Peter F. Veling

Many Yorkshire Terriers are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Yorkshire Terrier from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go.

Some breeders have begun producing "Teacup" Yorkies that weigh 2 to 3 pounds. Compared to true Yorkshire Terriers, which weigh in at about 7 pounds, Teacup Yorkies are truly tiny. Before considering purchasing one, you need to be aware of some characteristics of Teacup Yorkies. Teacup Yorkies aren't true Yorkshire Terriers.

Picking the perfect Yorkshire terrier starts with purchasing the dog from a reputable breeder and looking for the characteristics that define the breed standard. Puppy-proofing your home and keeping animal emergency phone numbers handy will keep your Yorkshire terrier safe and happy.Picking a reputable breederIt’s not hard to find a dog breeder, but you want to find a reputable one when picking out your Yorkshire terrier.

Your human children, if you have any, are probably gleeful that the new Yorkie is finally home. Your other animal companions, however, may be much less enthusiastic. Your task is to make the introductions and make sure the interactions don't get out of hand. The presence of the puppy alone is going to introduce stress for your other animals until they figure out what they're going to have to deal with.

When most people think of a Yorkshire Terrier, they picture the traditional Yorkie long hair style. This long flowing hairstyle is a hallmark of the breed and is required for conformation shows. However, it takes a bit of work to get the traditional Yorkshire Terrier look. A Yorkie's show-quality coat is beautiful, but time-consuming to achieve.

If your Yorkshire Terrier, or any pet, needs emergency care, keep these numbers near your phone so you’re not fumbling around for the telephone book. Don’t forget to program the numbers into your cell phone! Vet’s Office:____________________________ Emergency Care:_______________________ Breeder:_____________

Your Yorkshire Terrier can compete in many events (agility, tracking, obedience), but dog shows (or conformation events) are probably the most popular for Yorkies and their humans. Showing your Yorkshire Terrier has several benefits, from the thrill of competing, to the fun you can have meeting other people who love their Yorkies as much as you love yours.

Keeping your Yorkie well-groomed is an important part of maintaining her overall health. When you take the time to groom your Yorkshire Terrier, you're more likely to prevent problems before they start and discover problems (like skin conditions or lumps) before they get out of hand. And don't forget that the time you spend grooming is quality time you spend bonding with your dog.

Wrapping a Yorkshire Terrier's coat is a task for those owners who are serious about creating a show-quality coat. A show wrap protects a Yorkie's coat, allows it to grow, and also helps keep it clean. You can start wrapping your Yorkshire Terrier as soon as the hair is long enough — usually around 9 to 10 months.