Yorkshire terrier is one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the world. They are most commonly called “Yorkie” and known by four distinct colour mixes: Tan and blue, tan and black, blue and gold, and black and gold. They are a common show dog and most owners love dressing them up with different fancy clothes. With their big personality, they certainly love all the attention they are getting.
What is a White Yorkie?
A white coat among Yorkies is extremely rare. This phenomenon is usually a cause of albinism among purebreds. The occurrence has something to do with the activity of their genes and the interactions with eumelanin or pheomelanin alter the colour of their coat. Some can have patches in their skin while some may have an all-white physique.
The appearance of a White Yorkie
At the present, there’s still no known cause of a “white” Yorkie. Most albino terriers only appear to have a white coat but are cream-coloured at a closer look. They usually have redness around their eyes. Their skin, footpads, and nose may appear pink and reddish-pink irises. Every case differs so their appearances may also vary from each other.
Some don’t have a full white coat but rather, patches all over their body.
White Yorkie over the Years
As you may know, it is hard to find a purebred white Yorkshire terrier. If you spot one, it is either an albino or a mix with other breeds such as Maltese or a West Highland Terrier, which can give those spots of white fur in their body.
White Yorkie Breed
If you want to own a white Yorkshire Terrier, the chances are very low for their white appearance is only a cause of a genetic disturbance. Although they are very lovely-looking, their cases also come with various health issues and sensitivities.
Lifespan of a White Yorkie
A typical Yorkie can live for as long as 14 to 17 years given that they are receiving proper care and nourishment. They are very small in size, but terriers are naturally lively, curious, and attention-seeking. They bark a lot especially when around other dogs and strangers. They can also be quite feisty if they don’t feel comfortable with the people around them.
At What Age is a Yorkie Considered Full Grown?
At the age of 4 to 8 months old, a Yorkshire terrier can be considered an adult. They don’t usually grow any bigger than a size of 8-9 inches. They can already be groomed and participate in different activities for dogs such as sports, fetch, and others.
White Yorkie Price
The cost may vary depending on any given circumstances and other factors but a purebred Yorkie’s price can range around $1200 to $1500 per puppy. They belong to the list of most favourite breeds of all time and many people are very interested in them.
The temperament of a White Yorkie
White Yorkshires are most likely to have behavioural problems if they are bred in such extreme and unfriendly conditions. It can also be a sign of underlying health issues that they have. But, the ones bred from healthy parents and supplied with quality food and care, can be receptive, intelligent, and fun to be with. They can be really sweet when treated well which makes them a good home companion.
How Much Exercise does a Yorkie Need?
Although Yorkshire terriers are small in size, they have a big role when it comes to hunting in the early ages. They are usually full of energy and can run very fast at a rate of 18-29 miles per hour. They are initially used to hunt rats and other animals thanks to their extraordinary grit and intelligence. They can fit in small holes and reach certain areas a bigger dog can’t.
A 30-minute workout per day is enough to keep up with their liveliness. There are several types of exercise you can do to help them meet their needs. You can engage them in moderate exercise, high-intensity short bursts, and mental stimulation. Daily exercise is important for every dog to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Other activities you can engage them with are:
- Flirt pole
It is an instrument used to entice a dog. It usually comes with an item attached at the end of the string but you can change it to something that would catch your Yorkie’s attention. Chasing makes a dog excited and it keeps them moving. - Tug of war
One of the major parts of a dog that needs constant stimulation is its mouth and the tug of war helps with that. It can be a great way of teaching your pooches self-control. - Interactive toys
What’s great about interactive toys is not only do they help in the improvement of your pup’s mental state, they can also be played with without the owner’s assistance. It is a great toy to keep your dog occupied while you do other necessary appointments. - Sports
If your Yorkie has an interest in sports, it can be a great hobby to develop. It has a lot of benefits including reducing the risk of obesity, mental problems, and uncontrolled aggressiveness. - Chew toys
Chew toys are a great help if your Yorkie has a chewing problem. Aside from the fact that it can help you keep your things not chewed off, it also strengthens their jaw and some even offer teeth cleaning features.
Grooming for White Yorkies
Unlike most dogs, Yorkies have hair and not fur. They don’t shed but they may have lost strands every once in a while. At the age of four months, they can have overgrown hairs and it is a sign that they can already be groomed. Their whole face and other parts of the head can be covered in hair and it will be trouble in their everyday routines.
