Yorkshire Terrier

Breed:

The Yorkshire Terrier is a breed of small, agile, high-spirited human made, toy dog. The breed standard calls for a long, steel blue and tan coat, and freely flowing tresses that hang straight down.

Yorkshire Terriers belong to the toy group and are today used as companions and make a spectacular sight in the show-ring.

The dog breed, like any other terrier, is independent. Yorkshire Terriers are territorial and do not lag behind because of their small size. They also do not hesitate to attack bigger dogs.

Popular belief states that the Yorkie was bred to guard small children from rat bites at night.

Origin:

Country or origin: England

Named after Yorkshire in England where it is thought to have originated.

British born and bred, the Yorkshire Terrier is of fairly recent origin.

Many believe the breed is the result of the mingling between the Scottish and the English terriers when Scotsmen were moved to England during the Industrial Revolution.

It is also believed that Yorkies have in their lineage the Manchester Terrier, the Maltese, the Skye, Dandie Dinmont and the Paisley terriers.

It is during the 1860’s that the Yorkie was transported to the United States and established as a breed over there.

Personality:

Yorkies are generally intelligent, loyal, highly energetic and independent. Males, are very territorial and seem to be oblivious of their small size.
Affectionate to its master, but sometimes suspicious as well as aggressive to strangers, dogs and small animals.
They can get irritable if frightened or over-teased, but are usually very sweet and loving.
Despite their small size, if attacked or continually provoked, they can give a surprisingly powerful bite.

Home adjustment:

When you get it home, give your Yorkshire terrier some time to adjust to his new surroundings. You can expect him to need a few days to acclimatize to his unfamiliar surroundings.
Yorkies are easy to train, although they can sometimes be stubborn. The breed is demanding and dependant and needs a lot of human attention. The Yorkie is an excellent watchdog, rightly defending its territory.
They can be difficult to housebreak. Should not be over-protected, for they may become neurotic.
The Yorkshire Terrier is active indoors and does not need a lot of exercise.
They usually get along well with children, but may be injured if kept in the house with an abusive child. Yorkies typically get along well with other pets at home, and love to play together in groups.

Care:

Regular grooming is needed. Daily combing and brushing required to keep out tangles.

Tails should be checked out for faeces. This breed sheds little to no hair.

They should have their teeth cleaned regularly. Be sure to feed Yorkies dry food (canned food can be added) to help keep their teeth clean and strong. They should get their teeth cleaned at the Vet to keep them from getting infected and falling.

Do not expose your Yorkie to extended periods of hot or cold temperatures.

A Yorkie’s susceptibility to illness is quite high. Toy dogs are quite prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) between 6-16 weeks of age, so look out for signs such as depression, loss of appetite in your terrier. Most dogs outgrow this condition.

Menu: