Discover the Secrets to Choosing the Perfect Yorkie Puppy!

Uncover essential tips for selecting a healthy, happy companion.

Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as Yorkies, are a popular breed known for their small size, lively personality, and beautiful, silky coats.

If you’re considering adding a Yorkie to your family, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose a healthy, well-adjusted puppy.

Health and Physical Attributes

A healthy Yorkie puppy should have clear eyes, a clear nose, a shiny coat, and clean ears[1]. The puppy’s fur should be free of redness, odor, and discharge[2]. A healthy Yorkie is rarely overweight because they’re active. If the puppy is overweight, consider having the vet run some tests to confirm their health status[2].

The size of a Yorkshire Terrier depends mostly on the size of the parents. Most Yorkies will grow to be 6-9 inches (15.24 – 22.86 cm); this is measured from the floor to the withers (top of the shoulders)[3].

Expected Size of Yorkie	Weight at 8 weeks	Estimated Adult Weight
Small	1 lb (.45 kg)	3 lbs (1.36 kg)
Medium	1.31 lbs (.59 kg)	3.93 lbs (1.78 kg)
Large	2.12 lbs (.96 kg)	6.36 lbs (2.88 kg)

Table 1: Yorkie Size Estimation[3]

It’s also important to examine the puppy’s teeth, which should meet correctly when the mouth is closed. The puppy’s bite should form a scissors bite, where the upper incisors slightly overlap the lower incisors[4]. An overbite or underbite can lead to dental problems later on.

Temperament and Behavior

Yorkies are known for their unique and charming personalities. Each Yorkie will have their own little traits and quirks[5]. They are lively and inquisitive, physically and mentally quick, and spend much time trotting around the house and yard, checking things out[6].

However, it’s important to remember that you are choosing a Yorkie puppy, the puppy is not choosing you. If you select the puppy that runs right up and jumps all over you, you may end up with the most energetic puppy in the litter, and have regrets later on. Choose the puppy that has the best personality and is not too bossy nor too timid[1].

A well-socialized Yorkie puppy should not exhibit signs of aggression like growling or biting. Puppies that are handled frequently are more likely to have an outgoing, friendly temperament as an adult dog.

Breeder Reputation

When buying a Yorkie puppy, it’s important to buy from certified breeders who provide comprehensive health records for their pets. Buy from breeders who are willing to provide the health records of your puppy’s parents and share their history with you[2].

Ask for references; a reputable breeder will be more than happy to put you in touch with previous puppy buyers[7]. Reach out to those references and inquire about their experience with the breeder.

Avoid breeders who will not let you visit their facility. Responsible breeders will allow visits or provide an alternative way for you to see where the puppies are housed, like a video tour[7].

Reputable breeders focus on breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies, not maximizing profits. Be wary of breeders who have multiple litters available at the same time, as this can be a sign they are prioritizing quantity over quality[8].

Ongoing Care

All dogs have ongoing needs throughout their life, including good quality food, toys, grooming, licensing fees, and routine medical checkups. You’ll also spend a lot on supplies in the first year like a crate, carrier, training sessions, spay/neuter, vaccinations, etc[1].

Yorkies require significant grooming to keep their long, silky coats looking their best. Daily brushing is ideal, along with regular bathing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks[9]. Neglecting coat care can lead to painful mats and skin irritation.

Their small size also makes Yorkies prone to dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay. Daily tooth brushing and annual dental cleanings are highly recommended[10].

Yorkies are an active breed and require daily exercise and playtime. Several short walks per day along with indoor play will help your Yorkie stay physically and mentally stimulated[11].

Conclusion

Choosing a Yorkie puppy is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. By considering the puppy’s health, temperament, the reputation of the breeder, and the ongoing care the puppy will need, you can ensure that you are making the best choice for you and your new furry friend. Do your research and take your time finding the right breeder – it will be well worth it to bring home a happy, healthy Yorkie puppy.

References

[1] How to Choose a Yorkie Puppy – wikiHow

[2] Yorkshire Terrier – Breed Info – Animal Health Clinic

[3] Yorkie Growth Chart

[4] Yorkshire Terrier Information Center | Yorkie Growth Chart

[5] Yorkie Temperament | Behavior | Personality

[6] Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies): What’s Good About ‘Em, What’s Bad About ‘Em

[7] How to Find a Reputable Yorkshire Terrier Breeder – Yorkie Info Center

[8] 10 Signs of an Unethical Dog Breeder and How to Spot Them

[9] Yorkie Grooming 101 – Your Complete Guide

[10] Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed Information

[11] Yorkie Exercise Needs – How Much Exercise Does a Yorkie Need?

Citations:
[1] https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Yorkie-Puppy
[2] https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/
[3] https://www.yorkieinfocenter.com/yorkie-temperament-behavior
[4] https://www.yorkieinfocenter.com/how-to-find-reputable-yorkie-breeder
[5] https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/puppy-care-puppy-info-library/161664-buying-yorkie-read-first-how-buy-yorkie.html
[6] https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier
[7] https://canna-pet.com/articles/yorkie-temperament-personality/
[8] https://thehalopets.com/yorkie-breeders-in-california/
[9] https://yorkieuniverse.com/how-to-choose-yorkie-puppy/
[10] https://www.thesprucepets.com/yorkshire-terrier-dog-preed-profile-1118010
[11] https://www.royalcanin.com/uk/dogs/health-and-wellbeing/yorkshire-terrier-temperament-and-personality-traits
[12] https://welovedoodles.com/yorkie-breeders-in-california/
[13] https://www.rover.com/blog/yorkshire-terrier-puppies-everything-you-need-to-know/
[14] https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/yorkshire-terrier
[15] https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/dog/breed/yorkshire-terrier/
[16] https://www.reddit.com/r/Yorkies/comments/ya1pcj/reputable_yorkie_breeders_in_northern_california/
[17] https://petponder.com/what-to-look-for-when-buying-yorkie
[18] https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier
[19] https://theyorkietimes.com/8-tips-to-choose-a-yorkie-breeder
[20] https://animals.mom.com/ten-things-to-know-about-yorkie-puppies-12531912.html
[21] https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier
[22] https://www.bubblypet.com/best-yorkshire-terrier-breeders/
[23] https://littlenobles.com.au/what-to-look-out-for-when-buying-a-yorkshire-terrier-puppy/
[24] https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/yorkshireterriers.html
[25] https://www.ctvsh.com/services/dogs/breeds/yorkshire-terrier