8 Strange But Normal Yorkshire Terrier Behaviors

Why Does My Yorkie Bark So Much?

Yorkshire Terriers, known for their affectionate nature and playful personalities, are also notorious for their vocalizations. If you’re a Yorkie owner, chances are you’ve experienced your furry friend’s propensity for barking. While some barking is normal, excessive barking can be a sign of a problem and can be quite frustrating for both you and your dog.

Here are some common reasons why your Yorkie might be barking excessively:

• Attention-Seeking: Yorkies, like many small breeds, are quite social and enjoy attention. If they feel ignored, they may resort to barking to get your notice.
• Boredom: When Yorkies are bored, they may bark to entertain themselves or release pent-up energy.
• Anxiety: Separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or other anxieties can trigger excessive barking.
• Territoriality: Yorkies are naturally protective of their territory and may bark at strangers, other dogs, or even at noises coming from outside.
• Alertness: As watchdogs, Yorkies have keen senses and may bark at anything they perceive as a threat, even if it’s a harmless squirrel in the backyard.

It’s important to understand the root cause of your Yorkie’s barking to address it effectively. If the barking is excessive or becomes a nuisance, consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for guidance.

Why Does My Yorkie Shake So Much?

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their energetic and playful personalities, but they can also be prone to shaking, trembling, or shivering. While this can be a sign of a health issue, it’s often just a normal behavior for these little dogs.

Here are some common reasons why your Yorkie might be shaking:

• Cold: Yorkies have a small stature and are susceptible to the cold. If they’re shivering, they may simply be cold and need a warm blanket or jacket.
• Excitement: Just like humans, Yorkies can get excited, and this can manifest as shaking or trembling. This is often a sign of happiness, especially if they’re playing or about to get a treat.
• Stress or Fear: When Yorkies are stressed or scared, they may shake or tremble. This could be caused by loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or other stressful situations.
• Medical Conditions: In some cases, shaking can be a sign of a medical condition, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), neurological disorders, or infections.

If your Yorkie is shaking frequently or excessively, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. They can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment if needed.

Why Does My Yorkie Eat Grass?

You might be surprised to see your Yorkie munching on grass, but this behavior is actually quite common among dogs. While it might seem strange, there are several reasons why your furry friend might be nibbling on the lawn.

Here are some possible explanations:

• Nutritional Deficiency: Dogs may eat grass if they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet. Grass can provide a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Indigestion: If your Yorkie has an upset stomach or indigestion, they may eat grass to try to relieve the discomfort. Grass can help to stimulate vomiting or aid in digestion.
• Boredom or Stress: Similar to other behaviors, grass-eating can be a sign of boredom or stress. Some dogs eat grass as a way to release pent-up energy or cope with anxiety.
• Habit: Just like humans, dogs can develop habits. If your Yorkie has eaten grass in the past and found it enjoyable, they may continue to do so, even if there’s no longer a specific reason.

If your Yorkie is frequently eating grass, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. They can also recommend dietary changes or other measures to address the behavior.

Why Does My Yorkie Sleep So Much?

Yorkies, like all dogs, need their sleep. However, some Yorkies seem to sleep more than others. While excessive sleepiness can be a sign of a health issue, it’s often just a normal part of their nature.

Here are some reasons why your Yorkie might be sleeping a lot:

• Age: Puppies and senior dogs tend to sleep more than adult dogs. Puppies need a lot of rest to grow and develop, while senior dogs may experience age-related changes that affect their energy levels.
• Breed: Yorkies, as a small breed, are known to be relatively inactive and may sleep more than other breeds.
• Activity Level: If your Yorkie is very active during the day, they may need more sleep to recharge their energy.
• Diet: A well-balanced diet that provides adequate nutrition can help to support your Yorkie’s energy levels. If they’re not eating enough, they may feel sluggish and tired.
• Medical Conditions: In some cases, excessive sleepiness can be a sign of a medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, anemia, or infections.

