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Yorkshire Terriers are adorable little dogs that can make anyone smile. Their ample personality and cute antics make them a favorite of many. People are easily taken in by the cuteness of this breed, and want to immediately obtain one of their own. However, this breed of dog has several care requirements that must be followed.

Diet

First off, Yorkies are very small dogs, weighing only about three to seven pounds and reach only seven to eight inches in height. Some are smaller than this, and some are larger. Because they eat very little, due to their small size, it is important to feed a nutritious diet.

Grooming

Yorkies are adorable little dogs, but they are definitely a high maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep them clipped in a 'teddy bear' or 'puppy' cut to make grooming care easier. Although keeping their hair clipped in an easy to maintain style will help with grooming maintenance, there are still several grooming chores that will need to be done on a regular basis:

1. Keep your Yorkie's coat brushed daily, to help keep him clean. He will need to be bathed regularly, about once a week. At other times, he can be wiped with a damp cloth.
2. Keep the hair clipped from between the toes, so that it does not get tangled with dirt, mud, sticks and other debris.
3. The long hair on the top part of the ears trimmed short, as they will weigh the ears down until they are firmly set, which occurs when the puppy is about six months old.
4. Keep the hair clipped away from the eyes, and keep the corners of the eyes clear of mucus, by wiping with a moist towel, daily if needed.
5. Keep hair clipped away from the anus to avoid hair getting matted with feces.
6. Yorkies and other toy breeds are susceptible to tartar build up on the teeth, so regular brushing will be needed to maintain good oral hygiene.

Exercise

Yorkies are active little dogs, and will need ample exercise. Keep his mind and his body stimulated with plenty of activity. He will not need long walks like a larger dog requires, but you do not want him growing bored, and certainly never let him get overweight. Most Yorkies are too active to have a problem with weight, but still, be careful that you do not over feed these little dogs.

Training

It is important for every dog to have proper training, to assure that he is a source of joy to your family, rather than a burden. Yorkies are intelligent little dogs, and learn easily. Assure that you get the most enjoyment out of your little friend by investing in some obedience training.

Yorkshire terriers are a popular breed of dog and for good reason. They are intelligent, full of personality and beautiful little dogs. Many people make the mistake of thinking that Yorkies are a good breed for small children, but because of their small size, Yorkies can easily by injured by small children who do not yet understand to be careful with small pets. Therefore, it is wise to understand that your Yorkie can easily be injured by rambunctious children, and to monitor him closely when in the presence of small children.

A Yorkshire terrier makes a wonderful pet, and when cared for properly, he should be a healthy, happy little dog who can enhance your enjoyment of life for fifteen years or more.