Yorkie Breed Information

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Information

Yorkshire Terriers—better known as Yorkies—are tiny dogs with BIG personalities! If we had to sum them up in five words: adorable, sassy, intelligent, headstrong, and pampered.

Consistently ranked in the top ten most popular dog breeds, Yorkies have won hearts around the world. They are adaptable, people-loving, and hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for many families.

General Characteristics

  • Size: Small (ideal for apartments and smaller homes)

  • Coat: Silky hair (more like human hair than fur)

  • Shedding: None—an excellent option for allergy sufferers

  • Personality: Bold, affectionate, loyal, and sometimes a little stubborn

  • Lifespan: 12–15 years with proper care

Grooming & Care

Yorkies are known for their gorgeous coats, which can be kept in two popular styles:

  • Show Coat (long, flowing hair): Requires daily brushing to stay silky and tangle-free.

  • Puppy Cut (short, easy-care style): Lower-maintenance but still needs regular brushing.

Other grooming needs include:

  • Nail trims

  • Teeth cleaning

  • Baths every 2–3 weeks

  • Keeping long bangs tied back in a top knot or bow (optional but adorable!)

Because they have very little body fat, Yorkies can get cold quickly. A cozy sweater or jacket is recommended in cooler months.

Personality & Temperament

Yorkies make fantastic companions. They love to be near their people—whether curled up on your lap, perched on the couch cushion, or following you from room to room.

They’re intelligent and eager to please, but sometimes their strong will can be mistaken for stubbornness. The key? Consistency and confidence. They respond best when they know you mean what you say.

Training tips:

  • Use positive reinforcement (praise, treats, encouragement).

  • Set boundaries early so they learn you’re in charge.

  • Keep sessions short, fun, and rewarding.

And what about the “yappy little dog” myth? In truth, it depends on the individual Yorkie. For example:

  • Cindy is our little chatterbox.

  • Gabby is much quieter.

Like people, each Yorkie has their own voice and personality. With proper training, most Yorkies are not excessively noisy.

Suitability for Families

Yorkies were originally bred as small, agile dogs to hunt mice and slip into foxholes. Their petite size means they need gentle handling and a home where they feel secure.

Yorkies may not be the best fit if:

  • Children in the home roughhouse or don’t know how to treat pets gently

  • You’re looking for a hiking, camping, or outdoor adventure dog

  • Dogs are expected to live primarily outside

  • You want a guard dog

  • You have large or aggressive dogs in the home

  • You don’t plan to include your dog in your lifestyle (like moving with you)

  • You can’t commit to at least 1–5 minutes of daily grooming

Why Choose a Yorkie?

If you want a loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and entertaining companion who will happily snuggle on your lap, travel in your tote, and charm everyone they meet, a Yorkie may be the perfect match.

At Setareh Yorkies, we believe education is key to successful placements. We want every family to know what to expect—because when the right home and the right Yorkie come together, it’s pure magic. ✨

If you have questions about whether a Yorkie is right for you, we’re always happy to chat. 💛

A chart with a cartoon illustration of a Yorkshire Terrier dog with a red bow on its head. The chart provides at-a-glance information about Yorkshire Terriers, including size, coat, shedding, temperament, energy level, lifespan, training needs, grooming needs, and best living situations.
An animated image of a small Yorkshire Terrier dog running through a field of colorful flowers and green grass, with trees and a blue sky in the background.
Close-up of a Yorkshire Terrier puppy with a tan and black coat, sitting on a soft, white furry surface.
Infographic titled "What to do if your puppy crashes" with four steps: 1. Rub honey or syrup on gums with an illustration of honey jar and honey dipper, 2. Warm the puppy with an illustration of a sleeping puppy, 3. Feed once alert with an illustration of a puppy with a bowl of food, 4. Call your vet ASAP with an illustration of a smartphone displaying a medical cross and phone icon. The subtitle states "For treating hypoglycemia in puppy."
Close-up of a cute, small, black, white, and tan puppy with blue eyes being gently held and examined by hands.

Diet & Nutrition for Your Yorkie Puppy

Proper nutrition is the foundation of a healthy, happy Yorkie. Because toy breeds have such fast metabolisms and small fat reserves, it’s especially important that they eat the right food on a consistent schedule.

Water

  • Fresh, clean water should be available at all times.

  • Wash your puppy’s water bowl daily with hot water and dish soap to prevent bacteria buildup.

Food

Your puppy has been eating:

We recommend:

  • Free feeding dry kibble until about 4 months of age.

  • Keeping your puppy on the same food for at least 9 weeks after going home to avoid stomach upset.

  • If switching foods, do so gradually over 7–9 days: mix 1/3 new with 2/3 old, then increase the ratio of new food each day.

