While the average Yorkie is 4-7 pounds, Teacup Yorkies are bred to be 2-4 pounds, causing significantly higher health risks such as seizures, bone fragility, liver shunts, and collapsing trachea.While both can live 12+ years, Teacup Yorkies need intense care and frequent feeding to avoid hypoglycemia.

Yorkies can have a few common health problems, mostly because they’re so small and it runs in their genetics. Some big ones are dental issues, tracheal collapse, slipping kneecaps, low blood sugar in puppies, and liver shunts. Taking them to the vet regularly, feeding them good food, and keeping up with their dental care really helps manage all of that.

Yorkies need high-quality food made for small breeds that’s packed with nutrients, especially protein (around 25–30%) and healthy fats to keep up with their fast metabolism and help their coat stay healthy. Some good options are Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier (puppy, adult, or 8+), Blue Buffalo Small Breed, Wellness CORE, and fresh food like The Farmer’s Dog.

Feeding a homemade diet to a Yorkshire Terrier takes more than just mixing meat and vegetables—you have to balance nutrients carefully, especially because small dogs can develop deficiencies quickly. A healthy adult Yorkie’s diet should generally consist of about 18–25% protein, 10–15% fat, and the rest from digestible carbohydrates like rice or sweet potatoes. High-quality animal protein (like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish) is essential since Yorkies have fast metabolisms and need consistent energy.
Where most homemade diets go wrong is with vitamins and minerals. Yorkies need a proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (around 1.2–1.4:1), which means you can’t just feed meat—you have to add a calcium source like eggshell powder or a supplement. They also require omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, plus vitamins like A, D, and E, along with B vitamins and trace minerals such as zinc, iron, and iodine. Many of these are difficult to balance without either organ meats or a formulated supplement.A basic homemade structure often looks like this:• 40–50% lean muscle meat
• About 10% organ meat (with half being liver)
• 10–15% carbohydrates (rice, oats, sweet potato)
• 10–20% vegetables (like carrots or spinach)
• Added fat if needed
• A calcium source
• A vitamin/mineral supplementEven if this looks balanced, it usually still needs supplementation to be truly complete. Without the right nutrients, Yorkies can develop bone issues, vitamin imbalances, or long-term health problems. The safest approach is to use a vet-approved recipe, work with a veterinary nutritionist, or use a premix supplement that ensures everything is properly balanced.

Yorkies are tiny but high-maintenance in their own way, so good care is all about staying consistent with the basics.First, their coat needs regular attention. Their hair is more like human hair than fur, so brushing a few times a week (or daily if it’s long) helps prevent tangles. Baths every couple of weeks and regular trims keep them comfortable and clean.Dental care is a big deal for Yorkies. They’re super prone to dental issues, so brushing their teeth often (ideally daily) and giving dental chews can make a huge difference.For food, they do best on high-quality small-breed dog food with good protein and healthy fats. Because they’re so small, they can get low blood sugar—especially as puppies—so feeding smaller meals throughout the day helps keep their energy steady.Most Yorkies don’t need extra vitamins if they’re eating a complete, high-quality dog food that’s labeled “complete and balanced.”Good small-breed foods already include everything they need—vitamins, minerals, protein, and fats—so adding supplements on top usually isn’t necessary and can sometimes even throw things off if overdone.
Exercise-wise, they don’t need a ton, but they still need daily walks and playtime to stay happy and not get bored. They’re energetic and can get yappy or anxious if they’re not mentally stimulated.They also get cold easily, so sweaters or blankets help in cooler weather. And since they’re fragile, you have to be careful with rough play or jumping from high places.Regular vet check-ups are important to catch common issues early, like knee problems or trachea issues. Keeping up with grooming, diet, dental care, and routine vet visits will go a long way in keeping a Yorkie healthy and happy.

Yorkies can be really smart, but they can also be stubborn, so potty and behavior training works best with consistency and patience.Potty training
• Stick to a schedule: Take them out first thing in the morning, after eating, after naps, and before bed. Puppies usually need more frequent breaks.
• Same spot every time: Bring them to the same area outside so they learn that’s where they go.
• Reward immediately: Praise and give a small treat right after they go in the right spot so they connect the behavior with the reward.
• Watch for signs: Sniffing, circling, or suddenly getting restless usually means they need to go out.
• Accidents happen: Don’t punish them—just clean it up well so they don’t keep going in the same spot.Behavior training
• Keep commands simple: “sit,” “stay,” “come,” etc. Yorkies respond well to short, clear cues.
• Positive reinforcement: Treats, praise, and excitement work way better than punishment.
• Short training sessions: 5–10 minutes at a time is enough—they can lose focus quickly.
• Be consistent: Everyone in the house should use the same commands and rules.
• Socialization: Gently introduce them to new people, sounds, and places early so they don’t become overly nervous or yappy.Yorkies can develop “small dog syndrome” if they’re not trained (like barking a lot or being bossy), but with steady routines and positive reinforcement, they usually learn pretty quickly.

There isn’t a huge difference between male and female Yorkies when it comes to personality or care—most of it comes down to the individual dog, training, and environment. But there are a few general tendencies people notice:Males
• Often described as a bit more affectionate or “clingy”
• Can be more playful and attention-seeking
• Sometimes take longer to fully potty train (this varies a lot)
• May be more likely to mark territory if not neuteredFemales
• Sometimes seen as a little more independent or “sassy”
• Can be very loyal but not always as constantly cuddly
• May pick up training slightly faster in some cases
• If not spayed, they go into heat, which requires extra careThe most important thing
Gender matters way less than:
• Early training and consistency
• Socialization as a puppy
• The dog’s personality
• Spay/neuter statusSo when choosing a Yorkie, it’s better to focus on temperament and how well the dog fits your lifestyle rather than male vs female.

Training a Yorkie to be a psychiatric service dog takes a lot of time, consistency, and the right temperament. First, they need solid basics like potty training, leash manners, and obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down, along with calm behavior in different environments. After that, you can work on specific psychiatric tasks like deep pressure therapy during panic attacks, interrupting anxiety spirals by nudging or pawing, staying close to ground you, or helping guide you out of overwhelming situations. Training should always use positive reinforcement and short, frequent sessions, gradually increasing distractions as they improve. It’s also important to understand that not every Yorkie is suited for service work since they can be small, alert, and sometimes easily excitable, so temperament matters a lot. In the U.S., there’s no certification required, but the dog must be fully trained to perform tasks and behave appropriately in public spaces.

sources• https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/cdgyorkshire_terrier• https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/know-about-yorkshire-terriers• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-groom-a-yorkshire-terrier-grooming-your-yorkie-puppy/• https://www.dog-learn.com/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/care