What do I need to prepare for a Yorkshire Terrier?
Before bringing a Yorkie home, prepare for a 13–16 year commitment, spending 20–30 minutes daily on care, and ensuring a space of at least 10 square feet.
Commitment and Reality
A Yorkshire Terrier can live up to 16 years, requiring a long-term commitment. Plan to spend 20–30 minutes each day on exercise and grooming. You'll need a space of at least 10 square feet for your Yorkie to move around comfortably. Be prepared for regular grooming sessions, as their long, silky coat needs daily attention to prevent matting and tangling.
Your Yorkie will also benefit from regular playtime, which can be as simple as a few minutes of fetch or tug-of-war. Remember, handling a Yorkie should be gentle, as they can be delicate dogs.
- 13–16 year lifespan
- 20–30 minutes daily care
- 10 square feet of space
- Daily grooming
- Gentle handling
One-Time Setup List
Before your Yorkie arrives, gather the following items: a crate, a comfortable bed, a food and water bowl, grooming tools, and a collar with ID tags. A crate is essential for training and for keeping your Yorkie safe when you're not home.
Choose a crate that is the right size for your Yorkie, allowing enough room to stand up and turn around but not so large that they can use one corner as a bathroom.
- Crate
- Bed
- Food and water bowls
- Grooming tools
- Collar with ID tags
- Training treats
- Leash
Recurring Consumables
Regularly replenish items like food, bedding, and grooming supplies. Plan to replace these every few weeks or as needed. High-quality dog food is essential for your Yorkie's health and well-being.
Bedding should be comfortable and easy to clean, as Yorkies can be prone to accidents, especially when they are young or in their senior years.
- Food
- Bedding
- Grooming supplies
- Substrate for litter box
- High-quality treats
- Dog toothpaste and brush
- Nail clippers
Recurring Costs
Don't forget to budget for recurring costs such as vet visits, vaccinations, and dental care. These can vary but are essential for your Yorkie's health. Regular vet check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment of any health issues.
Dental care is also important, as Yorkies are prone to dental problems. Plan to brush your Yorkie's teeth at least three times a week.
- Vet visits
- Vaccinations
- Dental care
- Heartworm prevention
- Microchip
- Pet insurance
- Regular grooming appointments
Are You Ready Checklist?
Before bringing your Yorkie home, ensure you have the following in place: a safe space, proper food and water bowls, grooming tools, a collar with ID tags, and a budget for ongoing care. It's also important to have a plan for emergencies, such as finding a 24-hour vet clinic.
Consider your lifestyle and whether you have the time and resources to commit to a Yorkie's needs. They require consistent care and attention, so make sure you are ready for the long-term commitment.
- Safe space
- Food and water bowls
- Grooming tools
- Collar with ID tags
- Budget for ongoing care
- Emergency vet plan
- Time for daily exercise and grooming
- Commitment to long-term care
Keep reading about Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkshire Terrier Cleaning & Hygiene: Winter cleaning for yorkies · Yorkshire Terrier Enrichment & Play: Mental stimulation · Yorkshire Terrier Daily Routine: Daily care · Yorkshire Terrier Seasonal Care: Daylight changes
Related questions
How often should I brush my Yorkie's long coat?
Daily brushing is recommended to prevent matting and tangling. This will also help distribute natural oils throughout the coat.
How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
Your Yorkie requires 20–30 minutes of exercise daily. This can include walks, playtime, and interactive toys.
What type of food should I feed my Yorkie?
Choose a high-quality, age-appropriate dog food with balanced nutrition. Look for food that is formulated for small breeds and contains omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your yorkshire terrier is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.