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Acting Strange

Odd and Strange Yorkshire Terrier Behavior: What's Normal?

Overview

Canines in general, with their capacity for complex emotions, exhibit a wide range of behaviors that can sometimes perplex their human companions. And the Yorkshire Terrier, specifically, may display unique quirks due to their small size, classification as a terrier and their history as a ‘ratter’ and small-game hunter. 



In this article, we categorize seemingly odd and strange canine behaviors into those that are actually normal for dogs, toy breeds and terriers like the Yorkie and those that could be red flags signaling health or emotional concerns. 

Quirky Yorkie Behaviors That Are Perfectly Normal:

Yorkie in a pile of clothes with a sock on their head

#1 “Burrowing" in Bedding

Yorkshire Terriers may exhibit a behavior known as burrowing, where they find solace in snuggling into piles of bedding, laundry, or blankets. This instinctual action has roots in the canine world, where creating dens served as a critical means of securing warmth and shelter from the elements and predators. Specifically for Yorkies, who were historically tasked with burrowing to dig out small game during hunts (as well as 'ratting'), this behavior reflects a blend of their working heritage and a natural canine instinct.


Given their toy breed status, slight build, and delicate coat, burrowing for Yorkies today also serves the practical purpose of retaining body heat, a necessity that merges their ancestral instincts with their contemporary needs for comfort and warmth.

#2 Being Overly Alert

Many Yorkies tend to be on high alert, a trait deeply ingrained in their lineage. Originating as ratting dogs in 19th-century England, their role expanded beyond mills to include hunting badgers and foxes. Tasked with being swift and vigilant in both mills and the outdoors, they honed their skills in detecting and addressing small animals. This heritage of agility and keen observation has carried over into the modern domestic setting, where Yorkies exhibit an exceptional level of watchfulness. 


To avoid turning a Yorkshire Terrier’s attentive nature into excessive guarding, which may cause stress, pet parents should prioritize establishing a calm environment and offering lots of socialization opportunities.

#3 Staring at You

Staring at their humans is a behavior in Yorkshire Terriers that, while seemingly odd, is actually deeply rooted in their history of working closely alongside humans, fostering strong bonds of companionship. This act of gazing is a silent form of communication, through which dogs express their affection, trust, or even specific needs such as hunger, the desire for a walk, or the yearning for more cuddle time.


This interaction isn't just one-sided. Mutual eye contact between a dog and its owner is believed to release oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," thereby deepening the emotional connection between pet and human. This phenomenon is supported by scientific research, including the Oxytocin-gaze 2015 study by Miho Nagasawa et al., which underscores the significant role of oxytocin in enhancing the bond between humans and animals. Through such behaviors, Yorkies continue to demonstrate their innate ability to communicate and bond with their human counterparts, a testament to their history as companionable working dogs. 

#4 Seemingly Staring at a Wall

Yorkshire Terriers, with their roots in 19th-century England as ratters and hunters of small game, possess exceptionally sharp senses. This background has endowed them with acute hearing and an extraordinary sense of smell, enabling them to respond to minimal noises or movements that might escape human notice, from critters within walls to faint sounds outdoors.


An intense focus on walls may be sparked by noises that humans cannot perceive. This breed's legacy as adept hunters has fine-tuned their ability to discern the subtlest disturbances, such as the tiny footsteps of rodents hidden from view or the distant approach of someone walking outside. They might even detect the low-frequency sounds of burrowing animals or the high-pitched sounds used by rodents to communicate, showcasing their extraordinary sensory capabilities.

Yorkie digging a hole

#5 Digging

Digging is typical in dogs, yet some Yorkshire Terriers may show a particular affinity for it, reflecting their historical role as hunters and burrowers. This instinct, deeply embedded from their days of hunting rodents, may lead Yorkies to dig in garden soil, sand, or other outdoor areas. They may dig to conceal toys or treats, mirroring ancestral behaviors aimed at protecting resources.


