Miniature Yorkshire Terriers, called Yorkies for short, are small dogs in the terrier family which first originated in Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century. Yorkies as a rule don't grow beyond seven pounds, typically featuring a gray, black or tan coat. These hunting dogs were originally bred to catch rats and mice that overran the mine shafts and clothing mills at that time.
Mini Yorkies can be as small as three to five pounds. The breed is considered a Toy Terrier, used to describe this popular dog perfect as a companion. The Yorkie body is well-proportioned with a compact build and a high head carriage that conveys a certain level of confidence for a dog of such a small size. Featuring a black nose and proportioned black eyes, this dog has a relatively small, flat head with a standard size muzzle. Puppies start off brown, black and tan, then add some blue to their coat as they age.
Personality
Miniature Yorkies are sought after for their excellent companionship and loyalty, as well as for their happy and charming personalities. Each dog has its own quirks and personality, but overall, the temperament of this type of dog is agreeable to all kinds of owners, from kids to adults. Words used to describe Yorkies include intelligent, courageous, independent and high energy.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Teacup Yorkshire Terrier, Teacup Yorkie, Yorkie |
Miniature Yorkie Build Information
Mini Yorkies can be as small as three to five pounds. The breed is considered a Toy Terrier, used to describe this popular dog perfect as a companion. The Yorkie body is well-proportioned with a compact build and a high head carriage that conveys a certain level of confidence for a dog of such a small size. Featuring a black nose and proportioned black eyes, this dog has a relatively small, flat head with a standard size muzzle. Puppies start off brown, black and tan, then add some blue to their coat as they age.
| Size: | Toy |
Behaviour and Personality
Miniature Yorkies are sought after for their excellent companionship and loyalty, as well as for their happy and charming personalities. Each dog has its own quirks and personality, but overall, the temperament of this type of dog is agreeable to all kinds of owners, from kids to adults. Words used to describe Yorkies include intelligent, courageous, independent and high energy.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
Grooming of the Yorkie doesn't just involve regular bathing and haircuts. It entails taking care of her on a daily basis to ensure she is getting the proper nutrition. Dirty hair will not grow well, so be sure to give your Yorkie a bath once a week or once every other week, advises the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. Use a high-quality dog shampoo as well as a conditioner that will help with the tangles.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Moderate maintenance |
Miniature Yorkie Common Health Conditions
Not every Yorkie will fall victim to these illnesses, but they do experience common health issues such as liver shunt, Legg-Perthes Disease, hypoglycemia, collapsing trachea, underactive thyroid, heart disease, bladder stones and progressive retinal atrophy.
Miniature Yorkie Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
If you love your Miniature Yorkie, it's probably because she's a joy to be around, is highly energetic, is smart and just loves to play. Here we explore all that makes the Mini Yorkie such a great pet. The average life span of a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 and 15 years. Reaching the very height of the life span takes special care and TLC of your Miniature Yorkie to ensure a long, healthy life. In addition to the Mini Yorkie, other nicknames for a Mini Yorkie include teacup, toy and tiny. These distinctions can refer to the size of between three and five pounds.
| Training: | Easy to train |