They can also be styled in various manners depending on your preferences.
- Show groom
Show groom is a style most common for Yorkies with sophisticated owners. It leaves the hair long and flowing and needs fine brushing every day to avoid tangling. It is most recommended only for ones with silk coats. It flows down to their feet and reaches the ground which gives the illusion that they’re wearing a dress while running around.
- Outline groom
In this style, Yorkies have shorter hair on the face and mustache. They still have long, flowy coats but it doesn’t usually reach the ground unlike in the show groom. It is easier to maintain but still gives a great appearance among terriers.
- The Teddy Bear
Teddy bear cut gives a cuddly look to your Yorkie. Others call it the “Puppy Cut” and are almost one of the most popular styles in most shops. The whole hair in the body is cut at the same length around ¾ inches. The mustache, ears, and feet are styled like a bear-like feature and the groomer leaves the chest area into a sort of a “bib” of hair, making your pooches look like they were a puppy again.
- Kennel cut
In the summer months, this style is among the favourites of the owners. It gives a shortcut of the body and leaves the rest like the head, tail, and legs in a maintained length. The mustache and ears are also trimmed in a distinct style to give them an adorable look while their body keeps up with the heat of the summer.
- Schnauzer trim
Schnauzer is a different breed of dog, but with the hands of a good groomer, they can put their appealing appearance to your Yorkie. The upper portion of the body is cut to a length of half of an inch and another half left on the chest. The mustache and ears are a little longer and a skirt at the lower portion of the body.
How to Train a White Yorkie
Yorkshire terriers don’t need special attention when in training. They can cope up very easily and will listen to you as long as you treat them right. They appreciate the consistency and they can also be great fast learners. There are several ways you can train your pup and finding the best way that suits them well will give you promising results.
Positive Reinforcement and Clicker Training
With the help of positive reinforcement, you can train your pooch in a non-threatening way and will even give them something to look forward to. It is usually done by giving dogs a treat whenever they do something good or respond positively to your command. They will love following your orders and you will create a connection with them instead if you train your puppies using threats and scolding.
On the other hand, clicker training can be used to encourage the behaviour you want them to retain. It is a great combination to nourish positive behaviours. It can give them an unconscious reminder that every time they hear the click, they did something good and that gives them a lighter feeling. Always try to link the clicking with rewards for them to recognize behaviours that can give them treats.
Training Early
Just like humans, Yorkies that have already developed their personalities can be very hard to train. They can be feisty at times so it is important to start proper training at an early age. This way, you can make positive behaviours be a part of their actual personalities. They tend to be very receptive too at a younger age given the proper environment and good responses.
Potty Train
Potty training can be tricky especially when you have no prior knowledge on how to do it. Small dogs cannot hold their bladder for a long period. For Yorkie puppies, it’s better to lead them to their potty every 20 to 30 minutes, right after waking up and after every meal, in the first few weeks and allow them to get comfortable with the routine.
You can give them treats whenever they get to do their business in the right spot to make them more familiar with the system.
Common Health Issue for a White Yorkie
Albinism often comes with a set of various health issues, and a white Yorkie is not exempted from this. The breed is often viewed as an energetic, aggressive, and playful one but also make sure to watch out for possible symptoms of a disease. Some of the illnesses that are common to them are:
- Hypoglycemia
It is a disease where the blood sugar decreases. Glucose gives the body enough energy for everyday activities and if it is not properly maintained, it may affect the liver, kidneys, and heart. - Skin Allergies
Any dog can have at least one allergy and as a responsible owner, it is important to know to which one they react sensitively. The most common canine allergens are food, fleas, contactant, and other flora bacteria. - Liver Shunt
A liver shunt is a disease wherein the blood cannot circulate in the liver. This is most commonly an illness caused by a birth defect. The treatment for this includes medication and surgery for serious cases.
Also, take note that Yorkshire Terriers are sensitive to cold. On a chilly season, make sure that they are well-protected and provide them with proper coverage to keep them from having any other serious illnesses.
Every dog is special and we love them no matter what their issues and appearances are. They are like families that we chose to own. Being a dog owner can be one of the most rewarding feelings in the world. White Yorkies may be different among most breeds, or even with their class, but they are one of a kind and everyone will surely love their guts and adorable sweetness.
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