Yorkshire Terriers

Dog collars and leashes are probably the first thing you think of when you consider what you’ll need for a new dog. Before you purchase a collar or a dog leash for your Yorkshire Terrier, make sure to understand how your dog’s neck works. A dog’s trachea is covered by cartilage. Collars add a lot of pressure on the trachea, and Yorkies are especially prone to trachea issues. We recommend using a harness for your Yorkshire Terrier. There are many different options for harnesses, such as front clip, head harnesses, and vest harnesses. Dog harnesses are a good option because they give you good control over your pup – without you needing to worry about hurting the dog – and they’re easy to put on and take off. One of our top picks for Yorkies is the Rabbitgoo dog harness. This is a durable, washable, and safe choice that is made of nylon webbing – an added bonus that is weather-resistant.

A Yorkie will likely want a bed, sofa, dog crate, or house that they can make their own. Before making this purchase, we recommend observing your dog to determine where they like to rest. Do they retreat to a secluded corner behind your lounge chair? Do they snuggle into bed with you? Do they hop on the couch? This can give you an indication of what to get! There are all sorts of dog beds and houses/crates out there.

Just like you, your Yorkie will want to sleep comfortably, so having a good dog bed is important, whether it goes in your pup’s crate or has its own space in your room. A good dog bed helps balance heat and equally distribute weight. Yorkies are prone to joint and muscle problems, especially as they age, and a dog bed can help prevent pain.

If you live in a colder climate, you might want to find a nice dog blanket or even a heated dog bed to keep your Yorkie warm.

It is true that toys help dogs with physical development and mental stimulation. They also encourage exercise and relaxation. There are many different types of toys that serve different purposes. For example, the Yorkshire Terrier’s teething phase starts around 3-4 months and ends around 7-9 months. Your pup will put anything into his mouth to relief himself from this discomfort. That’s where teething toys are used to help them.

A Kong Puppy Toy is a great choice for the teething period. This product is made of long lasting rubber that is difficult for puppy to tear it off and chew, and your pup’s chances of choking are very low. It also helps to clean your Yorkie’s teeth and gums.

For adult Yorkshire Terriers, it is important to exercise regularly. It will keep them mentally and physically healthy, which is the top priority for your dog. Another good way to help your dog’s mental development is a puzzle game like the TRIXIE Dog Activity Flip Board that is 100% safe and washable. It is also available in different sizes. Puzzle toys often are designed to dispense a treat when completed correctly, so it’s an added incentive for your pup.

When your Yorkshire Terrier puppy reaches about 6 months old, their ears will stand up. This is the sign that your puppy started his growing phase. This is also a sign that it’s time to groom his ears.

You’ll also likely need to trim your Yorkie’s fur (especially around his eyes) or take him to the groomer. It’s also important to brush Yorkie fur to keep knots and tangles out. We recommend brushing in sections, starting at the bottom and working up to the face. For brushing, you need to buy a top quality brush like the Lilpals slicker brush for the Yorkie breed because their fur is so thick and prone to tangles. We recommend checking the distance between pins before buying a brush. Combs or brushes with wide distances between the teeth will help you easily brush your Yorkie, while smoothing out their fur and helping them relax.

Brush your Yorkie before bath time to untangle knots – hair swells when it gets wet, causing knots to tighten! Make sure to cover your pup’s ears to protect them from water getting in, and keep soap away from their face. Use a conditioner like Earthbath natural oatmeal conditioner to easily untangle knots and keep your dog’s fur shiny.

It’s also important to check your dog’s paws twice a month and cut their nails if they have grown.

Dental hygiene for dogs is also an important grooming step. We recommend getting their teeth checked at the vet, and also buying a dog toothbrush if they have smelly breath. A Yorkie puppy will start loosing puppy teeth at between 4 and 6 months old. Their adult teeth should all be in by the time they are between 8 and 10 months old.