Adult Yorkies typically stand around 7 to 9 inches in height at the shoulder and usually weigh between four to seven pounds. Yorkies are small-sized dogs; the breed is often classified as a toy breed.

Yes, Yorkies can be good with children, but due to their small size, kids need to be taught to handle them gently and avoid rough play. Yorkies are terriers, so despite their adorable, tiny exterior (of which they are totally unaware), their stubborn temperament can sometimes make them a little defensive towards the rough manner in which young kids may handle dogs.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Yorkshire Terrier to keep both the child and dog safe. Pet parents also need to provide their Yorkies with proper socialization and training to behave well around children.

Yorkies were bred for ratting (catching rats and mice) in clothing mills and mines in the 19th century. Their compact size, keen senses, and fearless nature made them effective rat hunters, helping to protect stored materials and products from damage.

Over time, as the demand for rat-catching decreased and Yorkies’ charming appearance and engaging personalities became more recognized, they transitioned from working dogs to companion animals.

Yes, Yorkies are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, their fine and silky coat sheds less, which can help reduce the amount of hair and dander in the environment.

It’s important to note that allergens are not only present in a dog’s hair but also in their skin cells, saliva, and urine. Even hypoallergenic breeds can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. 

Regular grooming practices such as brushing and bathing can help reduce allergens on a dog’s coat and skin. Spending time around Yorkies before bringing one into your home is recommended to gauge the potential for allergic reactions.

Yorkies are prone to a few diseases, including:

1. Portosystemic Shunt: Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a hereditary issue that obstructs proper blood flow to the liver. Since the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, PSS sends the toxins in unfiltered blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. Signs can include but are not limited to behavioral changes, loss of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), jaundice, urinary tract problems, vision problems, and stunted growth. PSS can be life-threatening if not treated early. Antibiotics and diet changes can help in the short term, but surgery is the only permanent treatment for the problem.

2. Legg-Calve-Perthes: This condition causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. A Yorkie suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic diseases that affect the retina. They are progressive degenerative diseases and will eventually cause blindness in both eyes. There is no effective treatment to stop PRA.