Yorkie Day

Do you have a Yorkie? If so, give your pup some extra TLC: it’s Yorkie Day! These cute little dogs may be small, but they have big personalities. A local veterinarian turns the spotlight on the tiny, charming Yorkshire Terrier below.

Basics

Fido is one of the smaller dogs out there: Yorkies rarely grow over 8 inches tall. Like many other small dogs, they do have some longevity: they can live up to 16 years. That’s a long time for a dog! As far as temperament goes, these guys are very cuddly and affectionate, if a bit feisty. Fido is a great little watchdog, insofar as letting you know there is somebody at the door. However, he also thinks everybody is his best buddy. In other words, he’s a great doorbell, but not much of a guard dog. Yorkies do tend to be louder than many other dogs, so if you want a quiet pooch, they may not be the best choice for you.

Care

Yorkies have long, silky fur, that is a lot like human hair. They don’t shed (or drool) a lot. However, because they have that long, silky fur, they do need daily brushing. As the saying goes, you can’t have it all!

Temperament

Yorkies are quite intelligent, and are usually pretty trainable. These guys are very energetic, and need lots of playtime and stimulation. They are rather prone to separation anxiety, however, and get very lonely when left by themselves. You may want to get Fido a friend to keep him company.

Health

Like other purebreds, Yorkies are prone to getting some specific health issues, such as cataracts, bronchitis, and skin trouble. They’re also notorious for having sensitive tummies, so you’ll need to be very careful with what you feed Fido. It’s also worth noting that, because they’re so little, Yorkies can get seriously injured in falls: even falling off a bed or couch can cause injuries! Ask your vet for specific care tips.

Fun Facts

Fido has gained a few nicknames over time. Yorkies are sometimes called Tomboy Toys, because of their daring, feisty demeanors. They were also once called the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier, which honestly sounds a bit sad. We like ‘Yorkie’ better!

Famous Yorkies

Though few and far between, there have been some celebrity Yorkies. First we have Sylvia, who was the smallest dog in recorded history. This tiny pooch was only 2.4 inches tall! Another standout Yorkie was Smoky, a war hero of World War II. Of course, we think all Yorkies deserve to be celebrated. We’re dedicated to offering great veterinary care and excellent service. Contact us anytime!