Because they have a long coat, Yorkies are not suitable for anyone who
   does not have the time or inclination to spend on the grooming and
   bathing this breed requires. Most pet Yorkies do in fact have their
   coats trimmed short or shaved for convenience and hygiene. Therefore,
   anyone obtaining a pet Yorkie must remember that there will be
   additional grooming expenses to take into consideration.
      

   The Yorkie coat does not shed, and does not have an undercoat, making
   Yorkies desirable for some people with allergies, and those who do not
   want a breed that has a messy moult. The correct texture of the coat
   is described as long, straight and silky. It will continue to grow
   unless trimmed. In fact, the Yorkie coat is very similar to human
   hair.      

   Special care must be taken to ensure that the hair around the anus of
   these dogs is kept clean. Because of their long hair, it is common for
   these dogs to become matted in this area, and this can lead to
   compacted faeces. Apart from making the dog very sore and
   uncomfortable, this may, if left unattended, cause more serious
   problems, such as fly strike, that would require veterinary
   assistance.      

   Yorkie puppies may have "tipped" or "tilted" ears until they are
   around 6 months old. I am frequently asked about this when owners
   purchase a 10 week old puppy with nice erect ears, only to find that
   the ears drop again around 4 months of age. This is often because at
   this time the Yorkie is shedding it's milk teeth and cutting it's
   adult teeth, which can cause the ears to go up and down daily, and
   owner's should not be unduly concerned during this natural stage.
   However, it is important to keep the hair on the top third of the ear
   flap trimmed very short. This will stop the ears from being weighed
   down by excessive hair until they are firmly "set". Also the hair
   should be plucked from inside the ears, and ears checked regularly for
   excessive wax and for mites.      

   Yorkies should also have special attention paid to their eyes, and
   teeth. The long hair should be prevented from falling into their eyes,
   thus causing irritation and infection, either by tying it back or
   trimming it. As with most Toy breeds, Yorkies may have a tendency to
   tartar build-up on the teeth, but if regular attention is given to the
   teeth this should not be a serious problem.
   
   Yorkies do not have an undercoat, and even with a long coat, they feel
   the cold very easily, and like most Toy breeds prefer the comfort of
   cosiness and warmth. They enjoy being pampered. Yorkies are difinitely
   not a breed to keep outside in a kennel. When going out in cold or wet
   weather they will appreciate a warm dog coat to wear.
   
   Although regular grooming may be an added expense for the Yorkie
   owner, Yorkies eat very little, and are not expensive to feed.