The Yorkshire Terrier is a terrier breed originating from Yorkshire in England. It is a small toy dog, with a body size somewhat comparable to a Chihuahua. What makes it especially attractive is the long hair that flows from the head, neck, and body like a girl's silky hair, giving the dog a very striking appearance. Anyone who wants to raise a Yorkie should understand several important points in its development.
First: Diet
Because a Yorkshire Terrier's digestive system is not very strong, it should not eat greasy food. Whether you are feeding dog food or cooking for the dog yourself, avoid adding oil. This tiny breed digests fatty food poorly, and greasy meals may cause diarrhea or place extra burden on the stomach and intestines. In daily life, do not feed too much meat or other foods that are hard to digest.
To improve nutrition, egg yolk can be added in moderation. During puppyhood, some owners also provide calcium tablets every day so the puppy does not develop poorly because of calcium deficiency. If the budget allows, nutritional powders designed for development and calcium support may also be mixed into the food to help growth.
A Yorkshire Terrier must never be deprived of water. Lack of water can reduce coat shine and harm appearance. Even when going outdoors, the owner should remember to carry enough water. Otherwise, by the time the dog comes home, the once-glossy look may already have faded simply because the dog became thirsty.
Second: Hygiene
Yorkshire Terriers are quite good at keeping themselves clean, so they often look neat and fresh. Because of that, they do not need baths too frequently. Overbathing can damage the coat and dry out the skin, causing dandruff. The skin normally has a natural oil layer, which is part of the body's protection. If the dog is bathed too often, that oil is stripped away and the skin becomes dry.
During the shedding period, you should brush the dog several times a day to remove the loose hair. That helps prevent the coat from sticking to your clothes or spreading around the home when you carry the dog or let it play.
When bathing a Yorkshire Terrier, always use shampoo made specifically for dogs. Human shampoo is unsuitable and may cause severe hair loss. It is also best to take the dog out for daily activity, because that supports bone development and improves overall physical condition.
A Yorkshire Terrier is a beautiful and intelligent dog. Besides the points above, there are always smaller details that the owner will discover gradually through real experience in raising it.