5 Things You May Not Know About Yorkies

Many assume that, because the Yorkie is such a small dog, it will have few needs. This is not true. As with any breed, the Yorkie has elements that may make it your perfect pet... or the worst choice you could make. Before deciding on any dog, you must consider certain aspects.

One: grooming. The Yorkie has a good deal of hair that requires high maintenance. You must brush every day and clip regularly. Though this breed sheds little to no hair, which makes it excellence for allergy sufferers or those concerned with ruining furniture, it still requires extensive care. Many owners chose to have their Yorkies professionally groomed, but this costs money. If you are not willing to take the time to have your Yorkie groomed, or to do it yourself, this is not the breed for you.

Two: health concerns. Though the Yorkie is a sturdy dog, it is still a little one and prone to certain problems. Its size makes it likely to get hurt more easily from a fall or roughhousing. This does not make it suitable for families with young children. Also, Yorkies can suffer from teeth problems. The best way to handle this is to use dry food only to build up strength, and have regular Vet visits. Finally, if you intend to breed Yorkies, you must realize that females can have problems delivering due to their size.

Three: exercise. Yorkies are, by nature, active dogs. Routine exercise will be at minimal since they will keep themselves busy during the day. Still, these dogs love to go for walks or to play in the yard. You must make sure they are secure, however, as they might run away. A Yorkie has high hunting instincts and is inclined to chase.

Four: training. The Yorkie is a bit of a contradiction. Though it can be easily trained, it will ignore that training when it sees fit. This can make it appear to be a breed of lesser intelligence. This is not true. Yorkies are actually quite clever and capable of handling most problems. They just also happen to be stubborn creatures. Training will be a constant thing and will require time and attention.

Five: temperament. Yorkies are blessed with that infectious, fearless Terrier temperament. This is both a blessing and a curse for owners. These dogs demand your time and attention. Also, they will do as they please--this extends to chasing down whatever animal happens to cross their path if they are able (including dogs as large as Great Danes). Because of this fiery nature, Yorkies require an owner with patience and a disciplined mind. Your Yorkie will be devoted to you; he just might not always listen.

If any of these characteristics seem too overwhelming, the Yorkie--or any other Terrier--is probably not for you. These are not timid animals and do not need timid owners. Instead, you must be willing to face the challenges of owning this breed for, with those challenges, comes a wonderful pet.

Richard Cussons is a champion for dogs of all breeds and Yorkshire Terriers in particular. You can find out more about Yorkies at http://www.yorkshireterriersavvy.com/.

I Hate Giving My Yorkie A Bath

I don't know about you, but I HATE getting a bath! I hate getting wet! When it is raining outside, I certainly do not want to go out and get my feet wet! My daddy tried putting booties on me once, but I wasn't thrilled with that either!

Dogs should be kept on a regular schedule of washing. This is important to prevent skin and odor problems. It is also important to use a dog shampoo because it is formulated for a dog’s skin. Here are some steps to follow when it comes to washing your dog.

The frequency of washing depends on the climate and breed of the dog. Generally speaking dogs should be washed once a week during the summer, once every two to three weeks in the spring and fall, and about once a month in the winter. This schedule is meant for healthy dogs and may vary if your dog has skin or health problems. It is best to check with your veterinarian if this is the case. Always always always rinse the coat well to remove all shampoo residue. Great dog shampoos can be found at PET CARE and Petco.

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