Yorkies Overview
Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately called Yorkies, capture hearts with their pint-sized charm and vivacious spirit. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these little furballs so irresistible and why they might just be the perfect pet for you.
Exploring Yorkies
Even though these tiny pooches were bred back in England to sniff out pesky critters, today they’re better known for prancing around being adorable. Yorkies tip the scales at just 4 to 7 pounds, yet pack a punch with their boundless energy.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 – 7 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 – 16 years |
| Coat Type | Silky, long |
| Temperament | Spirited, smart, loving (Quora) |
What draws folks to Yorkies, apart from their spunky personality, is their oh-so-stylish coat. Those flowing, silky locks in blue and tan are total showstoppers but do need a bit of pampering to stay looking sharp. Curious if Yorkies have hair or fur? Find out more in our detailed article do yorkies have hair or fur.
Yorkies as Pets
Yorkies are pro-level snugglers, making them fantastic friends for anyone craving a lovable, small-sized companion. Their petite frame slots right into apartment living, but don’t worry, they’ll feel at home in bigger spaces too.
Pros of Yorkies as Pets:
- Loving: These cuddle experts thrive on close bonds with their people (do yorkies like to cuddle).
- Smart: Quick learners, Yorkies pick up on commands in a snap, although they do appreciate regular training sessions (are yorkies easy to train).
- Adventurous: Their size makes them the perfect tag-along for your outings.
Cons of Yorkies as Pets:
- Grooming: Their endless-growing coats need consistent TLC to avoid becoming a tangled mess.
- Active: Daily workouts are a must; otherwise, you’re looking at some not-so-friendly behavior.
- Delicate: Their smallness calls for gentle handling to avoid any boo-boos.
Thinking about adding a Yorkie to your family? Knowing how they behave and what care they need goes a long way. Explore our how to adopt a yorkie guide for the 411 on bringing one of these lovable critters into your life. Also, staying clued up on their health conditions is smart. Check out what do yorkies usually die from to be prepared for your future with your new best pal.
Understanding Yorkie Varieties
Yorkies, short for Yorkshire Terriers, come in lots of flavors. Each type has its own flair, making them enticing for different pet lovers. Let’s take a look at some favorites: Teacup Yorkies, Designer Yorkies, Mismarked Yorkies, and Biewer Terriers.
Teacup Yorkies
Teacup Yorkies are like Yorkies on a diet—they’re tiny enough to fit in a handbag. These little furballs tip the scales at no more than seven pounds, living for as long as 15 years (Dogster). But keep in mind, they have their own set of issues:
- Dental problems
- Slippery kneecaps (Patellar luxation)
- Collapsing trachea
- Liver hiccups (Shunts)
Teacup Yorkies may steal your heart, but they’ll nudge you into the vet’s office more often than you’d think. Curious about keeping these cuties in top shape? Check out our guide on care for Yorkies.
| Feature | Teacup Yorkies |
|---|---|
| Weight | ≤ 7 pounds |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years |
| Known Issues | Dental, slippery kneecaps, trachea collapse, liver hiccups |
Designer Yorkies
Designer Yorkies, the best of both doggie worlds, come from blending two different canine breeds. Take Chorkie for instance—a Yorkie and Chihuahua cocktail (Dogster). These dogs are eye-catching, with personality to match.
Thinking of getting a Designer Yorkie? We’ve got articles like do Yorkies like to cuddle and are Yorkies easy to train to help you out.
Mismarked Yorkies
Mismarked Yorkies sport colors not in the American Kennel Club’s fashion book. White markings beyond a small chest dot? Nope, not AKC-approved (Dogster). But their lovable traits make them fantastic furry buddies.
Check out more Yorkie traits in the exploring Yorkies section.
Biewer Terriers
Biewer Terriers are like Yorkshire’s flashier cousins. They struck out on their own into the purebred world, getting AKC’s official nod in 2014. Now they strut their stuff in the Toy group (Dogster). With their striking tri-color coats, these Yorkies stand out in a crowd.
Dig deeper into Yorkie history at where did Yorkies come from.
By knowing these Yorkie types, owners can find the perfect match for their lives. From the pocket-sized Teacup Yorkie to the one-of-a-kind Designer Yorkie, each one has its own charms.
Yorkie vs. Yorkie Poo
Ever found yourself scratching your head about whether to bring home a Yorkie or a Yorkie Poo? Well, let’s break down the nitty-gritty when it comes to size, personality, and upkeep of these adorable furballs.
