The Yorkshire Terrier is a wondrously energetic toy dog who originated in Scotland and was afterwards brought to England . These dogs are believe to have been develop from a combination of other Terrier breeds and are popular selection for anyone seeking belittled , loyal , have it away dogtooth companions . These dogs are often refer to affectionately as " Yorkies " rather than by their full breed name . If you ’re looking for a minor dog with a feisty attitude and glamorous dependable looks , a Yorkie may be just the frump for you !
Origin and History
According to the American Kennel Club ( AKC)history of the breed , the Yorkshire Terrier originated in the English town of Yorkshire . They ’re believe to be descendents of the Waterside Terrier , who divvy up some characteristics with Yorkies as we know them today . The Waterside was modest in stature and had a long , sorry - colored coat . Other breeds likely involved in the Yorkie ’s maturation let in Manchester and Skye Terriers , and possibly a minuscule Maltese thrown in , as well .
Despite their regal looks , Yorkies had some very modest beginnings . They were arise as working dog , and their elemental tariff was to catch rodents in textile mill for keep the population down and economise the cloth from being chewed and ruin . These other specimens were a bit larger than the toy dogs you see today . They were gradually bred down in size and became fashionable favorite . It ’s at this point the stock really began to thrive and gain notoriety .
love for a time as a Scotch Terrier , the Yorkie ’s name officially became the Yorkshire Terrier around 1870 . The stock was eventually recognized in 1885 by the AKC and has been allow to compete in AK - licensed shows since 1878 . They are also tell apart by other kennel golf club across the globe , including :
Biewer Yorkies
In 1984 , a piebald or " parti - coloring " Yorkie whelp turn up in a litter bred by Gertrud and Werner Biewer of Germany . Due to the activation of a recessive factor , this pup had white on their chest , leg , and paunch , with typical Yorkie coloring elsewhere on the rest of the body . The breeders found this puppy quite attractive and determine to seek to establish a origin that would systematically produce the piebald case . They were successful and gave this parentage the name " Biewer Yorkies . "
Today , many breeders consider the Biewer a breed in their own right as long as there are at least three generations of pure Biewer breeding behind a bedding material . Although some breeders still crossbreed Biewers and Yorkshire Terriers , this exercise is largely frowned upon because the colouring material requirements for Yorkies are so specific .
by from the difference in coloring , Biewers are basically the same as Yorkies under their coats .
Breed Characteristics
These pawl have what is called " lowly dog syndrome . " They are make love for dissemble big than they are and are often fearless in the expression of danger .
Appearance
The Yorkshire Terrier is a okay - deboned small dog who weighs between 3 and 5 pounds , but should not exceed 7 pounds . They are rectangular when viewed from the side , and the head is only slightly domed with a intermediate length muzzle . The upper and modest teeth meet in a scissors grip chomp , which means the lower front tooth fit just behind the upper front tooth when the jaw is close up . The spike should be pricked , and the dog should seem very watchful .
hind end are typically docked short in the United States when the puppies are no more than 3 twenty-four hour period previous . However , docking is deal barbaric in many countries where the practice is now outlawed or at least powerfully frown upon .
The strain ’s coat is their crowning nimbus ; it ’s very foresightful and silky when keep in proper shape . The AKC standard governing coloration for this stock is very specific and involve a dark steel blue devil on the main consistence and clear gold on the face , bureau , and legs .
Puppies begin living colorize black and a productive tan , but this coloring gradually lightens with age . The wild blue yonder begins to grow in along the spine and finally replaces all the black hair in adult dogs who attain the correct coloring , although some dogs retain the bootleg - and - tan coloring well into old age . For showing , the hairsbreadth on a Yorkie ’s mind may be tied up in a undivided or twofold top knot .
Yorkies carry themselves in a very vertical manner , and their steps are immediate and light-colored . Their gait is very smooth , and dogs in full pelage see as though they are gliding rather than walking . The topline should be plane , and the rear should be held high when the dog-iron is move . The front leg should move parallel to each other when viewed from the front with nice reach forward when take in from the side . The rear legs should also move parallel to each other when viewed from the tail , and the pad of the feet should be visible as the dog ’s feet kick out behind them when they move away from you .
Personality
While these dogs are quite tiny , they do n’t seem to be aware of that fact . Yorkies have true terrier temperament and therefore have the heart of a Leo . Yorkies are very adventurous . They will chase anything that resembles a rodent and are known to be fertile climbers to the point of scaling 4 - pes - high-pitched string - contact fences . Although they take care like graceful toy dogs , they are reliable terrier in every sense of the word .
