A Yorkie is one of the most beautiful breeds to own, with their impressive bearing, and wonderful silky coat. They come from bloodlines that have an impressive history all their own, but there is much for first-time owners to learn about their new friend. In this article, we will discuss the top five things that most owners must know about the Yorkie, before they get into that lifetime commitment.

The Yorkie Temperament

Today's Yorkies have that same fearless temperament that their ancestors were bred to have. It is this temperament that made them the brave hunters and protectors that were so loved by nobility. While this is an outstanding attribute for any dog breed to have, especially in a family with children, it will also require their new owners to be very patient with them during training. They can be headstrong, stubborn and willful, especially when it comes to what they view as invading animals into their territory. They can be a devoted partner, they just don't always listen.

Grooming

The first thing that all potential owners should consider before taking on the responsibility of a Yorkie is the amount of grooming it will require. Their coats are very beautiful, and while it will seldom shed, it will still need a lot of maintenance and regular grooming. The coat will have to be brushed every day to prevent snags and tangles, and it must be cut often.

Training

While the Yorkie is a highly intelligent breed, they can seem to be quite dumb from time to time. This can make training them a true challenge, even for experienced trainers. They grasp training concepts fast, and will perform them exceptionally well, when they feel like it. They can be incredibly stubborn, don't forget, so if they do not feel like doing something, they will not. Yet another reason why Yorkies need a great deal of patience, always.

Health

Because Yorkies are considered to be a small dog, they are going to be prone to all of the health issues that most small breeds have. They are sturdy by nature, but they could still take damage from falls of height and rough-housing. They can be fantastic protectors for small children, but the kids must be made aware that even doggies can have boo-boos, and they must be careful while playing.

Exercise

Yorkies have been bred to be active, working dogs. Originally meant to be hunters of small vermin, like rats and moles, the instinct to keep busy and do something is still there. This is a breed that will require something to keep them busy during the day, like toys, as well as exercise like walking and running. Their hunting nature also makes them enjoy fetching games with their masters, so be prepared for an extensive workout yourself!