Uncovering the Herding Instincts in Yorkies: 10 Surprising Behaviors Explained
Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, may be known as tiny companions with big personalities, but lurking beneath their lapdog appearance is a deeply rooted herding instinct. Though originally bred as ratters in mills and mines, Yorkies share a common lineage with herding dogs like Collies and Australian Shepherds. This heritage reveals itself in a variety of surprising behaviors that link these pint-sized pets to their sheep-herding cousins. This article explores 10 ways Yorkies show their herding instincts and discusses how understanding these tendencies can lead to a stronger bond with your Yorkie.
1. Nipping at Heels
One of the most noticeable signs of a Yorkie’s herding instinct is their tendency to nip at the heels of their owners or other pets. This behavior mimics how herding dogs control the movement of livestock. Although not aggressive, Yorkies may nip when they want to steer you in a particular direction. In multi-pet households, this can be especially evident when they attempt to herd larger dogs or cats.
Solution: To manage this behavior, redirect their energy through structured play such as fetch or agility training. Teaching commands like “leave it” can also curb unnecessary nipping.
2. Circling or Rounding Up
Yorkies often exhibit a characteristic herding behavior known as circling or rounding up. In a herding context, this would involve moving livestock into a group or guiding them in a specific direction. In your home, a Yorkie may circle you, family members, or other pets in an attempt to “gather” everyone together. This behavior can surface during walks or in playtime scenarios where Yorkies feel the need to control the situation.
Proposed Solution: Structured activities like agility courses can help them express this instinct in a healthy way while avoiding potential frustration.
3. Barking as a Communication Tool
Yorkies, like most herding breeds, use barking as a tool to communicate and exert control. Their barks aren’t random; they serve a purpose akin to how shepherd dogs bark to alert the herd or the handler. Yorkies may bark at other dogs, moving cars, or even family members, as a way to signal something or assert control over their “herd.” While this can be an adorable trait at times, excessive barking can become a nuisance if left unchecked.
Proposed Solution: Training your Yorkie to follow commands like “quiet” or using positive reinforcement when they are calm can reduce unnecessary barking.
4. Staring Intently at Moving Objects
Another herding instinct that Yorkies display is their intense focus on moving objects or people. This behavior is closely related to the “eye” technique used by Border Collies to control sheep. Yorkies may fixate on small children, toys, or other pets in a similar fashion. This instinct can be harnessed positively in interactive games like fetch or hide-and-seek, which provide an outlet for their natural inclinations.
Solution: Incorporate interactive toys or mentally stimulating games that require your Yorkie to track and retrieve items. Puzzle toys can also be effective in holding their attention in a positive way.
5. Chasing After Smaller Animals
Yorkies, despite their small stature, are still driven by their instinct to chase. Whether it’s squirrels, birds, or even a leaf blowing in the wind, this drive is deeply ingrained in their DNA. Historically, herding dogs chased after livestock to keep them within a designated area. This natural instinct can sometimes result in unwanted behaviors, such as chasing after other pets or bolting during walks.
Solution: Leash training and reliable recall commands are essential to managing this behavior. Providing a secure backyard where your Yorkie can chase toys or play in a controlled environment will help satisfy their need to chase.
6. Guarding Family Members
While Yorkies are not traditional guard dogs, they may show a strong tendency to “guard” their human family, a trait inherited from their herding ancestors who would protect their flock. This can include behaviors like standing between you and unfamiliar people or becoming extra vigilant during walks or when visitors come to your home. In extreme cases, Yorkies may even show signs of aggression if they feel their “herd” is threatened.
Proposed Solution: Early socialization with other people and pets can help mitigate overprotectiveness. Positive reinforcement training that rewards calm behavior in new situations can also reduce the urge to guard excessively.
7. Quick Responses to Commands
Yorkies are incredibly quick to respond to commands, a hallmark of their herding lineage. Herding dogs need to be fast on their feet and obedient to their handler’s commands in order to direct livestock efficiently. Your Yorkie’s quick reflexes and eagerness to follow orders are a modern reflection of this trait, making them excellent candidates for agility training or trick performance.
Proposed Solution: Enroll your Yorkie in an obedience or agility class to refine their response to commands and provide mental stimulation that satisfies their herding instincts.
8. Displaying Restlessness Without Activity
Herding dogs are known for their high energy levels, and Yorkies are no exception. When not given enough exercise or mental stimulation, they can become restless and display behaviors like pacing, barking, or even destructive chewing. This is a direct result of their instinct to always be on the move, ready to manage their flock.
Proposed Solution: Ensure that your Yorkie gets enough physical exercise, including daily walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating activities like training or interactive toys. A bored Yorkie is more likely to act out their herding instincts in undesirable ways.
9. Herding Children or Other Pets
In households with children or other pets, Yorkies may exhibit herding behaviors by trying to control the movement of those they consider part of their pack. This could involve nudging, nipping, or barking at children as they play, or even attempting to keep the family cat in a specific area. While this behavior is rooted in their instincts, it can sometimes lead to frustration for both the Yorkie and the other members of the household.
Solution: Supervise interactions between your Yorkie and other household members, especially small children. Teaching your Yorkie boundaries and encouraging calm behavior during playtime can help curb the more intense aspects of this herding behavior.
10. Pacing Around the Perimeter of an Area
Yorkies, like other herding dogs, may exhibit pacing behavior, especially around the perimeter of an area such as a yard or living room. This is a direct reflection of their instinct to patrol the boundaries of their “territory” to ensure that all members of their flock (or family) are safe and accounted for. While this behavior is less common than others, it is a clear indicator of the Yorkie’s herding roots.
Proposed Solution: Provide plenty of space for your Yorkie to explore safely. Engaging them in activities that require them to patrol or “check-in” on different areas, such as searching for hidden treats or toys, can help satisfy this instinct.
Limitations and Future Research
While the behaviors outlined above offer a comprehensive view of how Yorkies display their herding instincts, individual dogs may show varying levels of these traits depending on their environment, training, and socialization. Further research is needed to explore how factors such as genetics, upbringing, and breed-specific training techniques can influence the manifestation of herding instincts in small breeds like Yorkies.
Additionally, while this article focuses primarily on Yorkies, other small breeds may also display similar herding tendencies. Future studies could compare the herding behaviors of Yorkies with those of other small terrier breeds to identify common patterns and distinctions.
Finally, there is a growing interest in how urban environments impact the expression of herding instincts in traditionally rural breeds. Research into how city living affects Yorkies’ natural behaviors could provide insights into the best ways to manage and channel these instincts in an urban setting.