If you’re concerned about your Yorkie’s sleep habits, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems. They can help determine the cause and recommend any necessary treatment.

Why Does My Yorkie Lick So Much?

Excessive licking is a common behavior in dogs, and Yorkies are no exception. While it might seem harmless, excessive licking can be a sign of a problem and can even lead to skin irritation or infections.

Here are some common reasons why your Yorkie might be licking excessively:

• Boredom or Anxiety: Licking can be a self-soothing behavior for dogs, especially when they are bored, anxious, or stressed.
• Itchiness: If your Yorkie has allergies, fleas, or other skin irritations, they may lick excessively to try to relieve the itch.
• Medical Conditions: Excessive licking can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, behavioral issues, or even cognitive decline.

If your Yorkie is licking excessively, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. They can also recommend ways to reduce boredom, anxiety, or any other factors contributing to the licking.

Why Does My Yorkie Dig So Much?

Yorkshire Terriers have a natural instinct to dig, just like many other breeds. While digging can be a fun and entertaining activity for your Yorkie, it can also be a nuisance if they’re digging up your garden or furniture.

Here are some reasons why your Yorkie might be digging:

• Instinct: Digging is a natural instinct for many dogs, especially terriers, as they were originally bred to hunt and dig for prey.
• Boredom or Frustration: If your Yorkie is bored or frustrated, they may dig to release pent-up energy or boredom.
• Heat: Dogs can get hot, and digging in cooler soil can provide a refreshing escape from the heat.
• Hiding: Dogs may dig to create a den or hiding place, especially if they feel anxious or insecure.
• Attention-Seeking: Some dogs may dig to get your attention, especially if they feel neglected.

To discourage digging, provide your Yorkie with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, such as toys, walks, and training. You can also try redirecting their digging behavior to a designated area, such as a sandbox or digging pit.

Why Does My Yorkie Jump Up On People?

Jumping up on people is a common behavior for dogs, and Yorkies are no exception. While it might seem cute when they’re puppies, jumping up can become a problem as they get older and bigger.

Here are some reasons why your Yorkie might be jumping up on people:

• Excitement: Yorkies can get very excited when they see people, and jumping up is a way to express their enthusiasm.
• Attention-Seeking: Jumping up can be a way for your Yorkie to get attention, especially if they’re feeling neglected.
• Territoriality: Yorkies, like many small dogs, can be territorial and may jump up to protect their space.
• Training: If you haven’t properly trained your Yorkie, they may not understand that jumping up is unacceptable.

To discourage jumping, teach your Yorkie the “sit” command and reward them when they sit instead of jumping. If they do jump, calmly and firmly tell them “off” and turn your back until they settle down.

Why Does My Yorkie Cry So Much?

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their affectionate and sensitive nature, and they can be quite vocal. While some crying is normal, excessive crying can be a sign of a problem and can be quite distressing for both you and your dog.

Here are some common reasons why your Yorkie might be crying excessively:

• Separation Anxiety: When Yorkies are separated from their owners, they may cry out of anxiety or fear.
• Medical Issues: Crying can be a symptom of various medical issues, such as pain, illness, or cognitive decline.
• Attention-Seeking: Some Yorkies may cry to get your attention, especially if they’re bored or lonely.
• Fear or Stress: Loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or other stressful situations can cause your Yorkie to cry out of fear or anxiety.

If your Yorkie is crying excessively, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. They can also help determine the cause of the crying and recommend ways to address it.

Why Does My Yorkie Spin In Circles?

Spinning in circles is a common behavior among dogs, and Yorkies are no exception. While it might seem like a silly or random behavior, there are several reasons why your Yorkie might be spinning around and around.

