Shellys Yorkie Central

Is a Yorkshire Terrier the right breed for me?

2011-01-27T10:45:00.001-08:00

No doubt, if you would like to be the owner of a little, loyal, cuddly and affectionate pet that is also very brave compared to its size. People say that this breed requires the most human attention and love in the world compared to other dog breeds. They can be trained easily, but they require a lot of attention, consistency and praise during the training.

The hair of a Yorkshire Terrier is long, glossy, straight and silky that requires daily care, brushing on each day, a bath monthly and periodical trimming. Their weight is around 7 lbs and their height is usually 8-9 inches.

They can be good watchdogs as they are very brave. They can get on well with other dogs and pets in the family but they can be territorial, so they prefer to be the only dogs in the house and like to have their space respected. Sadly, this breed is prone to health issues so regular visits to the vet are needed.

All in all, Yorkies are the best for people living in an apartment, while they require little daily exercise, so a short daily walk with lots of love and attention is the best for this breed.

I hope this short introduction about the Yorkshire Terrier breed will be helpful for you to decide.

How to Groom Your Yorkie

2010-12-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

Steps

Get all the materials needed.
Place your yorkie on a comfortable spot on the floor or on a grooming table. If you choose to be on the floor, lay out a soft, large towel. Remove any accessories she is wearing such as a collar, bows, or dog clothing.
Spray your dog with a coat conditioner and water mix. You can make this at home, or buy waterless shampoo. Doing this will help prevent breakage and split ends. But remember, if your dog is a show dog, after bathing, there should be no traces of any substance but water in the coat.
Use your pin brush and comb her ear featherings gently. Then turn her over on her back and brush her chest, under her armpits, and on her "under" legs. Brush the featherings on her legs, her tail, thighs, neck, and back. Then use the comb to repeat the same steps as you used with the pin brush. Use the bristle brush and and repeat the same steps as the comb. Also, brush her face and muzzle very gently.
Take your tweezers and gently pluck the hair inside the ear. Be careful so that you do not hurt your dog. Leaving hair inside the ear can cause infections and can be uncomfortable. Use either ear wipes, or ear cleanser and wipe the ear where wax is evident and through the different crevasses in the ear. The wax is usually a brown or black color. Be careful not to stick your finger through the ear canal. For the cleanser, use something like Doctor's Foster and Smith Ear Cleanse. Squirt the solution in the dog's ear and rub the ear in a circular motion. Take a cotton ball, place it right under the flap, and tip your dog's head toward it. The solution will be caught in the cotton ball. Next, take a clean cotton ball and wipe were the solution stayed. Your dog's ears should be very clean.
Take your dog's toothbrush and dog toothpaste. There is also a tiny finger brush with plastic bristles you can buy. You can buy these at any pet store, in pet catalogs (such as Doctor's Foster and Smith), or from your veterinarian. Brushing your dog's teeth is very important and can prevent painful and costly dental surgeries.
- Use the toothbrushes and toothpastes formulated for dogs and rinse under hot water for about three seconds. Then, put under cool water so it doesn't hurt your dog. This will clean the toothbrush.
- Squirt a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush. Gently, move your dog's lip upward so you can see it's teeth. Brush all the teeth inside the mouth for about one minute. You should brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week.
Wipe the eyes boogers away and around the eye rim with the eye wipes. Be careful! Do not get the wipe into the eye, this can really sting!
Time to clip those nails! Use a dog nail clipper, not a human nail clipper. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to clip the nails, don't try it by yourself first! Clip only the tip of the nail, not any further or you will hit the quick. The quick is very hard to see in black nails, so don't get any farther than the tip. If you hit the quick, it will be a very painful or even fatal experience for your dog. Check the warning section to learn what to do when you hit a quick. Don't let the quick part of the nail stop you from clipping your dog's nails, clipping the nails is essential in the grooming process!
Time to have a bath! If you would like to learn how to do a quick "fast bath" go to the Tips part of the page. Otherwise, stay here.
Get the right Shampoo and Conditioner
- Buy some creamy dog shampoo and conditioner that will make your Yorkshire Terrier's coat "silky and soft". A good brand choice of shampoo and conditioner is Crazy Dog or Buddy Wash, these work great on Yorkies.
1. Directions for Bathing your Yorkshire Terrier
- Wet your Yorkie completely starting from the top of the head to the end of the tail.
- Take the shampoo and squirt some in your hands. Start to lather from the top of the neck to the end of the tail. Shampoo the outside of the ears, the legs, the chest, belly, featherings, and the rest of the body. (Don't get in eyes!)
- Rinse the shampoo out of the coat for at least 3 minutes, making sure you get every single bit of soap out of the coat. Next, shampoo the head. Always use a tearless shampoo (most puppy shampoos are tearless) on the head. To shampoo the head start at the top, and work your way down to the muzzle. Even though the shampoo is tearless, try to NOT get it in the eyes please! Even though the manufacturers may say it is tearless; sometimes they do lie!
Take out the conditioner. Squirt some in your hands, and smooth over the top of the neck, to the end of the tail. Also, get the outside of the ears, the legs, the chest, featherings and the rest of the body. Keep the conditioner on for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse for about 2 minutes to 5 minutes. If there is still soap in the coat, make sure you keep rinsing until the coat is clean or your dog will be very uncomfortable. Let your dog shake the water off once. Half the drying is done right there. Take the towel and for about 20 seconds stroke all over the dog's body. After, your dog will still be damp, but not wet. This is perfect. Take the pin brush and repeat the brush routine as previously. Take the comb and do the same steps as before, except pay special attention to the featherings, ears, and tail. Comb these so the are straight.
Take out your pet drier. If you don't want to pay the extra cash for a pet hair drier, use a human one on the coolest setting possible. Blow dry your Yorkie while combing it with the comb, so that it stays straight.
Take out the grooming scissors after the bath. You should trim the hair on your dogs feet. So that your dog is more comfortable, only use the grooming scissors. Using other scissors will also cause thinner hair, and the dreaded split ends!
Clip all the featherings (including beard) at an equal length. If you are trying to grow out its coat, still do this, but make sure not to cut too much.
Remember, your yorkie may need a professional trim (if a show dog) or a professional pet clip (if a pet) once every couple of months. Keep these up routinely to make sure his coat is in tip-top shape!

