Description of the Yorkshire Terrier mini breed: pet’s character traits and reviews from owners

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular small breeds in the world.

Currently, there are many varieties of it, one of which is the mini Yorkie.

These dogs, distinguished by their tiny size and almost toy-like appearance, are nevertheless real terriers: active, courageous and persistent.

These are cute and loyal pets, but their small size requires especially careful and caring treatment.

Story

Yorkshire Terriers have gained popularity among people all over the world, but the origin of the breed is very mysterious. Scientists agree that the ancestors of the current indoor dog were hunting terriers of a wide variety of breeds that lived in the British Isles several centuries ago. Terriers were used by poor people, particularly coal miners, to hunt small rodents.

Similar to modern representatives of the Yorkie breed, they appeared at the end of the 19th century in Yorkshire. After persistent selection work, a terrier of the desired size and weight with a long, silky coat was finally born. The dog's name was Ben, he won more than 70 prizes and left a large offspring, becoming the founder of the breed.

In 1886, Yorkies were officially recognized and entered into the stud book by the most influential kennel club in the world - the English. Since that time, the breed has become popular.

This is interesting: Life expectancy of Yorkies

Differences

Yorkies mini and supermini are different from standard individuals in the following respects:

1. Miniature dogs have a slightly shortened muzzle and an upturned nose. They are also called “baby faces” in another way.
2. Dwarf Yorkshire Terriers have a balanced temperament and calm character; the dogs do not have a hunting instinct.
3. It is dangerous for small Yorkies to run and jump: in these species the fontanelle does not heal, and their bones remain fragile even in adulthood.
4. Dwarf Yorkies are problematic to breed. Dimensions do not allow females to bear and give birth to puppies. In order for offspring with characteristic characteristics to appear, a dwarf boy is mated with a girl weighing at least 2 kg.
5. They cannot be exhibited at shows: experts evaluate the breed according to a general standard.
6. The very small species is intolerant and requires constant care.

Popular colors

The most popular color of Mini Yorkies is considered steel-gray with reddish-red, characteristic of the standard variety of the breed (shown in the photo).

With this color, the body from the withers to the tail is painted steel gray. The head and paws are brownish-red, and the chest is golden or ash-colored.

The boundaries of these colors must be clear; the inclusion of hairs of other colors in places not provided for by the standard is a serious drawback.

There are mini Yorkies with colors characteristic of Biewer Yorkies and Biro Yorkies : that is, black or brown spots with reddish tan on a white background .

Miniature Yorkies can also be chocolate or fawn in color. But, considering that there are not too many standard-sized Yorkies with this color yet, mini Yorkies of these colors are extremely rare.

Characteristics of Yorkies

The description of the breed is determined by the International Canine Federation. According to standards, the body weight of a Yorkshire Terrier should not be more than 3.1 kg. The minimum weight and size of a dog are not regulated. Yorkie's height doesn't matter either.

Useful article: Rules for feeding Yorkies at home

The remaining characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier are presented in the table:

Part of the body	Description
Head	Skull small, flat
Muzzle	Small, short
Eyes	Dark, non-convex
Jaws	Even bite, the upper incisors sit tightly in front of the lower teeth
Ears	Wide apart, triangular
Undercoat	Absent
Limbs	Straight, densely covered with hair
Frame	Compact, short back
Tail	To be docked to the middle

Good to know: 3 ways to fit the ears of a Yorkshire Terrier

Breed standard

The Yorkshire Terrier dog is a miniature dog. The standard weight of an adult male is 3 kg, and an adult female is 2.5 kg. Error – 100-200 grams. The height at the withers of the first is up to 24 cm, and the second is up to 21 cm. The dog’s physique is proportional. He has a rectangular body, a well-defined lower back, and a flat belly without sagging.

The limbs are small. At the tips of the legs there are black and very soft pads. The claws are sharp and dark. Like all terriers, Yorkies are nimble and fast. They are able to run more than 5 km without getting tired at all. Their tail is set high. It is very thin and stays straight.

Shouldn't be wrapped in a ring! Usually, in the first week of birth, a representative of the breed has his tail docked in half. However, individuals who do not have a pedigree, that is, who will not participate in dog competitions, do not need to undergo such an operation.

The animal has a small head, flattened at the tip. The transition from forehead to mouth is well defined. The skull is rounded. The eyes are large, with a black, less often brown, iris. Eyelashes are very short. The nose is large and dark. The nostrils are wide. The ears are triangular, medium in length. They are in a standing position. A drooping or bent ear is considered a defect.

