In this article, we will answer the following: How much walking does a Yorkshire terrier need? We will describe the need for exercise for a Yorkshire and how properly care for this lovely breed.
How much walking does a Yorkshire terrier need?
A Yorkshire terrier needs a daily 30 to 40 minutes walk. Yorkshire is an energetic little dog, they are full of life. He adapts to many different lifestyles however he remains a relatively active dog. He needs to go out several times a day every day. If he doesn’t walk extremely long, he needs several walks a day and he appreciates being able to exercise.
Besides, Yorkshire is a terrier with the impulses of a little hunter. For example, this translates into the fact that off-leash walking is not the easiest thing to teach your York. It is quite possible, but many connoisseurs think it is too risky and some advise against it. It’s not the energy of a Jack Russell but it’s got plenty of it. There are small dog breeds that appear less dynamic or calmer to us.
A Yorkshire is self-confident and persevering
Yorkshire is a jovial dog, very playful, wriggling, and funny. He is also remarkably sure of himself for a small dog. He is therefore not at all shy and he is persevering: his education requires a lot of patience. For someone who is already experienced or knowledgeable, Yorkshire is however pleasant to educate because it is very receptive.
It is suitable for a first dog even if it depends on so many things.
He can bark to signal a whole lot of things, but this depends mainly on his environment and his education. This is why some Yorks bark a lot and others, not more than normal. There are possibly some small dog breeds that are more easily learned not to bark if that is a major concern for you.
Yorkshires are affectionate but have been bred to fend for themselves, hunting down rats first and then possibly other animals. He has a more independent profile than other small dogs. That’s why many breeders and connoisseurs say this isn’t a dog made to sit on your knees or in your arms.
Knowing all this helps you avoid common mistakes when educating your Yorkshires.
- It should not be overprotected.
- He should not be carried in his arms all the time, in addition he loves to frolic.
- Make him sociable with other dogs and especially not avoid contact by hugging him as soon as a dog approaches. The danger is of course up to you, but the York is naturally not afraid of other dogs. It would be a shame if your dog became fearful: this is a source of daily problems.
A Yorkshire gets bored quickly
Because they are bursting with vitality and very receptive, the Yorkshires are a dog that needs very regular interactions. He can learn to be alone, but learning to be alone is not (theoretically) the easiest with this breed of a small dog.
He’s a playful dog but you have to play with him. He can learn a lot of different commands and tricks, but the basic commands taught to the puppy already allow you to avoid common problems with Yorkshires, too often described as stubborn, rambunctious, barking, capricious, jealous, or fearful. Yorkshire is none of that!
He becomes so if his education is not properly conducted from the start. The same is true for potty training because a York is not inherently more difficult than any other breed at potty training.
Well educated, properly and daily stimulated, having enough opportunities to exercise and well socialized, the Yorkie is a really great dog. The size of a dog is not proportional to the trouble it can create: poorly bred Yorkshire Terriers can make life complicated.
Start educating him as soon as he arrives at your home and do not relax until he becomes an adult without ever using force or raising his voice.
Yorkies need regular exercise!
The idea that miniature breeds do not need vigorous exercise is wrong. The Yorkshire Terrier, in particular, needs physical activity. Walking daily and playing frequently in an open area will keep your Yorkie in good physical shape and with sufficient mental stimulation. Lack of proper exercise can lead to behavior problems.
This breed can easily gain weight, so be careful not to overindulge your Yorkie.
If your Yorkie is overweight, the symptoms are milder and less obvious than when they are obese. However, it is not difficult to detect overweight dogs. To begin with, the ribs of the animal will be palpated with complexity and will be accompanied by a layer of fat.
The dog’s back will be visible from above and the tail will be thicker. For its part, the waist will present a little marked and even non-existent shape. A moderate amount of fat between the skin and the bone will be a common tonic throughout the canine body.
The pros of having a Yorkie
Due to its tiny size, it is a wonderful companion on trips or walks for its owners. It can be placed in a basket or bag and carried wherever you want.
Yorkshire dogs have a strong, dominant character, characterized by a constant and fierce bark. This can cause problems with neighbors, for example, but is controlled with training from puppyhood. It is then used to guard the home, at least to warn of strange presences, whether of people or animals. It will detect any threat and make it known to its owners.
The care that Yorkshire needs is mainly related to its stomach since it is usually quite delicate. You cannot give them food other than feed, because it will cause vomiting or diarrhea.
The behavior and conduct of this dog will depend a lot on the socialization that they have from birth, especially if there are other pets in the home.
Living with this breed is very good, it can play with children without problems or with other dogs. However, it must be borne in mind that they will always demand the attention of their owners.
The cons of having a Yorkie
Yorkshire Terriers and their fur – This type of breed has a great coat, it is not only abundant but it is very long. The fact that this means that they will leave their hair everywhere. Also, they need special care for their coat.
His tenderness is an appearance – Yorkshire Terriers are very friendly, affectionate, and calm. But in reality, many classify it as “a beast”. Sometimes her mood and temperament are not pleasant at all, and this intensifies when she has a few hours without eating.
They are not affectionate pets – One of the main reasons why you have a pet is so that he or she is part of each special moment. However, these animals are not usually affectionate, which represents a disadvantage.
They are aggressive when faced with other races – These breeds are very troublesome. You have to watch them constantly, as they tend to be aggressive with other dogs of different breeds. It is without a doubt a point that must be taken into account.
Are Yorkies high maintenance?
We cannot say that Yorkies are necessarily high maintenance dogs comparing it to the Hungarian Puli, the Siberian Husky, Beagle, or Bulldog dog breeds, for example. However, you should know that Yorkshire terriers need high maintenance when we speak about their grooming.
The most outstanding characteristic of the Yorkshire terrier is its long, fine, and straight hair. The hair color is steel blue on the body and tail, while the rest is brown. Although the shedding rate of Yorkshire terriers is low, their coat needs regular care to keep it in good condition and looking good.
The good news is that your Yorkie sheds very little to no hair. However, their long, silky coat needs a lot of brushing. To prevent his hair from getting tangled and matted, his coat should be brushed 4 or 5 times a week with a stiff bristle brush and regularly taken to a professional for a haircut. Your Yorkie’s eyes and ears should also be cleaned regularly to avoid infection, and their teeth need to be brushed daily to avoid dental problems.
This breed is also sensitive to cold and has a tendency to catch colds, so it is necessary to protect them from bad weather. If they go outside in freezing temperatures, they can be put on a dog coat.
Final thoughts
Yorkshire terriers are a breed that in recent years has become popular around the world, due to their great personality and their almost compact size that allows them to be anywhere. But despite being adorable and super cute, you shouldn’t even think about owning one of these dogs and these are the reasons.
Except for some details of weight, volume, and the sexual factors that affect them, adopting a male or female dog is not very different. Both genders can develop sociable, shy, or distrustful characters, it will depend on the education we provide. Nor can we blindly be guided by the breed of the dog, it is not a reliable indicator of personality.
It is important that you know the physical characteristics and character of the Yorkshire terrier in order to fully understand its needs when caring for it. Its size and some aspects of its personality make it a very unique breed, so it is necessary that you have all the information to know if you can assume the responsibility of adopting it.
Do you have a Yorkie as a pet? We’d love to know about your experience! And if you have any comments or questions on the content, please let us know.
References
akc.org
The-yorkshire-terrier-club.co.uk
yorkshireterrier-club.com
Yorkieinfocenter.com
