Yorkshire Terrier Dogs & Puppies for sale from Ethical Breeders

Meet the Yorkshire Terrier

This tiny terrier has a very delicate structure and will usually weigh no more than 7 pounds and as low as 4 pounds! However, the size of the puppies in one Yorkie litter will often be inconsistent, with some puppies staying small and others getting larger.

They will typically stand 8 to 9 inches tall and possess long, silky coats of hair that reach the floor. Yorkies may have long hair, but it is a single coat, meaning they do not shed much. Although they are not fully Hypoallergenic, this breed is more suitable for people with mild allergies than other dogs.

Most Yorkie puppies are born black; then, as they grow, they will lighten and develop their patterning, which can be black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, or blue and tan. However, it can take three to four years for Yorkies to get their final coats, and many do not start to lighten until after one year. As you can imagine, their long coats are high maintenance, requiring brushing every day and regular trimming.

If healthy, these small canines will live for 11 to 15 years. However, be sure to avoid breeders that offer "teacup" Yorkshire Terriers. These pups are smaller than the breed standard, so they are a much higher health risk and more prone to genetic disorders.

Along with their dainty bodies, Yorkies can have delicate digestive systems. As a result, many are picky eaters, only eating certain brands of types of dog food. Unfortunately, their small size also gives them a poor tolerance for anaesthesia and a higher risk of injury due to falls.

The temperament of a Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are feisty but affectionate dogs. They are lively, playful, curious, and very protective of their owners. They may be tiny, but they do not see their size as an obstacle and fight anyone necessary to protect their home and humans. However, this does mean that they can pick fights with larger dogs, which of course, could hurt them. Therefore, training is essential for this breed to keep its feistiness under control.

Another reason it's essential to train a Yorkie is their tendency to yap. They are not quiet dogs by any means, but they may bark a lot when meeting strangers or when guests come to the house,

As Yorkies lack an undercoat, they do not like the cold and can quickly get chilly in the winter. Therefore, you should never leave this pup outdoors. However, they do not require much outdoor activity anyway, so it's best to keep them indoors 90% of the time.

Although these small canines can be stubborn, they are not difficult to train. They are pretty bright and respond very well to positive reinforcement. It's always best to start teaching your Yorkie puppy as soon you get them to eliminate any bad habits before they develop.

Yorkies are a breed that needs to stay with their owners often. They easily suffer from separation anxiety and need lots of attention and companionship. Getting two Yorkies together can help somewhat and take some pressure off you.

Best homes for a Yorkshire Terrier

In some ways, Yorkies are very adaptable. They don't need to go outside much, so they do well in apartments and small homes. However, the most important thing to know before getting a Yorkie is their high social needs. If you work full time and there is no one else to stay home with them, your pup will suffer a lot. Thus, they do best with people who don't work or work from home.

Yorkies also thrive when they grow up in pairs or with another small dog. However, they don't typically take to other pets once they are adults. They are also not suitable for homes with young children as their delicate bodies are easily susceptible to injury. So, if a child accidentally mishandles them, your Yorkie could easily get hurt.