Here are some possible explanations:

• Playfulness: Spinning can be a fun and playful activity for dogs, especially when they’re excited or energized.
• Boredom: Similar to other behaviors, spinning can be a way for your Yorkie to release pent-up energy or boredom.
• Attention-Seeking: Spinning can be a way to get your attention, especially if they’re feeling neglected.
• Excitement: Yorkies can get very excited, and spinning can be a way to express their enthusiasm.
• Disorientation: In rare cases, spinning can be a symptom of a medical condition, such as vestibular disease, which affects balance and coordination.

If your Yorkie is spinning excessively or seems to be having trouble with balance, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Why Does My Yorkie Steal Things?

Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and curious dogs, and they have a knack for getting into things. This can lead to them stealing items, especially small objects that they can easily pick up and carry away.

Here are some reasons why your Yorkie might be stealing things:

• Boredom: If your Yorkie is bored, they may steal things out of a lack of stimulation.
• Attention-Seeking: Yorkies are naturally social and enjoy attention. They may steal things to get your reaction, even if it’s negative.
• Playfulness: Some Yorkies steal things simply because they find it fun or entertaining.
• Resource Guarding: Yorkies, like many dogs, can be possessive of their belongings and may steal things to protect them from others.

To discourage stealing, make sure your Yorkie has plenty of toys and chew items to keep them entertained. You can also try redirecting their behavior to a designated area where they’re allowed to “steal” toys.

Summary Table

Behavior	Possible Reasons	What to Do
Excessive Barking	Attention-seeking, boredom, anxiety, territoriality, alertness	Address the root cause, consult with a vet or trainer if necessary.
Shaking	Cold, excitement, stress, medical conditions	Consult with a vet to rule out medical issues.
Eating Grass	Nutritional deficiency, indigestion, boredom, habit	Consult with a vet, consider dietary changes.
Sleeping a Lot	Age, breed, activity level, diet, medical conditions	Consult with a vet if concerned.
Excessive Licking	Boredom, anxiety, itchiness, medical conditions	Consult with a vet to rule out medical issues, address boredom/anxiety.
Digging	Instinct, boredom, heat, hiding, attention-seeking	Provide mental and physical stimulation, redirect digging.
Jumping Up on People	Excitement, attention-seeking, territoriality, lack of training	Train “sit” command, discourage jumping.
Crying	Separation anxiety, medical issues, attention-seeking, fear	Consult with a vet, address underlying causes.
Spinning in Circles	Playfulness, boredom, attention-seeking, excitement, disorientation	Consult with a vet if excessive or balance is affected.
Stealing Things	Boredom, attention-seeking, playfulness, resource guarding	Provide toys, redirect behavior, address resource guarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

While we’ve covered many common reasons for these behaviors, here are some additional questions you might have:

Can I Stop My Yorkie From Behaving This Way?

While you can’t completely eliminate these behaviors, you can manage them by addressing the root cause. Training, exercise, and providing appropriate mental stimulation can help make these behaviors less frequent.

Should I Be Worried About These Behaviors?

Many of these behaviors are normal for Yorkies, but some can be signs of underlying medical or behavioral issues. If you’re concerned, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.

What Should I Do If My Yorkie Is Exhibiting Multiple Behaviors?

If your Yorkie is engaging in multiple strange behaviors, it’s essential to seek professional help from a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment plans.

How Can I Help My Yorkie Cope With Stress or Anxiety?

There are many things you can do to help your Yorkie cope with stress or anxiety, such as providing a safe and comfortable environment, regular exercise, training, and calming activities like puzzle toys or chews.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent These Behaviors?

Early training and socialization can help prevent many unwanted behaviors. Providing your Yorkie with plenty of mental and physical stimulation can also help keep them happy and well-adjusted.

Is It Okay To Ignore These Behaviors?

Ignoring these behaviors is not recommended. While you might want to ignore unwanted behaviors, it’s essential to address the root cause of the behavior. Ignoring it can sometimes make the problem worse.

Are There Any Medications That Can Help?

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend medication to help manage certain behaviors, such as anxiety or stress. However, it’s important to note that medications are not a substitute for proper training and management.