Last Updated on October 14, 2022 by Guillermina
Yorkies, Yorkshire Terriers, are spunky, and adorable with their big eyes and furry coats. Watching them is a delight as your intelligence is obvious in their mannerism. And now, all you want is to bring one home.
But just before you make that final step you’re still questioning, “Are Yorkies hard to take care of?” Read on to learn more about how to care for Yorkies, from their diets and grooming to their training and suitability as family dogs.
Table of Contents
Pros And Cons Of A Yorkie
While I attempt to give an answer to “are Yorkies hard to take care of?”. It’s important to weigh your options – the pros against the cons – before taking the plunge and getting yourself a Yorkie.
Pros
- Yorkshire Terriers are super intelligent dogs and easy to train.
- They are efficient watchdogs, who will bark when someone is at the door.
- As much as they are protective, they are also very cute and pleasing to the eyes.
Cons
- Yorkies need a lot of grooming to always look pleasant.
Their long hair needs to be brushed and combed daily to keep it free from mats and tangles. And they need to be bathed at least once a week.
- They can be high-maintenance, requiring a lot of attention from you.
Yorkies require a great deal of exercise, so you need to be available to take them on regular walks and play with them. If you work long hours or travel a lot, it’s important to have someone at home who can give them attention when you’re away.
- Caring for Yorkies can be quite expensive, especially with regular grooming, vet visits, toys, and food.
You can consider taking on a Yorkie as some sort of investment.
Having considered the pros and cons of a Yorkie, you’re in a position to make a well-informed decision and can better answer the question, “Are Yorkies hard to take care of?”
Let us move on to other important questions you may need answers to before making a decision.
Should I Get A Yorkie?
While this is a question only you can answer, we will consider certain things that can build up to your coming up with an honest answer. There are certain things you need to get a hang of before bringing a Yorkie in as a family member.
The Right Diet For a Yorkie
Yorkies are small dogs and really don’t need a lot of food. Don’t be distracted by your love for them that you want to feed them beyond what is considered an appropriate amount of food. You might actually be surprised by how little food they need.
Getting their diet right is important because Yorkies are prone to getting overweight. While there are a lot of different foods you can feed your Yorkie, it is best for you to stick to the basics. Puppy food is just perfect. You can add some boiled meat, but avoid excess sugar or salt.
It’s okay to give them a few treats daily, as they love treats. But be sure to avoid treats that are high in sugar or fat. Getting them to drink a lot of fresh water will do them good, especially if they spend a lot of time playing outside in the heat.
Yorkies Need to Exercise
As earlier stated, Yorkies are high-maintenance dogs. And they need to engage in vigorous activities for up to 30 minutes each day. You really don’t want them getting restless and destructive. Not getting their daily dose of exercise is enough to get them acting that way.
The easiest way to give your Yorkie the exercise they require is to take them on daily walks. But if you would rather stay indoors, then get toys to play with them indoors to get him to jump and run around. However, be sure not to overdo it, so all the activity doesn’t wear them out.
The Right Care For a Yorkie
In addition to the right diet and daily exercises, Yorkies need other levels of care. Because they are small, they don’t need a lot of space, so they are the perfect dog for you if you live in an apartment or condo.
And because of their size, they’re also prone to getting cold very easily. Ensure that they have a warm place to sleep and plenty of blankets. But keep an eye on your Yorkie to be sure that they don’t ingest any of the stuffing.
Apart from the daily brushing and combing already mentioned, you also need to trim the hair around your Yorkie’s eyes and ears on a regular basis. The nails also need to be trimmed every two weeks or so to keep them from getting too long.
And lastly, Yorkies need routine vet checkups. Make sure you take your little one in for a checkup at least once a year.
Are Yorkies Hard to Train?
With their high energy, Yorkies may be a tad challenging to train. As a pet parent, you need to be able to provide them with all the stimulation they need. They are also pretty intelligent dogs.
When training Yorkies, patience and consistency are key. Also, be firm with your commands if you want to get them to listen to you. With the right preparation, patience, discipline, and consistency, you can train Yorkies to be amazing pets.
Is a Yorkie a Good Family Dog?
The answer to that question depends on your individual family and what you’re looking for in a pet. If there’s always someone at home to give them attention, a Yorkie will be happy in your household.
If you have a large family, be sure to get your Yorkie properly trained at an early age to socialize with people and other animals.
Yorkies are amazingly loyal, loving, and protective. So, once they recognize you as family, you stay family.
Conclusion On “Are Yorkies Hard to Take Care Of”
Whether you’re considering adding a Yorkie to your family or are already a proud Yorkie parent, it’s important to get an answer to “Are Yorkies Hard to Take Care Of?” and to know the ins and outs of how to properly care for your little ball of fluff.
We hope this guide has given you a better understanding of what to expect when owning a Yorkie and the necessary steps you need to take in order to provide the best possible care for them.
So, are Yorkies hard to take care of? You have enough knowledge to give an honest answer. We’ll like to know your answer in the comments section below.