The main feature of the dog is its hypoallergenic coat. It does not have an unpleasant odor and is easy to clean and comb. The structure of the Yorkie's fur is soft and smooth. Interestingly, puppies are born with curly fur.

They somewhat resemble little sheep. After the first haircut, their coat straightens and then grows evenly. The most popular dog color is golden-silver or red-blue. It is important that the animal's fur shines in the sun.

Character and appearance of the terrier

Yorkshire terriers have preserved the features of their distant hunting ancestors. Yorkies are the same brave, curious, tireless dogs. They are characterized by sociability: Yorkshires are ready to spend 24 hours a day with their owner, become attached to him, and are able to sense a person’s psychological state and adapt. Dogs are friendly to strangers and get along with children.

Other personality traits of Yorkies are also attractive. The terrier loves to walk and will become a constant companion for the owner, who will definitely not get bored thanks to the dog’s playfulness and sociability.

Education and training

Yorkies are easy to train, but to develop discipline, the owner needs to know about their age characteristics. Dog trainers give recommendations for training dogs for each developmental period.

This is interesting: Basic rules for training York Terriers

One to two months

Usually at this age, breeders give puppies to families. When Yorkies are 1 month old, dogs can already understand simple commands. The sooner they begin to accustom the puppy to exemplary behavior, the more effective the educational process will be.

Raising a Yorkie depends on whether the dog can respond to its name. The puppy's name should be sonorous and should be pronounced constantly - during walks, feeding, and in any other situations.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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The very first thing a Yorkie owner should do is prepare a comfortable mat or bedding for the dog and a special absorbent diaper.

Toilet training a Yorkie:

• it is necessary to remove carpets and paths for a while so that the puppy, not accustomed to cleanliness and order, does not go to the toilet on them;
• the diaper should be placed next to the Yorkie's rug or bedding;
• At first, you should watch the puppy very closely. When he is ready to defecate, the dog is immediately carefully placed in the toilet seat;
• if a puddle appears in the wrong place, it is lightly dipped in a diaper intended for use, which must be put back.

Read more about the training process here.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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To accustom the dog to a resting place, the Yorkie is placed in the designated place, given a treat, and the appropriate command is uttered. The exercise with the puppy should be methodically repeated at least three times a day.

Also, a two-month-old Yorkie is already being taught the commands “no”, “fu”, “lie down” and “sit”. They must be pronounced loudly and clearly, without diluting them with unnecessary words. The puppy is given a treat for obedience.

In addition, a Yorkshire terrier at this age can be taught the seemingly complex “come to me” command. To do this, take a bowl of food, call the pet by name and say a command in a loud voice. The puppy will immediately run to the smell of food, the owner can only praise him. This lesson is taught every time the Yorkie is fed.

Compliance with the daily routine is important for the discipline of a new family member. You should never give your Yorkie food from the table. Otherwise, the pet will steal food. It is almost impossible to wean a dog from this bad habit.

Two to three months

When the puppy grows up, he will begin to be active. Your Yorkie's behavior will not always be appropriate. It is necessary to set the limits of what is permitted for the puppy.

For example:

1. A dog can only play with its own toys, but not with its owner’s things.
2. Under any circumstances, a Yorkie is prohibited from biting people, chewing furniture, cords, and clothing.

During this period, you already need to purchase equipment for walking. But you need to accustom your Yorkie to a collar at home. Only when the dog gets used to the presence of a foreign object on the neck can you attach a leash of the appropriate length (7-9 m) to the collar and go for a walk.

First, you need to follow the puppy everywhere, and only gradually begin to pull on the leash while playing. This way the dog will learn to follow its owner. You also need to make sure that the Yorkie does not move further than 1.5 meters.

In an uncrowded place, in nature, you can remove the leash and let the puppy frolic. Before doing this, you should say the command “walk”.

Three to five months

At this age, it is necessary to consolidate and hone the lessons learned, and also teach the Yorkie puppy to refuse food offered by strangers.

This is done as follows. The owner must sit the terrier next to him and put a collar and leash on him. Then a helper, not a family member, will offer the Yorkie a piece of the treat.

When the puppy tries to take food, you must give a strict command “no” (“fu”) and sharply pull the leash. Then the scenario is repeated. If the Yorkie tries to eat the treat again, the owner makes a sharper jerk. After several times, the dog will remember that you cannot take food from a stranger.

Six to ten months

A puppy of this age is almost an adult; he can already be taught the more difficult commands “give” and “fetch”.

The first request is of considerable importance in everyday life. Dogs tend to put inappropriate, dirty objects in their mouths, and you need to keep this under control.

