Did you know that the diminutive and lively Yorkshire Terrier, commonly known as the Yorkie, holds an impressive spot as the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States? Loved for their adorable features and sassy personalities, these pups have been stealing hearts across the globe for years. Now, when it comes to temperament, Yorkies don’t necessarily fit snugly into the ‘calm dog’ definition, but that doesn’t mean they can’t throw out a few surprises either. Are you pondering whether to welcome a Yorkshire Terrier into your home? If you desire a placid and relaxed companion, you will want to uncover the answer to: Is a Yorkshire Terrier a calm dog?
Yorkshire Terriers, originally bred in the 19th-century England to catch rats in clothing mills, are feisty, courageous, and brimming with confidence. They are tiny but mighty – an epitome of dynamite comes in small packages. Despite weighing a modest seven pounds, they strut around as though they are massive canines. No mean feat when your legs are only a few inches long!
However, before categorizing them as a lively breed, it’s essential to understand that like humans, dogs have individual characters. The temperament of a Yorkie can range from cuddly and laid-back to high-energy and yappy. It can largely depend on their genes, upbringing, training, and their overall health condition.
A calm Yorkie might not be a complete myth. A well-bred, well-adjusted Yorkie who has been properly trained, socialized, eats a balanced diet, and gets regular checks at the vet can indeed be relatively calm. In fact, some owners claim their Yorkie is a tiny zen master, sitting quietly by the window, watching the world go by.
That being said, Yorkies are, by nature, inquisitive and vivacious. Boredom can lead to barkathons, chewed shoes, and a toppling of trash cans that you’d ordinarily think would take a hound ten times its size. To channel their energy positively, regular physical and mental workouts are a must. They love to be centre stage, involving themselves in everything you do. This active involvement often lends them to be more energetic than calm.
While your Yorkie might not have the serene demeanour of a Saint Bernard or the laid-back approach of a Basset Hound, there are techniques you can employ to encourage a calm environment and manage those high-energy spurts.
Promote a healthy exercise regimen. With their historic role as ratters, these tykes are accustomed to regular physical action. A good 30-minute walk every day and a bit of playtime will go a long way. Mental stimulation is equally vital. Challenge them with toys and puzzles that can work their intelligent minds and keep restlessness at bay.
Train based on rewards. Yorkies respond well to positive reinforcements. Treats, praises, or a favourite toy can incentivize them to follow orders and behave well. If you are consistent, they can learn to remain calm in different situations over time.
Despite the fact that Yorkies may not naturally be ‘couch potatoes’, they deeply value companionship and are certainly capable of long, cuddly naps curled up beside their favourite human. Also, as with most breeds, as Yorkies age, they tend to mellow out. A senior Yorkie is likely to be much calmer than a Yorkie puppy or adolescent.
In conclusion, if your heart is set on a Yorkshire Terrier, but you want a dog as chill as cucumber, remember that you can shape your furry friend’s behaviour to some degree. With proper care, training, and unconditional love, your Yorkie could be the calm companion you desire. Then again, their joyous energy and zest for life might just be the tonic you need. In either case, these adorable tails waggers never fail to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, whether a Yorkshire Terrier is a calm dog or not can be subjective. A bonded companion, an entertainer, a protective friend, a source of unconditional love – a Yorkie is all this and more.