⚠️ Please do not feed generic supermarket foods (Purina Dog Chow, Pedigree, Ol’ Roy, etc.). These are packed with fillers, which cause excessive stool and poor nutrient absorption.

Appetite & Stress

It’s normal for puppies to eat less during their first few days home. Because of the risk of hypoglycemia:

  • Offer boiled chicken breast or baby food meats if your puppy refuses kibble.

  • If appetite is low, use Nutri-Cal or Nutri-Drops periodically.

  • For the first week, we recommend giving a small amount of Nutri-Cal twice daily as a preventative measure.

  • Contact us if you’re having trouble getting your puppy to eat—we’re always here to help.

Treats & Chews

  • Use puppy-specific treats for training (freeze-dried meat/fish, small soft bites).

  • Avoid rawhide (danger of choking/blockage).

  • Never feed treats or chews made in China.

  • Safe options: bully sticks, pig ears, chicken feet, raw meaty bones (from your butcher).

About Grain-Free Diets

There’s a lot of misinformation about “grain-free” diets. Many pet food companies marketed them as healthier, but studies (and the FDA) have linked some grain-free diets to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and other health issues.

  • Removing grains often means replacing them with high-carb fillers like peas and lentils, which can be harmful long-term.

  • Unless your puppy has a documented grain allergy, we recommend grain-inclusive diets from trusted brands.

Trusted Brands

We recommend and personally use:

  • PawTree (our #1 favorite)

  • Blue Buffalo Small Breed

  • Acana (grain-inclusive line only)

  • Nature’s Domain Small Breed Formula (adult stage)

Your local feed store or a trusted pet boutique is a great source of high-quality food. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Quick Feeding Reminders

  1. Free feed kibble until ~4 months old.

  2. Add canned food 3x per day.

  3. Keep food consistent for at least 9 weeks.

  4. Transition new foods slowly (7–9 days).

  5. Always provide fresh water.

Recommended Products

Click on the images below to purchase:

A Yorkie with the right diet will grow strong, healthy, and full of sass—just as they’re meant to be!

A pet care routine poster for dogs with icons and instructions for brushing teeth daily, giving dental chews, vet checkups, and watching for warning signs.
A veterinarian in blue scrubs brushes a Yorkshire Terrier dog on an examination table in a veterinary clinic, with bright overhead lighting and medical equipment in the background.
Cartoon illustration of a smiling veterinarian with a Yorkshire Terrier dog at a vet inspection table, holding a tongue depressor.
Close-up of a small Yorkshire Terrier dog with a happy expression, showing its teeth, with tan, black, and gray fur, and large ears.
A cute Yorkshire Terrier puppy at the veterinarian's table being examined, with a veterinarian and a hand holding the puppy's head.
Infographic of a Yorkie dog care routine with steps: 1. Shave ears at 4 weeks of age, 2. Trim ear hair short, 3. Pluck ear hair every 4-6 months, 4. Clean ears weekly with a dropper and cotton pad.
A detailed digital painting of a Yorkshire Terrier sitting on a vintage red velvet sofa in a luxurious room with an ornate gold-framed painting and a window with pink roses on a table in the background.
Close-up of a small dog with multi-colored fur, featuring black, white, and tan, and expressive dark eyes, set against a plain background.
Close-up of a small dog with a multicolored coat and a red bow on its head, sitting on a soft surface against a gray background.
Cute small dog, possibly a Yorkshire Terrier, running through a field of yellow and purple flowers at sunset.
Yorkshire Terrier dog standing outdoors on green grass, wearing a black shirt, with blurred trees and sunlight in the background.

Hypoglycemia in Toy Breed Puppies

All toy breed puppies—including Yorkshire Terriers—are susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This condition can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated quickly. Unfortunately, it is sometimes misdiagnosed by veterinarians unfamiliar with toy breeds as viral hepatitis or encephalitis.

The good news: hypoglycemia is very manageable if you know what to watch for and how to respond.

Signs of Hypoglycemia

Early recognition is critical. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and may include:

  • Slowing down, becoming unusually quiet or listless

  • Shaking or shivering (reflex of the brain running out of glucose)

  • Blank expression or staring into space

  • Lying on their side and unresponsive

  • Convulsions or seizures

  • Grayish/blue gums and tongue

  • Limp body, abnormal temperature, or appearing “lifeless”

If untreated, a puppy may fall into a coma and can die.

Immediate Treatment

If caught early, treatment is simple and effective:

  1. Rub Nutri-Cal, honey, or Caro syrup on the puppy’s gums, under the tongue, and on the roof of the mouth.

  2. Slowly warm the puppy’s body using a heating pad or wrapped blanket.

  3. Once the puppy responds, offer high-quality canned food (can be mixed with egg yolk) to stabilize blood sugar.

  4. Remove or reduce any stressors that may have triggered the episode.

Treatment in Advanced Stages

If the puppy is very weak, convulsing, or unresponsive:

  • Continue applying Nutri-Cal, Caro syrup, or honey to gums and even a small amount into the rectum.

