Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic? 10 Things You Need to Know (And Why It’s Important)
You’ve probably heard that Yorkies are considered a hypoallergenic breed. But what does that actually mean? Are they 100% allergen-free? And if you’re allergic to dogs, can you really get a Yorkie without issues? Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty on this popular toy breed.
What is a Yorkie Puppy?
A Yorkie, or Yorkshire Terrier, is a tiny but feisty dog breed that originated in Yorkshire, England in the 19th century. They were originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills, believe it or not! These days, they’re beloved companions known for their silky coats, saucy personalities, and portability.
What Are Some Other Names for Yorkie Puppies?
Yorkies go by lots of cute nicknames like Yorkie Terriers, Toy Terriers, Teddy Bear Dogs, and even little monikers like Pocket Pals. My personal favorite? The Tomato Tots (because of their reddish coats)!
Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic? Is It Possible I’m Allergic?
Here’s the deal – no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Yorkies are considered more allergy-friendly compared to other breeds because they have hair rather than fur. This means they produce less dander (those pesky, airborne skin flakes). But some people are still allergic to the dander, saliva, or urine of Yorkies.
The truth is, you won’t know for sure if you’re allergic until you’re around a particular Yorkie for an extended period. My advice? Spend some quality time around a friend’s or family member’s Yorkie before getting one yourself.
Yorkie Coat Care
A Yorkie’s lush coat is one of their biggest assets…but it requires a fair amount of upkeep. Plan on daily brushing and regular grooming every 4-6 weeks to prevent matting and keep that gorgeous shine. It’s a labor of love, for sure!
How Much Do Yorkies Cost?
Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for your new pocket pal. A Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000! That’s a big financial commitment for such a little dog. But their tiny size and outgoing personalities make them worth it for many owners.
The Life Expectancy of Yorkie Dogs
On average, a healthy Yorkie will live 12-15 years. With excellent care, some of these tenacious little pups can make it well into their late teens! Not too shabby for a breed that was originally used as a ratter.
How Much Does It Cost to Groom a Yorkie?
Proper Yorkie grooming ain’t cheap, folks. Expect to pay $30-90 every 4-6 weeks for a professional grooming session. Learning to groom at home can save you money, but it’s a major time commitment. These hairdos don’t happen by accident!
How Will I Know If I’m Allergic to Yorkies?
Allergy symptoms like watery eyes, scratchy throat, stuffy nose, and skin rashes/hives are all potential signs of being allergic to Yorkies. The severity can range from mild to serious. My pro tip? See an allergist to get professionally tested before getting a Yorkie if you have dog allergies. It could save you a lot of heartache (and medical bills!)
Why Are Many People Afraid of Dogs?
You’d be surprised how many people have cynophobia, or a fear of dogs. Some are afraid of being bitten, knocked over, or intimidated by a dog’s bark or size. Others had a traumatic experience in childhood. With Yorkies being so small, they make a great transitional breed for the canine-phobic!
What Are the Characteristics of Hypoallergenic Dogs?
So what makes a breed considered hypoallergenic? A few key factors are:
- They don’t shed much (if at all)
- They produce less dander/protein that causes allergies
- Their coats are more hair-like than fur
Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Giant Schnauzers tick all these boxes. But again, no dog is 100% allergen-free.
How Do You Know If Your Yorkie Is Hypoallergenic?
The only way to really tell is through close exposure over a period of weeks or months. Spend lots of quality time around a particular Yorkie. If you have no allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, or rashes, they could be hypoallergenic FOR YOU.
Where Do Yorkies Rank With The AKC?
The American Kennel Club ranks the Yorkshire Terrier as the 9th most popular breed. Their portable size and spunky personalities make them a fan favorite in the toy group! They’re also one of the most popular breeds recommended for allergy sufferers.
Do Yorkies Have Long Hair or Short Hair?
Yorkies are known for their long, silky, human-like hair rather than fur. Their coat has different textures, with harder hair on the face/body and a softer, finer coat on the head, ears, and legs. Those floor-length locks require dedication to keep knot-free!
Which Dog Breeds Are Best for Allergies?
Some top hypoallergenic breeds besides Yorkies include:
- Poodles (all sizes)
- Portuguese Water Dogs
- Giant Schnauzers
- Scottish Terriers
- Maltese
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers
- Kerry Blue Terriers
- Afghan Hounds
Of course, there are no guarantees with any breed. But these tend to produce less dander and shed minimally.
What Are Some Allergic Reactions to Dogs?
The most common dog allergy symptoms are:
- Sneezing/runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing/wheezing
- Rashes/hives
- Facial pain/pressure (sinus issues)
In severe cases, dog allergies can even trigger asthma attacks. No fun! Avoiding the allergen (dog dander, saliva, etc.) is crucial.
What Are the Skin Cells of a Yorkie?
Like all dogs, Yorkies constantly shed dead skin cells called dander. This lightweight, dry skin particles become airborne and stick to clothing and surfaces. It’s a dander, not the hair itself, that causes most dog allergies. Yorkies produce less of it than heavier shedders.
What Is Dead Skin on a Yorkshire Terrier?
Let’s talk about that dreaded dander! The dead skin cells that make up dander contain allergens like proteins that can trigger reactions in some people. Brushing and frequent bathing help reduce the amount of dander on a Yorkie. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter helps clear dander from carpets.
When Do Yorks Shed?
Like all dogs, Yorkies have seasonal shedding periods in the spring and fall when they “blow” their coat. But because their hair is more like human hair, they shed less overall than other breeds with an undercoat. Still, expect some extra vacuuming during those peak shedding times!
When Should I Worry About Dog Hair?
