If you like the portability of a toy breed, but are amused by the humorous and tenacious antics of a terrier, then the Yorkshire terrier may be just what you are looking for. You are certainly not alone. The Yorkshire terrier has consistently ranked among the ten most popular dogs in the American Kennel Club’s breed registry. During the mid-1800s, the development of Yorkshire terriers originated in Yorkshire, England, where the dogs were employed as hunters of rats and vermin in the textile mills. Since the dogs were owned predominantly by textile weavers, they were considered dogs of the working class. The first Yorkshire terrier entered the show ring in 1861, and the little toy terrier started coming into its own. A decade later, the breed became a coveted fashion statement for the ladies of high society as they toted the dogs around in large purses or under their arms. In 1872, the Yorkshire terrier made its way to the United States. The American Kennel Club recognized the Yorkshire terrier as a member of the toy group in 1885.
The Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie is a small-sized, compact dog breed and it’s very known for their long silky coat and their distinctive coloring. The coat needs frequent brushing and attention. Yorkshire terriers are tiny dogs, standing eight to nine inches tall and weighing four to seven pounds. Their fine coat is long, silky and straight. The coat drapes down over each side of the body. Yorkshire terriers are blue and tan in color. The ears are pointed and stand erect, and the tail is docked to a medium length.
Personality
Like all terrier-breeds, the Yorkie is busy, curious and stubborn. The Yorkshire Terrier needs daily exercise in the form of short walks or indoor play. It’s moderately friendly towards children but does not tolerate teasing or rough play. It can be aggressive towards other dogs but is normally friendly towards strangers. Like most small dogs, it’s quite yappy. True to their terrier roots, Yorkshire terriers are tenacious, lively, determined and courageous. They require limited exercise, and they adapt well to living in apartment dwellings. They thrive on interaction with their human family members, and they adapt to being toted around the town. Yorkshire terriers are entertaining and playful, and they respond well to learning tricks. They also excel on agility courses. Yorkshire terriers get along with cats and with older children who are calm and gentle. This delicate toy breed is not a toy, and it is not a good candidate for rough play with active, younger children. When it comes to other dogs, the Yorkshire terrier is fearless and will try to dominate.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Terrier |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 12-16 Years |
| Nicknames: | Yorkie |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Yorkshire Terrier Build Information
The Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie is a small-sized, compact dog breed and he is very known for their long silky coat and their distinctive coloring. The coat needs frequent brushing and attention. Yorkshire terriers are tiny dogs, standing eight to nine inches tall and weighing four to seven pounds. Their fine coat is long, silky and straight. The coat drapes down over each side of the body. Yorkshire terriers are blue and tan in color. The ears are pointed and stand erect, and the tail is docked to a medium length.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
Like all terrier-breeds, the Yorkie is busy, curious and stubborn. The Yorkshire Terrier needs daily exercise in the form of short walks or indoor play. He is moderately friendly towards children but does not tolerate teasing or rough play. He can be aggressive towards other dogs but is normally friendly towards strangers. Like most small dogs, he is quite yappy. True to their terrier roots, Yorkshire terriers are tenacious, lively, determined and courageous. They require limited exercise, and they adapt well to living in apartment dwellings. They thrive on interaction with their human family members, and they adapt to being toted around the town. Yorkshire terriers are entertaining and playful, and they respond well to learning tricks. They also excel on agility courses. Yorkshire terriers get along with cats and with older children who are calm and gentle. This delicate toy breed is not a toy, and it is not a good candidate for rough play with active, younger children. When it comes to other dogs, the Yorkshire terrier is fearless and will try to dominate.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | High |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
Although this breed sheds very little, the silky, long coat of a Yorkshire terrier requires daily brushing or combing to detangle the hair and prevent matting. Many owners find this task tedious and time-consuming, and they opt to have their dog groomers trim the coats into a puppy cut style to reduce home grooming needs. Yorkshire terriers have tiny mouths and crowded teeth, a combination which predisposes them to periodontal disease. Brushing their teeth at least every other day will help to keep the plaque accumulation under control and to preserve oral health and overall well-being.
| Colors: | Blue, Tan |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Yorkshire Terrier Common Health Conditions
Yorkshire terriers typically enjoy long lives. Their average lifespan is 12 to 16 years. Some health conditions that are noted in the breed include patellar luxation, collapsing trachea, hypoglycemia, portosystemic shunt, bladder stones, periodontal disease, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hypothyroidism.
Yorkshire Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Yorkshire terrier originated in Yorkshire, England. The Yorkshire terrier is also called a Yorkie. The Yorkshire terrier is a perky, courageous, intelligent, lively, loving and entertaining companion. The Yorkshire terrier stands eight to nine inches tall at the shoulder and weighs four to seven pounds. The Yorkshire terrier has a high energy level. The Yorkshire terrier requires extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a Yorkshire terrier is 12 to 16 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
