Can Yorkshire Terriers Live Outside? Things You Need To Know

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On May 5, 2020

Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dog breeds, known as a toy-size breed. They are demanding little creatures, giving and taking love in enormous and inexhaustible cycles. Therefore, Yorkies are perfect for pets! Not only that they will be such great company for yourself, but it is the essence of their beings – to be protected, in a warm place with their human friend. Yorkies are friendly and needy as much as you can imagine. However, have you ever wondered can Yorkshire terriers live outside?

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Can Yorkies Live Outside? General Overview

Originally bred as rat catchers in Victorian England, they are now one of the most popular companion dogs. Despite their hunting background, Yorkies are now indoor dogs, used to the comforts of home. Here’s why they are not suited for outside living:

Size and Fragility: Yorkies weigh 4-7 pounds and stand 7-8 inches tall. They are more prone to environmental hazards like predators, rough terrain and extreme weather due to their small size.
Single Coat: Unlike many other breeds that have a double coat, Yorkies have a single coat that’s like human hair. This coat provides less insulation against the cold or heat so they can’t regulate their body temperature outside.
Social Needs: Yorkies need human companionship. They are affectionate and bond strongly with their owners. Leaving them outside for long periods can lead to loneliness and stress which can cause behavioral issues like barking or destructive habits.

Therefore, while a Yorkie might enjoy brief periods outdoors for playtime or exercise, leaving them to live outside permanently is not recommended.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Live Outside in California?

California is sunny but the state has temperature fluctuations that can be tough for small dogs like Yorkshire Terriers. Whether a Yorkie can live outside in California depends on the area and time of year:

Coastal Areas: Near the coast the weather is more moderate with cooler summers and milder winters. But even in these areas the weather can change fast and nighttime temperatures can drop big time. A Yorkie can handle an afternoon in the backyard but leaving them outside overnight is a risk due to the temperature drop.

Inland and Desert Areas: Many parts of California, like the inland valleys and desert areas, get extremely hot in summer often above 100°F (38°C). Yorkies are prone to heatstroke in these conditions due to their small size, limited cooling mechanism (panting) and delicate coat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be dangerous.

Tips for Yorkies to be Safe Outside in California

Shade and Water: If you take your Yorkie outside make sure they have access to shaded areas and plenty of fresh water.

Time Limit: Don’t take your Yorkie outside during peak heat hours 10am-4pm. Take them out early morning or late evening instead.

Clothing: When it’s cooler use dog sweaters or jackets to keep your Yorkie warm if they’re outside for a short period.

Can Yorkshire Terriers Live Outside in Winter?

The cold months pose a significant challenge for Yorkies due to their thin coat and small body size. Unlike larger dogs with thicker fur, Yorkies cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Here’s why:

Lack of Insulation: With a single-layered coat, Yorkies lack the extra insulation that dogs with a double coat have. This makes them more prone to hypothermia when temperatures drop.
Body Heat Loss: Smaller dogs lose body heat much faster than larger dogs because of their size. They have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which causes them to get cold quickly in winter conditions.

What Temperature is Too Cold for Yorkies?

A good rule of thumb is that temperatures below 45°F (7°C) can start to become uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for a Yorkie. When temperatures drop below 32°F (0°C), there is a significant risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related health problems.

In addition, wind chill can make cold weather feel even colder than it actually is, which further increases the risk of a Yorkie developing hypothermia. If the temperature falls below freezing, it’s best to keep Yorkies inside and only allow them out for brief potty breaks.

Risks: Hypothermia and Heatstroke in Yorkies

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is when a dog’s body temp drops below 101°F to 102.5°F. For a little Yorkie, this can happen fast in cold weather. Symptoms of hypothermia in Yorkies are:

Shivering
Lethargy or weakness
Shallow breathing
Stiff muscles
Pale or gray gums
Loss of consciousness in extreme cases

To prevent hypothermia, Yorkies should be dressed in warm clothes, like sweaters or jackets, when outside in cold weather. And limit their time outside and have a warm place to go to immediately.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is another big risk for Yorkies, especially in warm climates like California. When a dog’s body temp goes above 104°F (40°C), they can get heatstroke which can be life-threatening. Yorkies are more susceptible because they can’t cool themselves. Symptoms of heatstroke are:

To prevent heatstroke, never leave your Yorkie in a hot environment, like a parked car, and don’t do strenuous activity in hot weather. If you see signs of heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area, and call a vet immediately.

Panting fast
Drooling
Weakness or collapse
Red gums
Vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of consciousness

Tips for Taking Your Yorkie Outdoors

While Yorkies are indoor dogs, they still need to get outside and get some exercise. Here are some tips for taking your Yorkshire Terrier outdoors safely:

Leashes and Harnesses: Always use a leash and harness when taking your Yorkie out, especially in areas with cars or wildlife.
Check the Weather: Before you take your Yorkie out, check the weather forecast and consider temperature, humidity, and wind chill. Choose the best time of day to go out, avoid midday in summer and cold mornings in winter.
Dress Them Up: In cold weather dress your Yorkie in a sweater or jacket to keep them warm. In summer consider a cooling vest or a shaded area.
Paw Protection: Yorkies’ tiny paws are sensitive to extreme surfaces, hot pavement in summer or icy paths in winter. Use dog booties if necessary.
Limit Time: Keep outdoor time short and supervised. In cold weather limit to 10-15 minutes and in hot weather don’t stay out more than 30 minutes.

Can Yorkshire terriers live outside? Revealed

So, getting another Yorkie for their company is an often situation and a great choice. Leaving them indoor, with a friend to play with, especially with another Yorkie when you are not around, is the best decision to make if this little one is a part of your household. Although they like being indoors, in a warm and cozy place, napping on your lap, Yorkies still are pretty active and energetic.

They are tireless and fast little whirligigs, with an impressive amount of energy. Yorkies need a day full of outdoor activities, and you should take them outside as much as possible! But it doesn’t mean they can live outside.

Imagine being so small, gentle, and fragile as a Yorkshire Terrier. Being alone, outside, especially in the dark, can make the Yorkies feel unprotected and scared. They need proper care, nutrition, warm places, baths, grooming, etc. Sometimes, they get too competitive, because of their Terrier nature, and can get themselves in trouble. They like chasing little creatures or showing themselves off. If there isn’t anybody around to protect them, Yorkies can become targets or even loot for bigger, angry dogs and predators.

If you are living in a house with a yard there is not a single reason not to let your Yorkie be outside as long as it wants. Of course, if it’s warm and dry outside. Yorkshire Terriers are very sensitive when it comes to low temperatures because they don’t have an undercoat to protect them. Being outside, running, playing, resting in the sun is great for Yorkshire Terriers. But only if there is a warm home and an indoor place to stay the night.

Try to give your Yorkshire Terriers an active life, as much as you can.

So, the answer to the question is – No, Yorkshire Terriers can not live outside! It is too dangerous for them. Maybe you are thinking – nature should be their natural habitat since they are animals. They do need outdoor activities, a few hours a day; they need the sun, playing with other dogs, playing with you, running… Yorkies can get easily bored. Their day must be organized. But, who will organize their day?

They need somebody to take care of them, to throw the ball, or pretend to throw it. Somebody to brush their beautiful coats, to calm them down when they are scared or cold. Try to give your Yorkshire Terriers an active life, as much as you can. Organize Yorkies and your days and activities mostly outdoors. But, at the end of the day, come home and be protected together. Yorkshire Terriers need affection, love, security, and protection as much as you do.

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