Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared under your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to the dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), and choose a kibble shaped for small mouths. Some Yorkies tend toward extra weight, so watch calorie intake and reduce portions if your pup gains.

Because Yorkies are small, feeding schedules differ by age:

• Adults: two to three feedings a day
• Puppies: three to four small meals a day, which helps hold blood sugar steady

Treats help with training, but they should never exceed 10 percent of daily calories, since calories add up fast in a small breed. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times. Calorie needs vary by size, metabolism, neuter status, and activity level; your veterinarian can calculate your Yorkie's needs, and the feeding-guide labels on dog food give useful starting points.

Healthy Yorkies should get all needed nutrients from a complete, balanced dog food. Your veterinarian may suggest supplements based on specific needs. Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), found in fish oil, skin and joint supplements, and some formulated dog foods, can support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart.

The Yorkshire Terrier's silky coat behaves much like human hair and should be treated that way. Kept long, it needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and knots; in a short puppy cut, once-a-week brushing with a small pin brush is usually enough. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks helps keep the coat tidy. Whatever the length, keep the hair around the eyes pulled back or short, or tie it into a topknot, so it does not irritate the eyes or block vision.

Bathe a Yorkie about every one to two weeks, and no more often than that, since frequent bathing can strip the natural oils from the skin. Some Yorkies develop dry, flaky skin, where a moisturizing shampoo or an omega-3 supplement helps. The breed is also prone to blocked pores that cause bumps and inflammation; a specialized shampoo, such as one containing benzoyl peroxide, helps flush them.

Check the ears weekly for debris or signs of infection and clean them as needed. If you notice a strong odor or discharge, schedule a vet visit, as this can signal an infection, and ask which ear cleaner they recommend. Yorkies also tend to get tear stains at the corners of the eyes; wiping with a damp cloth or a daily eye-cleaning solution helps prevent buildup.

Dental care matters because Yorkies are prone to dental disease. Brush the teeth daily with a vet-recommended dog toothbrush and toothpaste, and ask your vet how often a professional cleaning is needed and whether dental chews, a dental diet, or a water additive would help.

Yorkies have moderate energy and need daily physical and mental exercise. Two short walks and brief play sessions such as fetch can meet that need.

Dog sports add activity while challenging the mind. Yorkies take to obedience and agility, and many also enjoy earthdog trials, tracking, flyball, and musical freestyle. These outlets matter, since the breed needs regular mental stimulation to stay content.

Yorkies adapt to apartments and small homes despite limited space. They tolerate cold poorly and may need a dog coat or sweater in winter.

Yorkies are intelligent, eager to please, sometimes stubborn, and independent. Use reward-based obedience training with praise and treats instead of harsh corrections.

Socialize Yorkies early by introducing new situations, people, and dogs gradually in calm settings.

Despite their size, Yorkies take part in and excel at canine activities such as rally, agility, and obedience, and many work alongside their owners in roles such as therapy work. Take care around very young children, since Yorkies are small and can be hurt easily during play: supervise all interaction and teach children how to handle a dog safely.