Size and Weight
Yorkies are the quintessential pocket-sized pals, weighing in at a featherweight of no more than 7 pounds. It’s like having a tiny lion in your handbag! Then there’s the Yorkie Poo, a delightful blend of Yorkshire Terrier and Toy Poodle, with a bit more variance in size, thanks to their mixed parentage.
| Breed | Size (inches) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Yorkie | 7-8 | Up to 7 |
| Yorkie Poo | 7-15 | 3-14 |
There’s plenty more to learn about these pint-sized pooches over in the Understanding Yorkie Varieties section.
Temperament and Personality
Yorkies carry the heart of a lion, packed into a fun-sized frame. They’re courageous, a bit bossy, and sometimes think they run the show. They’ve got charm for days and yes, they adore being doted on.
On the flip side, Yorkie Poos are the life of the party! With a sweet, loving nature, they’ve got energy to spare and are always raring for a good time. But don’t leave them hanging solo too long or they’ll start missing you terribly (Happy Tail Puppies).
| Breed | Temperament | Personality Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Yorkie | Bold, confident | Brave, territorial |
| Yorkie Poo | Friendly, lovable | Energetic, sociable |
If you’re curious about training these spunky pups, wander over to the Training Yorkie Poos section.
Grooming Needs
Ah, grooming… Yorkies sport a silky mane that begs for constant TLC to fend off tangles and knots. Regular spa days with brushes, shampoos, and a trim here and there keep them shining.
Yorkie Poos, owing to their mixed heritage, sport coats that can be straight, wavy, or even curly. These coats need consistent grooming to dodge any pesky matting (Quora). And good news for allergy sufferers – they’re less of a shedding machine, thanks to the Poodle pedigree.
| Breed | Coat Type | Grooming Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Yorkie | Silky, straight | Regular brushing, frequent baths |
| Yorkie Poo | Varies (straight, wavy, curly) | Regular grooming, mat prevention |
For additional grooming tips and tricks, peek into our section on Grooming Needs.
Training and Intelligence
Understanding the smarts and training vibes of Yorkies and Yorkie Poos is a must for anyone thinking about getting one of these little furballs. Both breeds have their own quirks when it comes to learning and being part of the family.
Training Yorkies
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as folks usually call ’em, are sharp but can be a bit headstrong. They’re known for doing their own thing and having that hunter’s spirit, so patience is the name of the game in training. Yorkies are lively and can be chatty, so keeping them busy with walks, puzzles, and training is key. As it turns out, lady Yorkies might be quicker to pick up on house rules ’cause they’re more likely to follow and be sensitive to cues.
Some handy tips for training Yorkies include:
- Using treats and praise to reward good behavior
- Short and sweet training sessions to keep them interested
- Sticking to the same commands so they don’t get mixed up
Training Yorkie Poos
Yorkie Poos, a mix of Yorkies and Poodles, pull smarts from both family trees. This blend makes them quick learners, especially with the Poodle influence. Easy to train, Yorkie Poos can also be sneaky and get bored, which might lead to barking or chewing.
For Yorkie Poos, try these training methods:
- Rewarding them for good behavior to reinforce what you want
- Keeping their minds busy to dodge boredom
- Socializing them so they don’t get too anxious or develop bad habits
Intelligence Comparison
Both Yorkies and Yorkie Poos are clever pups, but they’ve got different vibes when it comes to training. Here’s a side-by-side look:
| Trait | Yorkies | Yorkie Poos |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | Super smart, with a touch of independence | Really smart, thanks to those Poodle genes |
| Ease of Training | Clever but sometimes stubborn | Easier due to that Poodle know-how |
| Training Needs | Needs steady and patient training, using positive methods | Needs to stay mentally active with rewards |
| Common Challenges | Loves to bark, the independence might make training a bit of a task | Can get bored, might get into mischief if not active enough |
For more on training Yorkies and Yorkie Poos, like how to deal with their unique traits, check out our articles on are yorkies easy to train and do yorkie poos bark a lot.
When you’ve got the lowdown on their training needs and smarts, picking between these two can get a whole lot easier. Whether it’s the Yorkie or the Yorkie Poo you’re leaning towards, showing some patience and using the right tricks will make for a well-mannered fur buddy.
Health Considerations
Common Health Issues
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, and their playful cousins, the Yorkie Poos, can sometimes face a few health hiccups. Getting clued up on what to watch out for means you can spring into action when needed.
| Health Issue | Yorkies | Yorkie Poos |
|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Common | Common |
| Hypoglycemia | Common | Less Common |
| Dental Issues | Very Common | Common |
| Collapsed Trachea | Common | Possible |
| Allergies | Possible | Possible |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease | Common | Possible |
For a deeper dive into symptoms and more, have a peek at what do yorkies usually die from.
