In shortThe Yorkie is a terrier in a pocket-sized body. He has the courage, the voice and the stubbornness of a rat hunter, and he gets treated like a plush toy. Most of his “problems” come from that gap.
Bred to hunt rats in Yorkshire mills, he kept a prey drive, constant vigilance and disproportionate self-confidence. He is very attached, often to one person, and feels stronger up high or in arms. Carried everywhere, he often lacks chances to learn to handle the ground and other dogs, and compensates with his voice.
Paws on the ground. Real walks, at his pace, where he walks. A carried dog learns nothing about the world.
The terrier in his head. Toys to shake, hiding spots, little trails. He needs to hunt, at his scale.
Watched teeth. The breed loses teeth early. Brushing, suitable dental chews, vet checks.
As a puppy he is tiny and fragile: let him explore on the ground anyway, that is where confidence is born. As an adult, teeth, knees (patellar luxation) and a fragile trachea: harness, never a collar. As a senior, the heart and teeth dominate. A Yorkie who coughs or refuses hard food must be seen.
He is scared and cannot flee, so he warns from afar. Do not scoop him up at the last second, it reinforces the panic: cross wider, reward calm, and offer chosen encounters with settled dogs.
The couch is his safe height, and the lifting hand is a restraint. Call him down with a treat rather than grabbing him, and give him steps to get down alone.
Often, yes: small breeds’ tracheas collapse easily. Switch to a harness right away. If the cough persists at rest, consult: tracheal collapse and heart problems are common.
Mimo reads behavior. It does not replace a vet.
Ten seconds is enough. On iPhone. Android is in closed testing.