, whether that’s a suburb or city, as long as they receive proper mental stimulation and walks.
They can be stubborn at times and will require positive reinforcement and encouragement, but their vocal nature means they’ll be sure to let you know when they need attention.
All in all, Yorkshire Terriers would make an excellent addition to many homes. But remember, every dog is different, even within the breed. Talk to your breeder or people you know who own Yorkies about whether or not the breed would be a good fit for you and your lifestyle.