In today's homes, though no longer necessary for survival, digging remains a playful outlet for Yorkies, helping them release energy and explore their environment. Recognizing this as a breed-specific trait underscores how Yorkies' contemporary behaviors are influenced by their past, merging natural instincts with play.

#6 Being Vocal, Barking a Lot

Yorkshire Terriers more than make up for their small size with a robust vocal presence. Known for being 'talkative,' they utilize a wide range of vocalizations, from enthusiastic barks and expressive whimpers to communicate their needs, to protective growls that alert you to perceived threats.


For some Yorkies, the instinct to bark a lot may stem from their historical roles as ratters and hunters, where their alertness and quick responses to the presence of small animals were crucial. This behavior was not merely about announcing caught prey but serving as an alert mechanism. Today, their barking at seemingly minor threats reflects this ingrained vigilance, a nod to their heritage that keeps them both attentive guardians and curious observers of their surroundings.

#7 Rolling in Dirt or Mud

Rolling in dirt or mud is a common behavior among Yorkshire Terriers and many other dog breeds, and it is generally considered normal. These actions can be attributed to several natural instincts, such as cooling off on a hot day, protecting their skin from parasites, or simply the joy of the sensation. For Yorkies, who are often spirited and enjoy engaging with their environment, rolling in dirt or mud can be an expression of playfulness or a way to relieve boredom.


Regular grooming and baths can help manage the aftermath of such adventures, but it's also important to provide appropriate outlets for this behavior. This can include designated digging or rolling areas in the yard where it's safe for them to indulge in this instinctual activity.


This said, if a Yorkie frequently seeks out dirt or mud to roll in, it might also be a sign they are trying to soothe skin irritations common with this breed or are in need of more physical activity. 

#8 Hiding Food or Toys

Yorkies, like many terriers, may exhibit a fascinating behavior of hiding their food or toys. This habit can be traced back to their ancestors, who would stash away food to safeguard it from potential threats or for later consumption. In the modern household, a Yorkie might tuck away their favorite toy or a treat in a secluded spot, mimicking this ancestral survival tactic. While it might seem unnecessary in the safety of a home, this behavior reflects their natural instinct to protect their valuables. It’s a display of their cleverness and foresight, characteristics that have been honed over generations.

Behaviors that May Point to an Issue:

Yorkie Eating Grass

#1 Eating Grass

Chomping down on grass is a behavior observed in many dog breeds and is a habit that’s generally considered normal but a sign that certain care aspects need to be assessed. While sometimes done out of simply exploration, grass consumption may be due to nutritional needs or stomach discomfort. 


Offering a well-balanced diet and monitoring outdoor activities can help manage this behavior and it’s essential to ensure that any grass consumed isn't treated with pesticides or herbicides, as these chemicals can be harmful.

#2 Sudden Aggression

If a Yorkshire Terrier, typically known for their very friendly and affectionate nature, suddenly displays aggression towards humans or other animals, it can be a significant cause for concern. This abrupt change in behavior may indicate underlying issues such as pain, discomfort, fear, or even a health condition that isn't immediately visible. 


It's crucial for pet parents to observe this change without dismissal, as aggression can also stem from fear or anxiety triggered by environmental changes or negative experiences. A prompt evaluation by a veterinarian is essential to rule out health concerns and to provide early intervention. 

#3 Heavy Panting or Coughing

If a Yorkie pants lightly during exercise or coughs occasionally, this isn't unusual; it’s pretty normal for dogs. However, panting heavily or wheezing can be a red flag. This can indicate they're overheated, facing respiratory challenges, or even dealing with a more serious health issue. 


Similarly, while an infrequent cough can simply be a way for them to clear their throat, continuous coughing, especially a dry, honking noise, should raise concerns. Such symptoms can point towards a condition known as tracheal collapse, a not-so-uncommon issue in smaller breeds where the trachea's supportive rings weaken, leading to breathing difficulties.