To their human companions , Yorkshire Terriers are very affectionate and devoted , and they savor spend many hours snuggling or playing . However , their treatment of other dogs , whether of their own breed or another , can be a small aggressive . Yorkies are highly territorial , as many terrier can be . They will scrap to defend anything they perceive as one of their possessions . This inclination varies in strength for each single animate being , but it ’s a mainstay of the stock ’s temperament . This territorial nature leads to more barking than some other strain .
While Yorkshire Terriers make wonderful pets for adults and aged children , their physical delicacy does not make them ideal associate for untried children who may by chance wound their positron emission tomography .
Training
Since Yorkshire Terriers are extremely territorial , they have a strong instinct to mark their territory and be given to do so around the sign of the zodiac . Once this conduct begins , it is exceedingly hard to curb . Great diligence is require for planetary house training , and males are a little more difficult to train than female . It is a good idea to provide a office for newspaper or potty lodgings .
Yorkies are also very sound , and they can quickly learn to do anything they really require to do . obeisance training and legerity preparation are both howling option for owners and dogs to pursue . The good deal of a Yorkie vaporize over a jumping is truly amazing to lay eyes on .
Exercise Requirements
Yorkies are n’t necessarily hyper dogs , but like any terrier , they do need enough exercise to burn off excess vim and avoid behavior problems . plaything dogs generally get a proficient sight of exercise just trotting around the theater and performing , but it ’s also important for them to go on everyday walks .
In addition to the drill this brings , going on walks also provides much needed genial stimulation that can help stave off tedium . A simple , casual walk around a block or two will help keep your Yorkie in good physical and mental shape , and you ’ll belike find your pet is advantageously - conduct in your home , as well .
Health Concerns
Yorkies are generally robust piffling bounder , but some do have health challenge like many other purebred dog . harmonize toJoseph Hahn , Information Specialist for the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine , there are several main health issues in this breed to be cognisant of :
Diligent breeder are work hard to key cad afflicted with serious health problems and refrain from using them in their breeding programs . Due to the tiny size of their lungs , Yorkies are also not tremendous campaigner for anaesthesia and must be carefully monitored if operation is required .
Lifespan
Despite the wellness problem common to this breed , Yorkies are fairly long - live as long as they receive even vet bridle and right vaccinations , undecomposed nutrition , moderate exercise and regular grooming . Most dogs live a lower limit of 10 years , but many live an average of 12 to 15 years . A few well - cared for pets know even longer .
" Teacup " is a terminus hold to extremely small Yorkies that typically consider around 2 pounds or less . This is not a acknowledge salmagundi within the breed , and unscrupulous training practices are often associated with " teacup " litter . These tiny dogs are quite delicate and incline to have shorter lives than stock - sized Yorkies due to their leaning for health problem and injuries . Subsequently , they often only experience between 5 and 8 years on average , though some survive for even short periods than that .
Grooming
Taking tutelage of a Yorkie ’s coat is crucial . They have ok , almost human - like haircloth , and their coat does not typically shed . Yorkie owners typically keep them in either " show " coats , where the full course pelage reaches the story , or " pet " coats , which are trim unforesightful for convenience .
A full show coating ask punctilious care and daily brush . If you keep your Yorkie ’s pelage curt , you still want to brush your dog periodically to remove tangle and Master of Arts in Teaching , peculiarly as it grows out . Because a Yorkie ’s coating is delicate , it need to be trimmed roughly every four to six weeks to ensure it remains in its skilful condition .
Famous Members of the Breed
Certain dog stand up out in this strain ’s history . Here are a few of the most famous .
Purchasing or Adopting a Yorkie
If the Yorkie seems like the right dog for your life-style , visit several reputable breeders or rescue shelters so you’re able to get to know the stock better . chat theYorkshire Terrier Club of Americafor information about choosing a pup and for referral to reputable breeder . you could expect to pay off between $ 300 and $ 800 , with some reaching up to $ 1,500 .
Rescue Organizations
If you ’d favour to take in a rescue dog rather than purchasing a pup , you could get down by searchingSave - a - RescueandPetFinder . you may also search strain - specific rescue organizations :
Is This the Breed for You?
The Yorkie can be quite industrious , so they are n’t recommended for those who are primarily sedentary . Although they can live in apartments , if you ca n’t provide them with sufficient exercise each day , you may want to look for a breed that is less alive . On the other hand , if you are an active person who enjoy a casual walk and are prepared to provide tolerable attention , you could set about your hunt for the correct Yorkie for your lifestyle .
