Yorkies are intelligent and learn quickly. Because of
their intelligence, keeping them focused and busy is
essential. They aim to please and enjoy any activities
that keep them thinking. Problem-solving games like
hide and seek or puzzle toys keep Yorkshire terriers
alert and mentally stimulated.
Yorkshire Terrier Information: Health
The Yorkshire
Terrier is a small dog that was first bred in
Yorkshire, England to catch rats in clothing mills. As
such, the dog is bold, inquisitive, and loyal to its
owners. As with many small dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier
can be prone to dental
problems, tracheal collapse, and luxating patella.
The breed may also be susceptible to portal shunts,
which can cause systemic toxicity. The Yorkshire
Terrier lives 14 to 16 years, with the smallest of the
breed living a few years shorter.
Primary Health Conditions of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier can suffer from diseases of both
the teeth and gums. These infections can then spread
through the bloodstream to cause other health problems.
Regular dental care at home and the veterinarianโs
office is required. This small breed is also subject to
tracheal collapse when a genetic defect weakens the
tracheal rings. Breathing difficulties or a honking
cough can result. Keeping the dog from overexerting
itself is the best prevention, and if the condition
advances, surgery may become necessary. Portal shunts
are a hereditary disease in which blood is not properly
filtered by the liver, which is necessary to remove
toxins. Stunted growth, seizures, and coma are
possible, and surgery can be used to correct the
problem.
Secondary Health Conditions of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is, like many small dogs,
susceptible to luxating patella, or the slippage of the
kneecap. The condition can cause pain and limping in
the dog, leading to decreased activity. Surgery can be
used to correct the problem, although the disease can
be managed in some dogs with weight control and leg
slings. The Yorkshire may also be prone to Legg-Perthes
syndrome, in which the head of the femur degenerates,
causing walking difficulties and pain. Surgery can
treat this condition as well.
Yorkshire Terrier Exercise and Walking Needs
The Yorkshire Terrier is a lively dog but its small
size necessitates only short walks and exercise bouts
to keep the dog well conditioned and happy. Much of
this exercise can be gotten inside, even in an
apartment, as the dog chases toys and plays with its
owners. All dogs, however, require daily walks to
interact with their environment. A Yorkshire Terrier
that receives daily exercise starting early in life can
avoid some of the bone and joint troubles that are
common to the breed.
Yorkshire Terrier Nutritional Needs
The Yorkshire Terrier is prone to dental disease and as
such should only be given a high quality dog food,
never fed from the table or given sweets. A dry dog
food with small sized kibbles will be preferred by the
Yorkshire Terrier, and chewing this food will help to
remove tartar and plaque from the teeth. Care should be
taken to match the dogโs food portions with its age and
activity levels. The Yorkshire will lead a longer,
healthier life with good
weight management and proper nutrition.
Haircut Styles for Yorkshire Terrier Dogs
Known for their long, flowing hair, Yorkshire
Terriers have a versatile coat that can be cut
and styled in a variety of different ways. These tiny
dogs can wind up with a tangled mess of a coat if they
are not properly groomed. The type of clip or hairstyle
that is appropriate for your dog may be dictated by
your lifestyle and that of the dog. While show dogs
must have a full coat, pet Yorkies can have cuts that
require less maintenance.
Show Cut
Yorkies that are shown for conformation require a
full coat. This flowing coat can be longer than the
distance to the ground, making walking difficult
for your Yorkie. To allow for proper movement and
to prevent your show dog from tripping in the ring,
the bottom of the coat can be trimmed slightly to
floor level. Hair on the tips of the ears is
trimmed short in the front and back of the ears.
The hair around the feet and on the bottoms of the
feet is clipped for neatness.
The Fall
With a full coat, the hair on the top of a Yorkie's
head will hang in front of the dog's face and eyes.
This hair, called the fall, can be styled in one of
two ways for show purposes and for everyday
practicality. Gather all of the hair into a pony
tail and tie it with a ribbon. You can also part
the fall down the middle and separate it into two
pony tails, each tied with a separate ribbon.
If you aren't going to show your Yorkie, this tuft
of hair can be clipped shorter to keep the hair
completely out of your dog's eyes, or shortened
into a miniature pony tail.
Wrapping
Show dogs who must maintain long, silky coats
require extensive daily brushing, and conditioning
after bathing. This may not always be practical,
especially for these spunky little dogs, who do
enjoy an occasional frolic in the yard. To solve
this issue, the coat can be sectioned, folded up
and wrapped in small packets of rice paper that are
secured with rubber bands. Before wrapping, the
hair is coated with oil to maintain its silky
texture. This keeps it ready for showing while
giving your dog ease of motion without the need for
frequent grooming. This is a practical way to style
your Yorkie's long hair for daily life without
having to cut it, keeping your dog show-ready.
Puppy Cut
For owners who don't plan to show their dogs
professionally, a puppy cut or pet clip may be a
good solution. This cut clips the dog's hair, over
the entire body and face, to one length, usually
about an inch or two long. This low-maintenance
style reduces the grooming needed to keep this
breed's fur looking its best.
The puppy cut also works well for Yorkies suffering
from atopic
dermatitis. Yorkies are affected by the contact
or food
allergies that cause this skin condition
more than other dog breeds, according to the pet
allergy testing lab, Bio-Medical Services. The
shorter hair style allows you to more easily treat
your Yorkie's itchy skin with whatever creams, dips
or medicated shampoos your veterinarian may
recommend.
Snorkie
The modified schnauzer cut can be given to your
Yorkie, giving the terrier the look of a schnauzer.
This cut, also referred to as a "snorkie," involves
clipping the torso and tail shorter in length,
similar to a puppy cut, while the hair on the head
and legs is left a few inches longer. The longer
hair on the legs gives the dog the appearance of a
skirt, and the hair on the muzzle looks like a
short mustache and beard. The fall is either cut
short enough to keep it out of the dog's eyes or
left long enough to tie into a short pony tail. The
snorkie cut allows your dog to keep a look of
glamour, while reducing the grooming time for your
dog. You will have to brush the face and legs of
your Yorkie daily to prevent knotting of the longer
fur.
Modified Westie
To keep the hair out of your Yorkie's eyes and
shorten it around the face, a modified version of
the West Highland white terrier cut can be given to
your dog. This cut, referred to as the modified
Westie clip, shapes the hair around your dog's face
into that of a circle or chrysanthemum-like shape,
something that the Westie is known for. The hair on
the face is trimmed to a few inches in length,
while the rest of the body is clipped short, as in
the puppy cut.
Groomers
Ask your veterinarian to recommend a groomer in
your area who has experience with Yorkies,
especially if you plan on showing your dog. Bring a
picture of the cut you have in mind to the groomer,
because different groomers may have different ideas
of cuts.
Observe the groomer during your initial session to
ensure that your Yorkie is comfortable with the
person; these little dogs, usually no more than 7
pounds in size, are delicate and can be easily
injured by a groomer.
Reward your Yorkie after the session to reinforce
the grooming as a positive experience.