#4 Excessively Licking Themselves

Excessive licking in Yorkshire Terriers is usually a sign that shouldn't be ignored, as it often points to underlying issues. While it's typical for Yorkies to lick themselves occasionally as part of their grooming routine, or to soothe minor discomforts now and then, continual self-licking to paws or other body parts can indicate more serious concerns. 


Skin conditions, allergies, or even internal discomfort can lead constant licking to find relief. This behavior might also stem from anxiety, stress, or boredom, common in intelligent and active breeds like Yorkies if they're not receiving enough mental and physical stimulation. In addition, excessive licking, especially focused on specific areas like paws or legs, might hint at pain from conditions such as arthritis or the presence of irritants. 

Yorkie Sleeping in a Dog Bed

#5 Sleeping More Than Normal

Yorkshire Terriers, like all dogs, enjoy a good amount of sleep. On average, adults require 12-14 hours of sleep per day, which supports their energetic and lively nature during their waking hours. Puppies and seniors need even more slumber, sometimes up to 18 hours daily, due to the high energy demands of growth and the natural increase in rest needs with age.


Excessive sleepiness or sudden lethargy in Yorkshire Terriers can signal underlying health issues, ranging from nutritional deficiencies and emotional stress to more serious conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or heart disease. Changes in a Yorkie's sleep patterns may also due in reactions to decreased activity, environmental changes, depression, anxiety, infections, or chronic illnesses such as arthritis. 

#6 Loss of Appetite or Sudden Picky Eating

While Yorkies can be finicky eaters, a sudden disinterest in food or a drastic change in eating habits can signal health concerns. This sort of abrupt change could stem from various factors, including a reaction to a new diet or adjustments in their environment which may temporarily affect their appetite. However, persistent refusal to eat or drastic changes could point towards more serious conditions such as dental problems, which are particularly relevant in small breeds prone to dental issues, or gastrointestinal disturbances. 


Additionally, such changes in appetite could hint at systemic illnesses that require immediate veterinary attention. Monitoring your Yorkie's eating habits and promptly consulting with a veterinarian when changes occur can help diagnose potential health problems early. 

#7 Changes in Bathroom Habits

Yorkies are creatures of habit, and any sudden changes in their bathroom routines, such as increased frequency of urination, difficulty urinating, constipation, or loose stools or diarrhea, may signal underlying health problems. For instance, an increase in urination or difficulty in doing so could point towards urinary tract infections, kidney issues, or diabetes, all of which are conditions that can affect the Yorkshire Terrier breed. On the other hand, since Yorkshire Terriers are particularly sensitive to dietary changes and stress, changes like constipation or diarrhea could indicate gastrointestinal disturbances, dietary issues, or even stress-related problems. 

#8 Butt Scooting

Butt scooting in Yorkshire Terriers is a strange behavior that should not be ignored. While just an occasionally scoot across the grass, carpet or other surface could just be due to scratching an itch, daily scooting usually indicates discomfort. This can be due to parasites like worms or complications with the anal glands including impaction or infection. 


For these reasons, if you see your Yorkie doing this, it necessitates a prompt veterinary check-up. Early detection and treatment can relieve their discomfort and prevent the progression of any underlying issues, ensuring your Yorkie's health and comfort are effectively managed.

A Final Note

Yorkshire Terriers are complex creatures with behaviors that can be both endearing and puzzling. While many of their quirks are simply part of their charm, being vigilant about changes in behavior can help catch potential health issues early, ensuring your Yorkie remains a healthy, happy member of your family for years to come.

More Articles:

Summer Care for Yorkshire Terriers - Tips to ensure your Yorkie stays cool, healthy and happy during long, hot summer days.

Winter Care for Yorkshire Terriers - Seasonal tips to ensure your Yorkie stays warm, comfortable and content during the short, cold days of winter.

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