  • Keep the puppy gently warmed to 101–102°F.

  • If no improvement, use a dropper to give a tiny amount of diluted dextrose solution or Caro water by mouth.

  • Call your veterinarian immediately and tell them you have a hypoglycemic puppy. They may:

    • Administer warmed dextrose solution via injection or IV

    • Run a fecal exam (parasites like worms, coccidia, giardia may contribute)

    • Prescribe antibiotics if bacterial/viral infection is present

    • Recommend prescription recovery food (such as Hill’s a/d) and Pedialyte for hydration

    Causes of Hypoglycemic Episodes

Unlike true medical hypoglycemia (caused by the pancreas), toy breed episodes are usually triggered by stress or lack of food. Common triggers include:

  • Weaning or teething

  • Vaccinations

  • Changes in environment or travel

  • Parasites or illness

  • Over-handling or too much play

  • Extreme cold

  • Forgetting to eat (sometimes young males distracted by females in heat!)

Toy puppies have tiny fat reserves and very high energy needs, so they can crash quickly if not monitored.

Prevention Tips

  • Free feed high-quality kibble at all times until adulthood

  • Allow frequent naps and avoid over-handling

  • Maintain a consistent routine of rest, food, play, and potty

  • Keep puppies warm, parasite-free, and stress-free

  • Always have a glucose source on hand (Nutri-Drops, Nutri-Cal, honey, Caro syrup

Quick Reminders

  1. Always keep Nutri-Drops, Nutri-Cal, honey, or Caro syrup available.

  2. At the first sign of listlessness or collapse: rub glucose on gums + gently warm body.

  3. Feed immediately once responsive.

  4. If no improvement, contact your vet right away.

  5. Avoid excessive stress and handling—puppies need lots of rest!

Recommended Products

💛 Pet Nutri-Drops – Essential for Yorkie Puppies

Prevent and treat hypoglycemia with fast-absorbing, easy-to-use drops.

💛 Tommy’s Natural Dog Nutrition Gel

High-calorie nutritional gel to help Yorkie puppies maintain healthy blood sugar.

Puppy Feeding Guide with illustrations of a puppy, a food bowl, treats, and crossed-out unsafe foods.
Cute puppy with gray eyes eating kibble from a white bowl surrounded by scattered kibble on a white surface.
Illustration of a small Yorkshire Terrier enjoying a picnic outdoors with bowls of food and a sandwich on a red and white checkered blanket, surrounded by green trees and a bright blue sky.
A cute Yorkshire Terrier puppy with blue eyes eating a piece of food from a plate surrounded by snacks and table items.
A cute, fluffy puppy with black, brown, and cream-colored fur, sitting on a wooden surface with a chewed snack in its mouth.

Dental Care for Yorkies 🦷🐾

Dental care is essential for all dogs—but Yorkshire Terriers are especially prone to dental issues such as overcrowding, tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss. As a Yorkie owner, staying on top of oral health is one of the most important things you can do to keep your pup happy and thriving.

Why Dental Care Matters

  • By age 2, nearly 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease.

  • Yorkies are at higher risk due to their small mouths and tendency toward dental crowding.

  • Untreated dental problems can lead to:

    • Tooth loss and pain

    • Difficulty eating and chewing

    • Infections that spread to the heart, kidneys, and other organs

    • Shortened lifespan and poor quality of life

Warning Signs of Dental Disease

Watch for these red flags in your Yorkie:

  • Bad breath that won’t go away

  • Bleeding gums or blood on chew toys

  • Difficulty picking up kibble

  • Chewing on one side of the mouth

  • Excessive tartar or visible plaque buildup

  • Sneezing or nasal discharge (advanced gum disease can break into nasal cavities)

Preventing Problems

The best approach is daily home care + regular vet visits:

  • Brush teeth daily (or as often as possible) with dog-safe toothpaste.

  • Start dental care early so your Yorkie gets used to the routine.

  • Schedule professional dental checkups every 6–12 months.

  • Use dental chews and gels to help reduce tartar between brushings.

💡 Tip: Even if brushing feels tricky at first, your Yorkie will adjust—especially if you make it a short, positive experience.

Our Must-Have Dental Products

These are products we use and recommend in our own program. In fact, with this routine, our Yorkie/Schnauzer mix Ruby hasn’t needed a dental cleaning in 6 years—and she’s almost 13!

  • PetzLife Oral Care Gel – excellent if tartar has already started.