I Do Tricks

2010-12-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

I have no idea how they do this: TYPE IN a command under the dog and see what happens... Sit, roll over, down, stand, sing, dance, shake, fetch, play dead , beg, etc., and... It's also very cute if you type in a command that's not recognized...!! Make sure you type in 'Kiss', too, but do it last!!!

Click here: I Do Dog Tricks

Links to Some Great Sights

2010-06-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Training
http://housebreakingmypuppy.com/yorkie/

Facts:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Interesting-Yorkie-Facts&id=1917314

Small Dogs
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/smalltoydogs.htm

Yorkiy Puppy Facts

2010-01-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

As one of the most popular kind of dogs, the Yorkie, short for Yorkshire Terrier, walks proudly despite its tiny stature. Not only are they often winning show dogs, but they are one of the great companion dogs. Though characteristically bold in their activity, Yorkshire Terriers do like to please their owners very much, which makes them extremely easy to train. Part of what makes them so desired is not just their cute small face and size but the glamorous beauty of their blue silky-smooth coat.

Yorkie Puppies are probably one of the most adorable puppies you will see. Able to sit in the palm of your hand as babies, they almost look like a small stuffed animal. Depending on the kind of quality of the Yorkie Puppy will determine what they look like as adults. The average adult size of Yorkshire Terriers can vary from 3 to 7 pounds. Yorkshire Terrier should never exceed 7lbs as this would be considered oversized. It is often thought that tea cup Yorkies are a smaller version of Yorkshire Terriers. This is absolutely not true. Little Yorkies are just the runts of the litter. All Yorkie Puppy are mainly black, with black on their bodies and head, with gold or tan on their belly, legs and muzzle. As they grow a Yorkshire Terriers color will transform their black coat, which in the Yorkie world is called a blue coat or it can turn silver. Other’s keep their black coat and do not have the silk texture. The brown color varies as well from brown to a reddish brown to a light tan on their heads and legs. No matter what color, these dogs are simply adorable.
Breeders and show dog owners keep the coat long and parted in the middle. The coat if flowing to the ground, straight and shinny. A good majority of owners keep their yorkies coat cut short as to save time for brushing and bathing. They do not shed which makes them highly sought out for people who do not like pet hair in their house and furnishings. As a pet, they can be feisty and love lots of attention, but they are great cuddlers. They are the best cuddlers after they turn 1 years of age. A lapdog by nature, as long as you supply a small amount of petting they will sit there for hours. Yorkies need plenty of exercise to use up all that energy and they are very, very social animals.
Yorkies Puppies walk with confidence and an air about them. They are easily trainable and adapt well to different locations. Yorkshire Terrier puppies prefer adults or older children as they like to be the baby. They can wear out even the most energetic of children. They are very loving and loyal pets and bond quickly to people who care for them and love them. They enjoy being a part of the family.

Check out shellysyorkiecentral.com for more info on Yorkies and available puppies.

11 Steps to Help as You Care for Your Yorkie

2010-01-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Be prepared to spend time on grooming and bathing this breed. Because they have long coats, Yorkies must have baths and their coats must be trimmed short or shaved for convenience and hygiene.
Brush your pet's hair daily to keep it free of tangles. Bathe him only when he is dirty, usually weekly. Brushing will keep the hair clean, except on the side of the body where urine collects on a male. Wash this area daily with a damp cloth and warm water. Brush the dog dry in front of a small hair dryer if you have one handy.
Wash mucus from the corners of the dog's eyes, daily if needed, with a cloth or wad of cotton soaked in warm water. Mucus will rot your pet's hair if it's not removed. Dry him off carefully.
Take special care to keep the hair around the Yorkie's anus clean. It is common for this hair to become matted with feces.
Keep the hair on the top third of the ear flaps trimmed very short. This way, excessive hair won't weigh down the ears before they are firmly "set," at around six months of age.
Get your dog's ears checked regularly for excessive wax and mites, and ask your vet to pluck the hair from inside his ears. Hair on his feet will need trimming occasionally.
Pay special attention to the Yorkie's eyes and teeth. Long hair should be kept out of his eyes. As with most toy breeds, Yorkies may have tartar buildup on the teeth ' so they need regular brushing. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best products and method.
Get a little dog coat for the Yorkie for cold weather. Yorkies do not have an undercoat to keep them warm. A store-bought coat will keep your pet warm and cozy.
Invest in nutritious for the Yorkie. These dogs eat very little, so their food needs to be healthful.
Note that terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many Yorkies are eager for a spirited argument.
Expect a Yorkie to live a healthy 15 years if all goes well.

10 Things In Your Home That Can Kill Your Dog

2010-01-06T11:31:00.001-08:00

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog’s reach.

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your antifreeze out of your dog’s reach. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog’s reach. Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog. Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well. Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures. When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

8) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil’s ivy, aloe, and ivy. Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement. Many of these plants are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them. Many veterinary school websites offer lists of things that are toxic to dogs and what you should do if your dog ingests such things. As always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the closest emergency clinic.