When a Yorkie grabs an object with its teeth, the command “fu” is voiced. Then, firmly, but without allowing any rude movements, they take the thing out of the mouth and again say “no!” After this, you need to properly praise the puppy and treat him with his favorite treat. The manipulation is carried out several times during one walk.

Next, you can start teaching your pet the “fetch” command. York is seated next to him and a stick is waved in front of his nose, as if teasing him. The terrier will want to grab it, and at this moment, they allow you to take away the object being fetched, and give the command “fetch”. If your grip is weak, you can pull the stick a little, and then the dog will grip it tighter.

At the end, the puppy is fed and the training continues:

• the owner throws away the stick and again pronounces the order “fetch”;
• then repeats the command “give.”

You need to use different items to train your Yorkie.

How to choose?

Despite the fact that the Mini Yorkie is outside the breed standard, it is best to buy a puppy from a kennel or from a reliable breeder.

The main thing you should focus on when choosing a puppy is its health and temperament . A healthy Yorkie baby is active and playful, but not aggressive: he willingly plays with littermates and shows keen interest and curiosity in people.

The puppy must be well-fed and well-groomed: with clean fur, shiny eyes and healthy skin.

His nose and ears are also clean, with no signs of discharge. Since mini Yorkies are sold at least 3-4 months old, the puppy’s ears should ideally already be erect.

When choosing a puppy, it is also recommended to pay attention to how well-groomed and healthy its parents and other dogs living in the kennel look, as well as the conditions in which the animals are kept there.

General rules of education and training

Physical punishment of Yorkshire Terriers is prohibited. If you want to show the puppy dissatisfaction with his behavior, it is permissible to splash water on him or sharply clap your hands. In addition to these measures, it is best to scold the puppy in a stern, menacing voice.

A dog can be punished for unwanted actions only at the moment of commission. Raising a Yorkie should be based on the pet's trust in the owner and their mutual understanding, and not on cruelty.

And it’s worth training your pet only when he’s alert and well-fed:

1. The Yorkie should not be allowed to take the leading position even for a short time. A person should always dominate.
2. You need to praise and reward your pet with treats for success.
3. Terrier training should be done every day if possible.
4. It is advisable for the owner to show a sense of proportion and take care of his pet.

Nutrition

An adult dog's diet should include 25% fruits and vegetables, 25% cereal and 50% meat. It is necessary to feed only fresh food of good quality. It is not recommended to give ready-made dog food and homemade food at the same time; the interval between such feedings should be at least 3 hours.

Food products:

• beef;
• chicken egg omelette;
• cottage cheese, kefir;
• liver;
• fish (once every 7 days);
• cereals (rice, millet, buckwheat);
• carrot;
• zucchini;
• banana;
• apple.

Important! Make sure that your pet does not overeat and does not consume unhealthy foods or sweets.

Care and maintenance of the Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier is a decorative breed , so it is necessary to take special care of the dog and follow all the rules of keeping.

Wool

To prevent tangles from forming in your Yorkie's coat, your pet should be combed every day with a wide-tooth comb, then with a soft-bristled brush. The terrier needs to be cut every 3 months (either on your own or at a dog hairdresser).

Wash your pet once every 10-14 days using shampoo and conditioner.

Basic rules for bathing a Yorkie:

1. Place a rubber mat in the sink or bathtub.
2. Cotton swabs are inserted into the animal's ears.
3. Lather the shampoo, mix with water, lather the dog’s fur and rinse, repeating the procedure 2 times. Then apply the balm.
4. After bathing, the Yorkie is wrapped in a terry towel, dried with a hairdryer, and combed. You can lubricate the wool with cosmetic oil.

Ears and eyes

The terrier's ears should be inspected constantly, and they should be cleaned 2 times a week with a cotton swab dipped in a special solution. Eye hygiene is also carried out with lotion and wet wipes.

Teeth

To avoid unpleasant consequences, Yorkies have their teeth brushed with a specialized paste 2-3 times a week. And every six months the dog is examined at a veterinary dentistry.

Claws

A Yorkie gets a manicure and pedicure twice a month using wire cutters or nail clippers. The procedure must be carried out extremely carefully.

Cloth

In cold or rainy weather, your Yorkie will need special clothing - insulated overalls or a sweater. To protect your dog's paws, you can purchase boots.

Mating

Yorkie breeding is not always breeding due to their large population throughout the world. One way or another, the male and female must meet the standards, be vaccinated and examined for pathology by a veterinarian .

