Today, August 1st, is Yorkie Day! These fun-loving dogs may be small, but they definitely have big personalities. A veterinarian turns the spotlight on these tiny, charming pooches below.
Basics
The Yorkie is one of the smaller dog breeds, rarely growing more than 8 inches tall. Like many other small dogs, they do have some longevity, as they can live up to 16 years. That’s a long life for a dog! As far as temperament goes, they are extremely cuddly and affectionate, and love to be lap dogs. However, they can get a bit feisty. It’s also worth noting that Fido is a great little watchdog … insofar as letting you know there’s somebody at the door. However, he also thinks everyone is his best buddy. Yorkies are more vocal than other dogs, so if you want a quiet pooch, they probably aren’t the best choice for you.
Care
Yorkies have long, silky fur, which is a lot like human hair. As far as grooming goes, Yorkies don’t shed or drool a lot. However, they do need daily brushing. As they say, you can’t have it all!
Temperament
Yorkies are very intelligent, and are usually pretty trainable. They are also quite energetic, and need a lot of playtime and stimulation. Fido is prone to separation anxiety, however, and gets very lonely when left by themselves. You may want to get your canine pal a buddy.
Health
Yorkies are prone to a few specific medical issues, such as bronchitis, cataracts, and skin problems. They’re also notorious for having sensitive tummies, so you’ll have to be really careful what you feed Fido. It’s also worth noting that, because of their size (or lack thereof), Yorkies can get seriously hurt in falls: even tumbling off a bed or couch can cause them to be seriously injured! Ask your vet for specific care tips.
Fun Facts
Fido has gained a few nicknames over the years. Yorkies are sometimes called Tomboy Toys, because of their daring, feisty demeanors. They were also once called the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier, which honestly sounds a bit sad. (We prefer Yorkie)
Famous Yorkies
There have been a couple of celebrity Yorkies. First up, there is Sylvia, the smallest dog in recorded history. She was only 2.4 inches tall! Another standout Yorkie was Smoky, a war hero of World War II. Of course, we think all of these charming, lovable dogs deserve to be celebrated.
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