A few stray dog hairs here and there really aren’t a big deal. It’s when you start seeing tumbleweeds of fur rolling around that you may have an issue! Dog hair can get embedded in fabric, carpets, ventilation systems, and more over time. Frequent cleaning, grooming, and vacuuming is a must.
How Can I Prevent Shedding?
While you can’t eliminate shedding entirely, these tips can help minimize dog hair around your home:
- Brush your Yorkie weekly (daily during seasonal sheds)
- Use a deshedding tool and rake
- Bathe regularly with a deshedding shampoo
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Use pet hair removers on fabric surfaces
- Wipe down hard surfaces frequently
- Don’t allow dogs on furniture
It’s a bit of work, but preventing buildup makes a big difference!
What Can I Do If I Suffer from Dog Allergies?
Reducing exposure to pet allergens is key for allergy sufferers. Try these tips:
- Use HEPA air purifiers
- Vacuum frequently with a HEPA vacuum
- Replace HVAC air filters
What Are Other Things I Should Know?
Even though Yorkies are considered hypoallergenic, there are some other important factors to keep in mind. For starters, these little dynamos require a surprising amount of exercise for their size. Plan on several short walk sessions per day or allocating time for indoor play and games. With their boundless energy, they need a way to burn it off!
Yorkies also tend to be very vocal little dogs. That trademark terrier “attitude” means they can be barkers if not properly trained. Make sure you’re prepared for their big doggie voices!
Living in a small space? That’s perfect for compact Yorkies. But they can be challenging to housetrain due to their tiny bladders. Patience and consistency is key when potty training these pint-sized pups.
What Can I Do About Dead Hair?
No matter how hypoallergenic they are, Yorkies are still going to shed some hair. The best ways to keep it under control are regular brushing (daily if possible) and bathing every 1-2 weeks. Invest in some high-quality deshedding tools like the Furminator or a slicker brush.
It’s also wise to vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum to capture any airborne allergens. And considering replacing your HVAC filters more often if you have a Yorkie to cut down on circulating hair and dander.
You Can Find These Products at Most Pet Stores:
- Furminator Deshedding Tool ($25-40)
- Slicker Brush ($10-20)
- Deshedding Shampoo ($10-20)
- HEPA Vacuum ($100-300)
- Pet Hair Remover Rolling Brush ($10-25)
Does a Yorkie Require Weekly Bathing?
While weekly baths aren’t strictly required, most Yorkie owners do bathe their pups that frequently. Their long, silky coats can quickly become dull, matted, and dander-filled if not bathed regularly. Use a high-quality dog shampoo and brush thoroughly before and after to keep that fresh, shiny coat!
What Are Some Other Grooming Tips?
In addition to brushing and bathing, keep these grooming tips in mind:
- Trim nails every 2-4 weeks
- Clean ears weekly with dry cloths or ear wipes
- Brush teeth 2-3 times per week
- Use a sturdy grooming table or surface
- Invest in good grooming scissors and clippers
- Spritz coat with detangler spray before brushing
Yorkies are high-maintenance in the grooming department, but totally worth the effort! Their impeccable coats are a hallmark of the breed.
The bottom line on Yorkies and allergies: While they are considered a hypoallergenic breed, there are no guarantees any individual Yorkie won’t trigger allergic reactions. The best way to tell is through consistent, prolonged exposure to the specific dog. If you have severe dog allergies, meet with an allergist first and take precautions.
But if you don’t have issues with a particular Yorkie, these dapper little pups can make phenomenal companions for allergy sufferers! Just be prepared for diligent grooming and frequent cleaning to keep dander and hair under control. Your sniffly nose will thank you.
When Yorkies Shed, What Can I Do?
Even a “hypoallergenic” breed like the Yorkie will experience some seasonal shedding, especially during spring and fall. At those peak periods, you’ll likely need to up your grooming game to keep loose hair under control. Some tips:
- Daily brushing with a slicker brush or deshedding tool
- Bathe weekly or bi-weekly with a deshedding shampoo
- Use an anti-static spray or conditioning coat polish
- Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter
- Wipe down surfaces in your home regularly
It’s a bit more work during shed seasons, but keeping up with grooming and cleaning will minimize dander and airborne allergens.
What Are the Features of a Hypoallergenic Dog?
The main features that make certain breeds considered “hypoallergenic” include:
- They don’t shed much, if at all
- They produce less dander (those pesky allergens in pet hair/skin)
- Their coats are more hair-like than fur
No dog breed is 100% allergen-free, but these hypoallergenic types come pretty close by shedding minimally. In general, the lighter the shedding, the better for allergy sufferers!
What About Dog Allergies and How to Treat Them?
If you do decide to get a Yorkie (or any dog) and start experiencing allergic symptoms like:
- Sneezing/runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing/wheezing
- Skin rashes or hives
Don’t just try to tough it out! See an allergist to get properly tested and treated. They may recommend immunotherapy, allergy medications, or simply avoiding the allergen trigger (the dog). Don’t let allergies go unchecked, as they can develop into more serious asthma issues over time.
What Are Some Final Thoughts?
At the end of the day, there’s no way to know for certain if a particular Yorkie will set off your allergies until you interact with them directly. If you’re allergic to dogs in general, it’s probably wise to steer clear of the breed altogether rather than risk an allergic reaction.
But if you only have mild dog allergies, a Yorkie may be a great option! With their compact size, portability, and relatively low-shedding coats, they make a fantastic allergy-friendly companion for the right family. Just be prepared for lots of grooming and cleaning to keep dander at bay.
As with any pet, weigh the pros and cons carefully before getting a Yorkie if you have allergies. With some education and precautions, you may find these dapper little pups are well worth a few sniffles and sneezes! Their loving, devoted personalities more than make up for a bit of extra pet dander.