• Puberty occurs at 8-9 months. At this time, males begin to breed, and girls go into heat.
• You can only breed at the 20th month of life, when the female goes into her third heat. The readiness of a bitch can be determined by several signs: the discharge becomes lighter, the loop swells, the girl spreads her paws wide and throws back her tail.
• For the first mating, you can invite a specialist to help your pets. The female is brought to the male's territory, where the acquaintance should take place. The dogs should be given 10-15 minutes to sniff and get used to each other. When the bitch is ready, she will let the male do the mounting.
• The act does not last long - 10 minutes, and the lock from 15 to 30. The girl must be held under the stomach, not allowed to sit down. The male is directed into the noose. Due to the difference in size, the boy may simply not be able to reach it, in which case he needs to be seated.
• Mating is repeated after 2 days.

Vaccination

Vaccinations for dogs are given according to the following schedule:

Vaccination	Age in months
From hepatitis and enteritis	1,5
From the plague	2
Repeat vaccinations	3
Revaccination (after changing teeth)	6
For rabies	8

2-3 weeks before vaccination, the puppy must be rid of worms. Adults are dewormed every six months. You also need to promptly treat your Yorkie's fur against fleas and ticks.

So that the owner knows what the normal body weight of his pet should be, veterinarians have developed a table of average weight by month.

This is interesting: 10 best holistic foods for small breed dogs

Yorkies have a very sensitive digestive system. In order for your dog to always be healthy and in a good mood, you need to choose a balanced diet for him.

Allowed products for Yorkies:

• boiled meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit, beef);
• offal (udder, heart, lungs, liver, offal);
• lean sea fish;
• porridge (rice, buckwheat, millet);
• dairy products;
• boiled vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin, broccoli, zucchini);
• greenery;
• eggs.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

The Yorkshire Terrier's diet should consist of 50% protein foods, 25% carbohydrates and vegetables.

Prohibited foods for Yorkies:

• sweets;
• salt and spices;
• bread, pasta;
• fatty meat, fish;
• bones;
• onions and green onions;
• mushrooms;
• sausages;
• milk.

The volume of the dog's portions should be proportional to the energy expended. You cannot make your pet become obese or overfeed your Yorkie. It is also worth paying attention to the terrier's nutritional discipline. As for food, the following brands are popular: Orijen, Purina Pro Plan, Mera Dog, Hills's, Acana, ROYAL CANIN.

Proper feeding

Experienced breeders recommend feeding Mini Yorkies exclusively with super-premium and holistic food intended for small dogs, ideally for Yorkshire terriers.

It is these foods that will provide the dog with all the necessary vitamins and microelements, and will relieve the owner of the need to carefully calculate the energy value of foods.

If you decide to feed your pet natural food, then you need to remember that the Yorkie’s diet should consist mainly of protein products.

It is better to give the meat with veins, after cutting it into small pieces.

NOTE!

Fermented milk products whose fat content does not exceed 3.5% are beneficial for dogs: kefir, natural yogurt, low-fat fermented baked milk, yogurt.

Your dog should also be given low-fat cottage cheese - preferably 5% fat.

Seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as herbs, will be a healthy and tasty addition to the diet of a mini Yorkie..

But it’s better not to give exotic fruits other than bananas: allergies may develop.

It is also recommended that when feeding the dog naturally, it is recommended to give the dog supplements that replenish the lack of vitamins and minerals in its body.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the Yorkshire Terrier:

• Yorkies can be kept even in small apartments;
• the breed is friendly and non-aggressive;
• Terriers can get along with children and other pets;
• Yorkies are smart and quick-witted;
• dogs are characterized by cleanliness;
• Representatives of this breed do not shed and do not cause allergies.

Minuses:

• the terrier has a weak body and is prone to various diseases;
• a female Yorkie must be sterilized or males not allowed near her;
• Yorkshire Terriers are prone to injury;
• Dogs need to be carefully looked after and given a lot of time;
• This is a rather expensive breed.

Choosing a puppy

As already mentioned, in Russia today there are many kennels and clubs where you can buy mini Yorkshire Terrier puppies. Moscow and St. Petersburg today lead in the number of offers of Mini Yorkies from the parents of international and Russian champions with a pedigree longer than most English Lords. Accordingly, the price for such dogs will be more than high. If you are buying a puppy as a pet and companion and do not plan to participate in exhibition activities with it, you should take a closer look at the offers in your city or region.

So, you have decided to get a mini Yorkshire Terrier dog. How to choose it? We'll tell you. First of all, you need to collect information about the origin of all animals for sale. The breeder must provide a pedigree of the dog confirming its purebred, or provide you with complete information about the puppy’s parents, showing all available certificates and diplomas confirming the declared ranks and titles. It is advisable to see adult dogs, since as the puppy grows up, it will become more and more like them. After communicating with the seller, if everything suits you, you can choose a pet. What should you pay special attention to?

