3 Things You Need To Know Before Adopting A Yorkie

There are a lot of reasons to love Yorkies. They're a fun-loving, energetic breed that loves to play. They don't take up a lot of space, so they're a good choice for people who don't have the room for a large dog. And of course, Yorkies are adorable. But like any breed, Yorkies come with their own challenges, and it's important to know what you're getting into before you decide to adopt. Take a look at some of the things you need to know before you commit to adopting a Yorkie.

Regular Grooming Is Vital

Potential dog owners might worry that a Yorkie's long hair will mean constant vacuuming to keep up with the shedding, but this isn't true. Unlike some breeds, Yorkies don't have an undercoat. Their silky, fine hair is very similar to human hair, and it won't shed much more than your hair does.

However, that similarity means that your Yorkie's hair needs care that's as diligent as the care you give your own hair. What would happen if you didn't brush your hair for a couple days? It would tangle and mat. The same is true of your Yorkie's hair. It needs daily brushing to stay smooth and prevent breakage. It also needs regular washing, and Yorkies' coats can benefit from conditioning treatments as well. Conditioner can make your Yorkie's hair easier to brush. Just make sure to use a conditioner specifically designed for dogs – hair products made for humans could irritate your pup's sensitive skin.

Proper Training Should Start Early

Yorkies can be a challenge to train. It's not that the dogs aren't intelligent – they are very bright and can learn quickly. However, they're also a very stubborn breed, and they get bored easily.

You should start training right away because it's far easier to train a puppy than an adult Yorkie. This breed does best with short, focused training sessions. Start with easy commands, and work your way up to more difficult tricks. And don't forget to reward your puppy with praise or treats for good behavior.

Yorkies May Need Extra Medical Care

When you adopt a purebred Yorkie, it's a good idea to make sure that you establish a relationship with a good veterinarian nearby. The breed is prone to a number of different health problems, including dental issues, knee problems, and collapsing trachea. Yorkies are also prone to a condition called liver shunt. In fact, Yorkies have 36 times greater a risk of developing liver shunt than every other breed of dog put together. This condition causes toxins to build up in a Yorkie's system, and it requires surgery to fix.

Like other toy breeds, Yorkies are also greater risk of accidental injury than larger dog breeds. Their small frames and light bone structures leave them vulnerable. Yorkies should be considered indoor dogs and should be closely monitored when they play outdoors, especially if there are larger dogs or children around.

If you're prepared to keep up with a Yorkie's needs, they can make loyal, affectionate, and adventurous pets that are always up for fun. Make sure that you adopt your Yorkie from a reputable breeder and get all the information you need to care for them properly. For more information on Yorkie puppies for sale, contact a reputable breeder near you.