Yorkshire Terrier — or Yorkie — puppies are irresistibly cute! Despite their diminutive size, these dogs are known for their bold and confident demeanor, often forgetting just how small they really are. Before you run out to your local rescue group or shelter to bring this adorable pup into your life, there are a few things to know about the breed. Keep reading to learn more about Yorkshire Terrier puppies and check out their adorable pictures below!
The Yorkshire Terrier was originally bred to hunt rats
Yorkies might seem like modern, fashionable pets, but they actually have a rich history dating back to 19th century England. These little dogs were initially bred by Scottish workers who migrated to Yorkshire during the Industrial Revolution. They were developed by crossing several Terrier breeds — including the now-extinct Paisley Terrier and the Skye Terrier — to create a small yet fierce dog adept at hunting rats in textile mills and coal mines.
Despite their humble beginnings, Yorkies quickly caught the eye of the upper classes due to their distinctive, silky coats and spirited personalities. By the late 1860s, the Yorkshire Terrier had transitioned from a working-class ratter to a fashionable companion among the British elite.
The breed’s popularity soared when Huddersfield Ben, a champion show dog, showcased the Yorkie’s exceptional qualities and established the breed standard. Recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1886, Yorkshire Terriers soon gained international fame, eventually making their way to the United States. Today, these pups have maintained their sprightly nature and have become one of the most popular toy breeds worldwide.
Yorkie puppies are tiny and fragile
How can you look at a Yorkie puppy and not want to hug ‘em and squeeze ‘em? They are just so stinkin’ adorable and tiny! Weighing only a few ounces at birth, they usually fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. Even as adults, they rarely exceed 7 pounds. Their compact size makes them irresistibly cute, but it also means they’re very fragile. Excessive handling by small children or an accidental unwatched step can be life-threatening for a Yorkie. If you want to bring a Yorkshire Terrier puppy into a home with children, be sure to have a lengthy discussion on how to play with your puppy without causing injury.
What’s more, while Yorkshire Terriers already fall on the smaller end of the spectrum, there’s an even tinier version known as the Teacup Yorkie. These petite pups weigh under 4 pounds and are often bred for their exceptionally small size. Notably, Teacup Yorkie puppies require extra care and attention due to their fragile bones and higher susceptibility to certain health issues.
These puppies act way bigger than they actually are
Don’t be surprised if your tiny Yorkie puppy tries to take on a dog ten times their size. Yes, Napoleon Complexes don’t just exist in humans; Yorkies have them, too. These dogs have a bravery that far exceeds their physical stature. Since they were originally bred as ratters, their boldness was necessary for catching vermin. Today, this fearless attitude translates into a confident, often assertive pet. Yorkies also make excellent watchdogs. They are known to be protective of their owners and will alert you to any potential threats. Just be prepared to manage their big-dog-in-a-small-body mentality.
To safeguard your Yorkshire Terrier puppy from trouble, they should always be kept on a leash while walking. Keep a close eye on them while they do their business in the backyard. Their larger-than-life attitude goes for playtime as well.
Yorkshire Terrier puppy dogs are born with a different coat color
Yorkshire Terrier puppies don’t sport the sleek, steel-blue and tan coat of their adult counterparts right from birth. They’re usually born black with tan points on their face, chest, and paws. As they grow older, their coat colors gradually change, usually lightening to the characteristic blue and gold or blue and tan hues. This transformation can take up to two years to fully complete. Not only that, their coat texture also changes from a fluffier puppy coat to the silky, fine hair that adult Yorkies are known for.
Buying a Yorkie puppy for sale from a breeder will cost you a lot
The charm and playful nature of Yorkshire Terriers come at a premium. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $4,000 for a purebred Yorkie puppy, depending on factors such as lineage, breeder reputation, and location. This high price is largely due to their popularity and the meticulous breeding practices required to maintain their desirable traits.
On the contrary, adoption is a wonderful alternative to buying a Yorkie puppy. Many loving dogs, including purebred Yorkies or Yorkie mixes, are in shelters and rescue organizations waiting for a forever home. Adopting a dog is not only cost-effective — usually around $50 to $300 — but it also gives a deserving animal a second chance at happiness. Plus, adoption often includes initial vaccinations and spaying/neutering, adding even more value. Whether you choose to buy or adopt, the most important thing is to provide a loving, stable home for your new furry friend.
As a hypoallergenic dog breed, Yorkshire Terriers shed very little
Despite their luxurious, flowing locks, fur cleanup is not a huge issue with Yorkies. Yorkshire Terriers actually have a single layer of fine hair — not fur — that will shed very much like a human’s. They may naturally lose a few strands during grooming or petting, but they will not start to form literal hairballs that find their way under your couch.
The hair will also continue to grow until you get it cut, which is why many Yorkshire Terriers who compete in dog shows have floor-length coats. This special, low-shedding coat also makes them a better option for people who suffer from allergies.
Yorkie puppies make all kinds of goofy noises
If you’re looking for a quiet puppy, a Yorkshire Terrier might not be your best match. These pint-sized pups are known for their yappy nature and will often bark, whine, or make other goofy noises to alert you of strangers or animals, or even just to get your attention.
What’s more, they’re especially prone to pharyngeal gag reflex or reverse sneezing. This sounds like the dog is gasping for air and making a honking noise at the same time. It can be a little alarming to witness, but it usually passes after a few minutes.
Yorkies are fashionable dogs
With their silky coats and endearing expressions, Yorkies often find themselves in the spotlight when it comes to dog fashion. They love being pampered and don’t mind dressing up for special occasions. From stylish sweaters to elegant bows, these little dogs can pull off almost any look. A Yorkie’s coat can also be groomed into various styles, from a classic puppy cut to a long, flowing show coat. It’s no wonder they frequently grace the pages of doggy fashion magazines and social media posts. Yorkies are truly the supermodels of the dog world!
Yorkshire Terrier puppies are intelligent, making them easy to train
Yorkshire Terrier puppies are incredibly intelligent and quick learners. They pick up commands and tricks faster than many other breeds, making training a relatively smooth process. As such, early socialization and training are crucial to channel their intelligence and energy positively. The downside? Their cleverness can sometimes lead to mischief if they’re not sufficiently challenged, so it’s essential to keep their environments engaging and stimulating.
Yorkshire Terrier puppies have a flair for the finer things in life. They love to be spoiled, whether it’s through regular grooming, comfy beds, or stylish outfits. In fact, they seem to enjoy the attention and often act like little divas. However, this also means they thrive on human interaction and can become quite attached to their pet parents. They love to be included in family activities and can get lonely if left alone for extended periods. Treating them to a grooming session or a cuddle on the couch will make your Yorkie puppy one very happy camper.