1. First of all, study the appearance of the animal you like. If the puppy himself is smaller than his brothers or his limbs are more miniature, then he will most likely grow up to be more fragile and small.
2. The dog's nose should be cold and moist, without any plaque or rim around the edge. If the puppy is not yet two months old, then his ears will not stand up, since in Yorkies and other terriers they rise at 2-2.5 months. Examine the ears: there is no discharge, scratches or scratches, as well as an unpleasant odor.
3. Look and evaluate the correctness of the bite, it should be a “scissors” type. If you are not good at this, then invite an experienced dog handler or dog breeder with experience.
4. Small Yorkies should be quite strong, with a close-fitting and shiny coat. Damages, scratches and scratches on the puppy’s body are not allowed. The fur near the anus should be clean, which indirectly confirms that the dog is not infected with helminths.
5. Observe the behavior of the kids. Mini Yorkshire Terrier puppies that sit on the sidelines and do not play with others may have health problems and should not be purchased. If you are purchasing a pet for yourself, then it is better to take a closer look at the ringleaders and leaders who dominate others. Just remember that such leaders will have to be taught discipline and make efforts to educate and train. Shy and willing to obey the leader, puppies will be able to get along well with older people.

That's all you need to know about the Mini Yorkshire Terrier breed. We figured out how to choose a pet. After you have selected a puppy and paid for it, the owner of the kennel must provide you with written recommendations on feeding, raising, maintenance and care.

Selection rules

A healthy Yorkie puppy should have:

• dark-colored wool with a golden tint;
• gums and tongue pale pink;
• correct bite, straight teeth;
• smooth abdomen, without abrasions and dermatitis;
• breathing without wheezing or whistling;
• paws are straight, without bulges.

If there is a lump in the terrier's abdominal area, this indicates an inguinal hernia. Bloating indicates digestive problems or the presence of worms.

Cost and where to buy

Prices for puppies are determined by several factors.

Should be considered:

1. Place of purchase. In well-known nurseries the cost will be 0 rub. From new breeders you can pick up a dog for 10,000-20,000 rubles.
2. Floor. A female Yorkie will cost more than a male of the same breed.
3. Number of puppies in the litter. The price of a puppy is 2-3 thousand higher than from a large lambing.

It is best to purchase a dog from nurseries with a good reputation, and not from markets where the conditions for keeping animals are far from ideal.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

The breeder must show the buyer the puppy’s parents, provide the necessary documents, answer all questions, and give advice on the care, maintenance, feeding and education of the Yorkie.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a mini Yorkie is 8-9 years, and a super mini is 3-4 years .

However, how many years a mini Yorkie will live directly depends on the conditions of its maintenance, care and diet.

Interesting facts about mini Yorkies

1. Yorkshire terriers, according to statistics from the kennel club, are among the top three most popular breeds.

1. The famous actress Audrey Hepburn introduced the Yorkshire people into the starry world. Her dog, Mr. Famous, was co-starred in the film Funny Face.

1. Lucy became the smallest service dog in the world. Her height is only 14.5 cm, and her weight is just over 1 kg. The task of a “civil servant” is to lift the spirits of the elderly and disabled.

1. Yorkies also proved themselves during the war. Smokey the dog came to the rescue in hospitals, entertaining the wounded. There was even a monument to the dog in the USA.

1. Yorkshire terrier Terry has become the mascot of the Great Britain rugby team.

Owner reviews

Our Yorkie is a source of good mood. The dog loves all members of the household, but especially me as the owner. Jack is very affectionate and lively.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a sweet and easy to train breed. Doesn't shed at all. And these dogs can have absolutely any hairstyle. I have three Yorkies living with me, they are always together, like a friendly team.

I have dreamed of a Yorkshire terrier since childhood. And now the dream has come true. Caring for Katie is a real pleasure. The dog is friendly, loves to play, and it doesn’t matter even with whom, even with a turtle. I advise everyone to get pets like Yorkies.

Official recognition

As mentioned above, the first Yorkie breeders were simple workers who worked in woolen and weaving factories. Later, the aristocracy turned its attention to smart, cute and brave miniature dogs. During the reign of Queen Victoria, going out on the promenade or in society without a Yorkshire terrier was considered bad manners.

The British Kennel Club officially recognized the Yorkshire Terrier breed in 1874, registering in its pedigree book Albert, a male dog of owner Peter Eden of Manchester. Worldwide popularity and high demand came to Yorkies only in the second half of the last century.

Photo and video review

To make a decision about buying a Yorkie, you should look at photos and videos of these cutest creatures.