  • Virbac C.E.T Enzymatic Toothpaste (poultry flavor) – tasty and safe.

  • Toothbrushes for pets – angled for small mouths.

  • OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews – reduce plaque & tartar.

  • Whimzees Dental Treats – fun and effective chews.

  • Merrick Fresh Kisses Double Brush – infused with coconut & botanical oils.

  • Greenies Teenie Size – classic small-dog dental treat.

Bottom Line

Yorkies are small, but their dental care needs are big. A consistent dental routine will not only prevent costly vet visits but will also keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and able to flash that signature Yorkie smile for years to come. 💛

Grooming Your Yorkie ✂️🐾

One of the most unique things about Yorkshire Terriers is their single-layer coat. Unlike most breeds, Yorkies don’t have an undercoat—they only have one layer of hair, which is very similar to human hair.

This is why:

  • Yorkies are an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Their coats do not shed in the same way other breeds do, so they spread fewer allergens.

  • You won’t find dog hair all over your clothes or furniture.

  • Their coats are silky, smooth, and incredibly soft to touch—whether you keep them long or trimmed into a “puppy cut.”

Coat Types

Not all Yorkie coats are the same:

  • Silky Show Coat (what we breed for): Smooth, shiny, flowing hair that is both luxurious and low-shedding. Perfect for those who want the classic Yorkie look.

  • Cottony Coat: Thicker, fluffier texture that doesn’t fall as smoothly. While not desirable for the show ring, it can look absolutely adorable in a shorter puppy cut and is often easier for pet owners to maintain.

Grooming Tools We Recommend

Every Yorkie owner should invest in quality grooming tools. My go-to essentials are:

  • Pin brush – gentle on the coat, great for daily brushing

  • Steel comb – perfect for working out small tangles and keeping the coat smooth

  • Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Cordless Clippers – lightweight, cordless, and easy to maneuver

  • Andis Clippers – reliable and durable for at-home grooming

Grooming Tips

  • Eyes: Keep hair trimmed around the eyes or pull it back into a neat top knot. This keeps your Yorkie comfortable and prevents vision obstruction.

  • Sanitary Trim: Keep the hair around potty areas clipped short for cleanliness. Smaller cordless clippers (like Wahl) are especially handy for these delicate spots.

  • Go Slow: If you decide to groom at home, remember your dog is still learning. Go slowly, keep it positive, and don’t stress if the first few cuts aren’t perfect. Your Yorkie’s comfort matters more than the style.

Professional vs. At-Home Grooming

Many Yorkie owners love trying grooming themselves, and with the right tools, it’s absolutely possible. But even if you prefer to groom at home, you may still want to schedule a professional grooming every so often for a polished finish and coat health check.

✨ Whether you keep your Yorkie’s coat long and elegant or short and sweet, grooming is more than just beauty—it’s part of their overall health and comfort.

Illustration of grooming tools including a pin brush, cordless clippers, a steel comb, and a topknot for Yorkie grooming.
A cute Yorkshire Terrier puppy with wet fur, sitting in a small blue basin, surrounded by bubbles and cleaning tools.
A Yorkshire Terrier dog getting groomed, standing on a grooming table with water and grooming tools, with a grooming lamp in the background.

Caring for Yorkie Ears 👂🐾

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their perky, upright ears—but caring for those ears takes regular maintenance. Proper ear care not only helps their ears stand tall but also prevents infections, irritation, and discomfort.

Ear Development in Puppies

  • Yorkie puppies are born with floppy ears.

  • Around 4 weeks of age, we shave the ear hair with small clippers—this reduces weight on the ear cartilage and helps them stand.

  • During teething, ears may flop again as calcium is redirected to growing teeth. Don’t worry—this is normal.

👉 Ear Taping:

If ears don’t pop back up naturally, taping them is a safe, common practice. The tape gently supports the ear so the cartilage can strengthen in an upright position. It causes no pain and is widely used by breeders.

Grooming & Ear Hair Maintenance

  • Pluck ear hairs every 4–6 months. Ask your groomer to do this if you don’t feel comfortable—it helps prevent trapped dirt and wax that can cause infections.

  • Keep the upper third of the ear trimmed very short. Too much hair adds weight and may cause ears to droop.

Cleaning Routine

  • Clean ears weekly with a dog-safe ear cleaner and a cotton ball.

  • Avoid Q-tips, which can push debris further into the ear canal.

  • Regular cleaning prevents yeast infections, bacteria buildup, and discomfort.

Recommended Ear Care Products

We use and recommend:

  • PawTree Ear Wash – gentle and effective cleanser.

  • Ear Dry – helps keep ears clean, dry, and fresh.

✨ With regular maintenance, your Yorkie’s ears will not only look adorable but also stay healthy and strong. Consistency is key!