Yorkshire Terrier – the pocket rocket!

This little dog is feisty and energetic, true to its classification of being of high reactivity. He doesn’t seem to know about his mini size and will stand up to any dog be it a great dane or a bulldog. Consequently, he can get into trouble with less tolerant dogs that don’t appreciate his sometimes lack of respect. Because this little dynamo is too busy being himself, he has been classed as low trainability. This, I think is a little unfair because he may be stubborn and determined but these traits can be turned in your favour with a little understanding and a high reward training system.

His cuteness is his downfall

But, of course, he is very cute and this is his downfall. It’s not his fault, but everyone loves the little fella and wants to pet him and cuddle him. His owner will invariably pick him up a lot, despite the fact he has got 4 good legs. If a large dog comes running towards him, the owner will nearly always scoop him up to save his life. This gives negative vibes to the little terrier (terror) who considers his owner must be worried about the big dog and starts barking and making a fuss to protect his owner from the danger. If he is approached in this state of mind, he will likely bite.

Continually being picked up

Continually having this little dog in his owners arms, gives the dog the task of looking out for his owner, which often means growling and snapping at anyone who comes close. Now he has another trait added to his other two – medium aggression. The owner can’t understand why their little cutesy is being so mean to other people!

Let him be a dog

The Yorkshire Terrier is renowned for being snappy and yappy. If they were allowed to be dogs and not treated as a child, their behaviour may actually put this little dog into different classification! They need to be socialised from puppyhood with dogs of all sizes and allowed to run around like other dogs. Continually having them in a basket, bag or being carried in the owners arms, is not natural for them, and don’t talk to me about putting human clothes on them!

Health problems for Yorkies

Healthwise, this breed has a tendency towards gum disease and must be checked regularly. Giving a diet which can alleviate this tendency is a must. There again, perhaps their cuteness encourages their owners, friends and relatives to ply him with inappropriate treats? Maybe, if he had a suitable diet, his gum disease problem would be less of a problem. They also have a propensity for a collapsed windpipe! Another common problem is a luxating patella or floating kneecap. This is a trait often suffered by small dogs with straight back legs.