Care for Yorkies
Looking after Yorkies is a mix of fun and responsibility:
- Diet: These little dynamos have tiny tummies and thrive on small, frequent meals. This keeps their blood sugar steady. Wondering about their munchies? Check out if yorkies can eat watermelon, grapes, or cheese.
- Grooming: With hair instead of fur, Yorkies need regular beauty sessions (do yorkies have hair or fur). Keep those locks tangle-free with daily brushing. And don’t forget the teeth—those need attention too.
- Exercise: These guys might be small, but they’ve got energy to burn. Short walks and play keep them happy.
- Health Checkups: Frequent vet visits help catch concerns like patellar luxation or a suspicious cough early on.
Care for Yorkie Poos
Yorkie Poos bring their own blend of charm—a mix of Yorkie verve and Poodle smarts:
- Diet: Like Yorkies, they benefit from small, frequent meals. Their Poodle heritage might mean a slightly different menu at times.
- Grooming Needs: They’re easier on the grooming front compared to pure Yorkies (Rover). A brush a few times a week is usually enough, considering their coats can be curly, straight, or somewhere in between. Our guide on yorkies being high maintenance has more.
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: With Poodle genes, they’re sharp cookies (Doodle Doods), needing mental workouts and physical activity to stave off boredom.
- Health Checkups: Regular vet visits help spot any inherited quirks early, especially ones from their Poodle side.
Want specific grooming tips for your Yorkie Poo? Our hair straightening products for curly hair guide can help keep their coat stylish. Notice your Yorkie Poo acting itchy or having a licking marathon? Our pages on yorkie keeps licking paws and yorkie keeps scratching might hit the spot.
By staying on top of these health pointers and care tips, your Yorkie or Yorkie Poo will be bouncing through life with gusto. For a wealth of health tips and guides, don’t miss articles like yorkie in heat symptoms and yorkie eye gunk.
Breeding and Responsibilities
Breeding Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) and Yorkie Poos demands some serious thought and genuine care. It’s all about making sure these furry little pups, along with their parents, get all the TLC they deserve.
Breeding Yorkies
When it comes to breeding Yorkies, it ain’t just about letting them mingle. You gotta know their family tree and watch out for any lurking health issues. Responsible breeders run tests on both mom and dad to dodge any nasty genetic surprises. Yorkies shouldn’t be parents themselves ’til they hit about 1.5 to 2 years old—gotta let ’em grow up first!
Some things to keep in mind:
- Health Checks: Keep an eye out for stuff like patellar luxation and Portosystemic Shunt (PSS)—run the tests, it’s worth it.
- Food for Thought: Expecting moms need a buffet of good eats to keep everyone happy.
- Vet on Speed Dial: Regular trips to the vet and having them on call for any “puppy arrivals” is a must.
Pondering Yorkies’ fur? Check out more here.
Breeding Yorkie Poos
Now, Yorkie Poos are a mix of Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles, adding a twist to the gene game. Breeding ’em means a mixed bag of potential traits, so health and harmony between parents is key.
Some pointers for Yorkie Poos:
- Health Harmony: Similar tests as their Yorkie cousins, but remember Poodle quirks too.
- Age Matters: Let ’em hit at least one year before baby-talking, keeps ’em healthier.
- Watchful Eyes: Stick around during pregnancy and delivery—no room for surprises.
Curious if Yorkie Poos chatterboxes? Dive into it here.
Responsibility and Costs
Jumping into dog breeding isn’t all about the cute puppies—it’s a lot of work and can drain your wallet fast. From vet bills to making sure mama and pups get top-notch meals, it all adds up. Often, it costs more than what you make.
| Spending List | Typical Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Health Checks | $300 – $500 |
| Vet Visits | $500 – $1000+ |
| Food Bill | $150 – $300 per month |
| Emergency Extras | $1000 – $3000+ per event |
Plus, the job ain’t over once puppies are born. You gotta be picky about new homes, grill adopters, and arm them with all the puppy-raising 411.
For more on tending to Yorkies, peek into this article.
If you’re nodding along and ready to take on this adventure, just remember it’s a long commitment. Breeding these bundles of joy offers plenty of warm fuzzies, but it’s a gig filled with responsibilities—for both pups and their human buddies.