Meet the New ‘Boss’: Yorkshire Terrier Breed Information

Ah, the bossy Yorkie. She’s one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and it’s no surprise why. They’re cute, smart and when they move in, they quickly take over your home and heart. Are you curious as to whether the Yorkshire terrier breed would make a good addition to your family? Does this breed get along with small children? Wondering about Yorkshire terrier grooming needs? How well behaved are Yorkshire terriers? What kind of personality can I expect? This guide to Yorkshire terriers answers those questions and more.

Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark a Lot?

Being a small dog, you might find your Yorkshire terrier makes up for his small size with big dog behavior like loud incessant barking. Yorkies are excitable, territorial dogs and known to bark at anything and everything, day and night. It’s not uncommon for us to hear complaints about Yorkshire terriers barking too much. Once you figure out what triggers them to bark, however, you can stop Yorkies from barking.

While as a breed, Yorkshire terriers are considered high barkers, not all Yorkies spend their time barking. If your dog is barking, there’s probably a reason: It feels threatened, wants your attention, or thinks she’s protecting you from harm. However, if the barking is unwarranted, this behavior is unhealthy for your pet and those around him. Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be your situation; there are a few things you can do to reduce or eliminate this unwanted and annoying behavior.

How to stop Yorkshire terriers from barking?

For high energy dogs like Yorkies, you must ensure your pet gets plenty of physical and mental exercise every day. Not only will this reduce pent-up energy and barking, but it will also help your dog focus on you and your corrections during Yorkshire terrier training sessions.

Training any dog, especially those Yorkies that bark incessantly, requires time, a lot of patience, and consistent corrections.

First, identify what triggers your Yorkie to bark. What can you do to eliminate the sights and sounds that make him bark? Consider your home environment. If it’s calm and you provide regular dog care, your Yorkie’s behavior will be better than a chaotic house filled with frequent noises or disturbances, inconsistent feedings, playtimes and walks can lead to your Yorkie be apprehensive and frustrated. One way to vocalize his anxiety is to bark — a lot.

Next, use our train, treat, repeat dog training techniques laid out in our barking guide. Physical corrections, a harsh tone or yelling at your Yorkshire terrier will only teach him to be fearful of you. Instead, we recommend a combination of firm voice commands with the BarxBuddy ultrasonic training tool. Positive reinforcement will go a long way with your Yorkie and ensure training success.

NOTE: It’s crucial that everyone in your home is on the same page about correcting your Yorkie’s behavior and is willing to practice the same training techniques. Otherwise, if you’re the only one training him, your dog will learn not to bark around only you.

Facts About Yorkshire Terriers 

Yorkshire terriers, often called Yorkies, are ranked number 10 on the AKC breed popularity list. This beloved breed is feisty, affectionate, entertaining, and brave. Originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills, Yorkshire terriers can be found in homes everywhere. While Yorkies are social creatures and typically get along with other canines and older children, younger children might be too much for a Yorkie, causing him to yap or nip at little kids.

  • Size: The Yorkshire terrier breed is very small in terms of height and weight. The average height range is 7-8 inches, and weight averages around seven pounds.
  • Life expectancy: Yorkshire terriers can enjoy a long life with the average being 11-15 years.
  • Coat: Yorkshire terriers are well-known for their luxurious fine and long, silky coats.
  • AKC group: Yorkshire terriers belong to the AKC toy group.

Are Yorkshire Terriers Easy to Train?

Yorkies are intelligent and eager to please. They do well with plenty of treats and praise for good behavior. Try to avoid using harsh corrections as Yorkshire terriers might not be responsive and show their stubborn side. Early socialization is essential for Yorkies to help them differentiate friends and foes so they don’t attack every dog or person they meet. Obedience training as a puppy will help you keep his yapping in check as your Yorkie ages.

Do Yorkshire Terriers Need Grooming?

The real question you should ask is, “How often should a Yorkie be groomed?”

The hair of a Yorkshire terrier coat is comparable to the hair of humans, and as such, requires similar treatment. The good news is Yorkies do not shed much and are considered ideal pets for people with allergies. The bad news is they are high-maintenance dogs in the grooming department. Expect to do some Yorkie grooming at home.

Yorkshire terrier grooming tips: Long Yorkie coats require daily brushing with a brush like the BarxBuddy Self-Cleaning Dog Brush. The Yorkie grooming style includes hair above the eyes cut short or pulled up and clipped so it’s out of the eyes. Yorkies need a bath around once a week. Don’t forget to keep nails trimmed with nail clippers like the BarxBuddy nail clippers for at-home treatments or visit your groomer. Teeth require daily brushing as well to prevent gum disease and other health issues.

What If My Breed Is a Yorkshire Terrier Mix?

Yorkshire terrier breed mixes can create some fun, loving, enjoyable pets with catchy breed names like a Snorkie, Dorkie, and Pugshire. Because the Yorkie is one of the most beloved breeds, they have become popular for breeders looking to create the perfect mix. While characteristics from both parents are inherited, a Yorkshire terrier mix should be devoted and happy, however, expect most mixes to be yappy or barkers.

Here are some popular Yorkshire terrier breed mixes:

  • Borkie — Yorkshire terrier + beagle
  • Carkie — Yorkshire terrier + cairn terrier
  • Corkie — Yorkshire terrier + Chihuahua
  • Dorkie — Yorkshire terrier + dachshund
  • Morkie — Yorkshire terrier + Maltese
  • Pugshire — Yorkshire terrier + pug
  • Shorkie — Yorkshire terrier + Shih tzu
  • Snorkie — Yorkshire terrier + miniature schnauzer
  • Yoranian — Yorkshire terrier + Pomeranian
  • Yorkiepoo — Yorkshire terrier + poodle
  • Yorkie Bichon — Yorkshire terrier + bichon frise
  • Yorkie Russell — Yorkshire terrier + Jack Russell terrier