Yorkshire terriers make desirable pets for people with allergies because of the relatively low amount of dander they produce. Combined with a big personality in a portable little body, Yorkies have made the American Kennel Club's list of the top 10 most popular breeds for more than a decade.
Yorkie Hair Care
The Yorkie is ideal for indoor living. You'll find few to no hairs left behind on the furniture after he's been in attendance. Even though he sheds less dander and hair, he needs regular grooming to keep him clean and tangle-free. His long, flowing hair needs daily combing and brushing. Keep a Yorkie in a short clip to minimize grooming. Bathe him once a week to once a month, depending on your dog's individual needs.
The Allergy-Free Myth
Although Yorkies are sometimes sold as hypoallergenic pets, there's no such thing as a completely allergy-free dog. Scientific studies find little difference in the amount of the major dog allergen Can f 1 shed between breeds except Laborador retrievers. Male animals shed more of the allergen than females. The amount of seborrhea or skin flakes also affects the amount of allergen released. Yorkies generally have less seborrhea, but spend time with an individual dog before purchasing him to make sure you don't have a reaction. Once he's home, regular bathing, coat conditioners and good nutrition will help keep your pet's skin flaking to a minimum.
References
- Yorkie Haven Rescue: Yorkie Breed
- American Kennel Club: Get to know the Yorkshire Terrier
- Dog Breed Info Center: Yorkshire Terrior
- American Kennel Club: AKC Dog Registration Statistics
- U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Dog Factor Differences in Can F 1 Allergen Production
- The New York Times: The Myth of the Allergy-Free Dog
- Elvis Yorkshire Terriers: How to Care for Your Yorkie Puppy
Writer Bio
Indulging her passion for vacation vagary through the written word on a full-time basis since 2010, travel funster Jodi Thornton-O'Connell guides readers to the unexpected, quirky, and awe-inspiring.