Introduction to Yorkie Dogs
Yorkie dog breeds, also known as the Yorkshire Terrier, are a beloved toy breed that originated in England. Recognized by the AKC (The American Kennel Club), these toy dogs have made their way into the hearts of many families in America. Known for their big personality despite their small stature, Yorkies are popular breeds among dog enthusiasts.
Responsible Breeder Practices
At Maxies Babies, we pride ourselves on being a responsible breeder. Our Yorkie puppies are raised with utmost care to ensure they grow up to be healthy adult dogs. We follow guidelines from the Yorkshire Terrier club of America and adhere strictly to ethical practices to prevent health issues such as tracheal collapse and portosystemic shunt.
Care and Maintenance of Yorkies
Grooming needs for Yorkies are unique due to their silky coat, which can range in colors like steel blue, black, and tan. Regular brushing helps prevent tangles and maintains their floor-length coat’s resemblance to human hair. A topknot is often styled to keep hair away from the eyes. Additionally, due to their small size, they require mental stimulation and adequate dog training to prevent excessive barking.
Health Considerations for Small Breeds
Yorkshire Terrier puppies are prone to health issues common among small breeds such as patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It’s essential for breeders and owners alike to watch for signs of these conditions early on. The typical lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier can be long with proper care, making them wonderful family pets.
5 Other Common Health Risks for Yorkies
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent, energetic, and curious pets that make wonderful companions. However, they are not immune to certain health issues. Understanding the common health risks that can impact your Yorkie aids in both prevention and early diagnosis, ensuring your furry friend remains happy and healthy.
- Collapsing Trachea: This condition occurs when the cartilage in a dog’s tracheal rings is malformed and weakens over time. As the cartilage deteriorates, it becomes more difficult for the dog to breathe, leading to a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, and occasionally fainting.
- Canine Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas caused by the premature activation of digestive enzymes within the gland due to damage or a blocked outflow duct. This triggers pancreatic auto-digestion, where enzymes begin to destroy pancreatic tissue. Seek veterinary advice regarding pancreatitis treatment for your dog.
- Luxating Patellas: This hereditary condition affects a dog’s knees, causing the kneecap to dislocate. It can impact one or both legs and leads to walking difficulties. Overweight Yorkies are especially at risk due to increased pressure on their joints, which adds stress to other knee ligaments.
- Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE): Essentially a severe form of diarrhea, HGE poses a serious threat to Yorkies because small dogs dehydrate quickly compared to larger breeds. If your Yorkie exhibits blood or mucus in their stool along with severe diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, contact your vet promptly.
- Liver Shunt: Also known as Portosystemic Shunt, this condition involves abnormal blood flow from the intestine that bypasses the liver. It is a congenital defect resulting from irregular vein development. When blood skips the liver’s filtration process, toxins accumulate in the body causing stunted growth, significant weight loss, behavioral changes, and seizures.
Maintaining a proper diet and regular exercise are essential for your dog’s health. Consult with your veterinarian about preventive health plans that cater specifically to Yorkshire Terriers to help avert common illnesses and issues.
Suitability as Family Pets
Yorkies make excellent family dogs. These little dogs have a happy disposition and serve well as watchdogs thanks to their alert nature. However, because of their small size, they may not be suitable for families with very young children who might not handle them gently. Yorkies thrive in environments where they receive lots of love and attention from family members.
Yorkies’ Historical Background
The history of the Yorkshire Terrier dates back to 19th century England, where they were initially bred from Scotch Terriers by weavers in Yorkshire. Over time, these broken-haired Scotch Terriers evolved into the silky Terrier breed we know today. Their Yorkshire Terrier coat is hypoallergenic, making them favored by many despite the allergens common with other dog coats.
By keeping Yorkie dogs in an ethical environment that extends from NY, and NJ up to Florida, Maxies Babies ensures each puppy grows up happily as part of a loving family.
For a Yorkie that fits perfectly into your family, call (718) 614-3968 with Maxies Babies now!
