Should Yorkies Wear Collars or Harnesses?

Alexandra wearing a harness at the dog park

One of the most crucial accessories for your Yorkie is the harness you select. A harness not only provides better control for walking your Yorkie properly beside you but also plays a significant role in preventing serious health issues that can impact your dog's quality of life. So the question of should Yorkies wear collars or harnesses is discussed below.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Dog's Neck

Prior to discussing the best collars or harnesses for Yorkies, it is essential to comprehend a dog's neck structure.

Just below the vocal cords, the throat divides into two parts. The trachea, positioned towards the front of the neck, leads to the lungs, while the esophagus goes to the stomach. The trachea is surrounded by cartilage rings as it lacks bone protection. Cartilage is softer and more flexible than bone, making it thinner and less rigid.

Collars vs. Harnesses

When a Yorkie is on a collar and leash, pressure is exerted on the trachea. Any forward movement by the dog causing the leash to tighten adds strain to the neck. Moreover, sudden movements or jumps can increase tension on the neck.

Can dogs' necks handle this pressure? While many can, toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers may struggle due to their small size and lack of muscular support around the neck area.

What are the potential consequences? Continuous pressure can lead to wear and tear, resulting in neurological issues and neck problems. The sudden application of force on the neck, such as when using a leash and collar, can trigger a collapsed trachea, where the tracheal rings collapse inward.

This condition is more common in dogs predisposed to weak tracheas but can affect any dog. It is painful and slow to heal, sometimes requiring surgery with no guarantee of full recovery. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty eating, exercise intolerance, and wheezing.

The fundamental difference between collars and harnesses lies in their impact on a dog's neck. A harness, an alternative accessory for leash attachment, fits around a dog's upper back, shoulders, and chest, providing bones and muscles to handle walking tension.

About Harnesses

There are various types of harnesses, differing in design and application. The two primary types are:

Strap harness - Secured on a dog using buckles on the sides and/or upper back. Opt for an adjustable harness suitable for toy breeds, ideally made of durable, weather-resistant nylon webbing that is easy to clean and breathable.

Similar to Yorkie clothing, some dogs find wearing a harness comforting due to its snug fit.

Wrap/Vest Harness - Resembling tiny vests with a leash connector on the upper back, these harnesses provide an option for collar use for identification purposes.

Prefer harnesses with velcro or quick-release buckle fastenings for easy adjustment and secure fit. Choose a durable, weather-resistant, and washable material for long-lasting use.

Both harness types offer freedom of movement while protecting the neck from injury and are generally well-received by dogs once they adapt to them.

Collars

Even if a harness is used, a collar with an ID tag is recommended for identification in case your Yorkie gets lost.

Ensuring your Yorkie wears an ID tag or is micro-chipped provides added security, especially for dogs prone to sudden urges to run off.

When selecting a collar, prioritize lightweight yet durable options, avoiding materials like leather that may stretch and deform over time.

Regularly check collar adjustments, especially for growing puppies, to prevent skin irritation. It should be loose enough to fit two fingers underneath.

Considerations

Given that your Yorkie will be walked daily, choosing the right accessory is crucial for their well-being. Reevaluate your choice of leash attachment to prevent neck injuries, as prevention is key once such issues arise.