Yorkshire Terrier - Feisty and Adorable

Average size and Lifespan: Very Small, 12 + years. Exercise Level: Medium. Yorkshire terriers are active little dogs when they get the chance and like to have a good run around. As they are so small many will find they get adequate exercise in an average house and back garden, but should still be taken out for at least a 20 min walk each day for socialisation.    Grooming: Many owners clip their yorkshire terriers to keep the coat manageable as it can get very long. Long coats must be brushed thoroughly every day to prevent tangles and knots.

Clipped yorkies can be brushed every couple of days, more frequently if you find mats are still appearing. The fur on top of a yorkies head will grow to eventually cover his eyes, this should either be clipped or held out of the way with a hair band. 

Temperament:Yorkshire terriers are strong minded little dogs that are not afraid to defend their homes and owners, they can actually become quite possessive. They have quick minds and will soon find ways to entertain themselves if they get bored, which will usually involve digging in the couch or barking at anything that passes the window. Yorkshire terriers were originally bred to hunt rats and so should not be left alone with small animals, including cats.   

Ease of Training: Yorkshire terriers do well with basic training and respond well to gentle treatment and lots of treats. As with many very small breeds, yorkies can take a long time to house train. This is because it takes longer for the bladder to develop in smaller dogs than with larger ones. Be persistent and, unless there is an underlying medical condition, most yorkies will be fully house trained by 6 months old. 

Special Training: Yorkshire terrier can easily be trained to 'Find and Kill' hidden scented toys as this what they were bred for. Anything soft and squeaky is great for this and will go miles towards keeping your yorkie out of mischief.

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