Yorkshire terrier –most popular among the toy breeds in the UK and rightly so. Though this cute little toy breed has a small size, it possesses a big personality. Yorkies stay in most people’s hearts due to their love and devotion for their owners, their suitability for apartment living, and their elegant looks.
More about Yorkshire terriers
Yorkies look quite full of themselves, and rightly so. With its silky, long coat and a perky knot at the top, Yorkshire terriers are amongst the world’s most glamorous dogs. Wherever they go, they are the show-stealers and grab the attention of everyone.
History of the breed
The Yorkshire terrier was developed in England (Lancashire and Yorkshire) during the Victorian reign. It is thought that this breed descended from other terrier dogs like Dandies Dinmont terrier, tan and black Manchester, Maltese, and Clydesdale terrier, which is now extinct.
General features
- The Yorkies are energetic, affectionate, and tomboyish dogs.
- They have breed popularity of 10 out of 197 breeds according to AKC
- Yorkies have a height of 7-8 inches and usually weigh 7 pounds.
- Their life expectancy stands between 11 to 15 years of age.
- Yorkies belong to the toy group of breeds.
The general body features of Yorkshire terrier, as explained by the Yorkshire terrier club of America, are as follows:
Generally, Yorkies have a long-haired coat having tan and blue colour. It appears part from the base of the skull, face, end of the tail, and it hangs straight down on either side of the body. Their bodies are well proportioned, compact, and neat.
Head:
The head is somewhat flat from the top and small in size. Muzzle and skull are not so long and prominent, respectively. They possess a black nose with medium-sized eyes that are not much prominent. They usually have a sharp, sparkling and intelligent impression in their eyes.
Body:
They have compact and well-proportioned bodies, with short backs and levelled backlines. Height at the shoulder and rump region are the same.
Tail:
Tails are slightly at a higher level from the back and are docked at a medium length.
Coat:
When we talk about the coat, its texture, quantity, and quality bear great importance. Their coat hair is glossy, silky, and fine in texture. The hair coat is dead straight and moderately long. It will be best to trim it to the floor level to ease movement and a neat appearance.
Colours:
New-born puppies have a tan and black colour, intermingling tan hair in the black till they mature. When they become adults, their heads and legs become rich in tan colour.
Personality traits:
Self-assured and smart, the Yorkies make a combination of adventurous spirit with a small-sized body. There is variation in this breed’s personality from cuddly to perky to following the owners’ footsteps the whole day long. Some are outgoing, mischievous, and into everything.
Yorkies make great companions but watch out before spoiling them. They need training from a very young age when they are puppies. Early socialization of Yorkies is necessary as many other dogs. Make them greet other pets, sights, people, and experiences at an early age. Socialization turns them into all-rounder, friendly dogs.
Health:
Like other breeds, Yorkies are also prone to some ailments; but generally, they have good overall health.
If you will have a puppy, check for a reputable breeder and get one after having every clearance for health issues. By this certificate, you would know that your dog is tested negative for a particular health condition. Common problems in Yorkies are von Willebrand’s disease, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and elbow dysplasia Always insist on seeing the puppy’s Mum in the home. Never agree to meet a breeder away from the home.
Other common health problems include the following:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Renal atrophy
- Hypoglycemia
- Reverse sneezing
- Collapsed trachea
- Portosystemic shunt
Care of Yorkshire terrier
Yorkshire terriers are highly active dogs; high activity levels indoors fulfil their exercise needs. Generally, these cute little dogs are responsive to training and enjoy playing tricky games that involve obedience and agility. You need to train them at a very young age about toilet training. Patience and consistency is key, never scold a puppy if they get it wrong and praise when they get it right. If you train them well, you will end up having a well-mannered Yorkshire terrier.
They make lovely household pets with a little less tolerance to extreme weather conditions.
Feeding:
Divide their meal into two with a ½ to 3/4th cup of dry food daily. Remember, it mostly depends on your dog’s size, age, weight, and activity levels. Like humans, dogs do have particular needs of food depending on the previously explained factors. A couch potato dog will have a lesser need for food than a more extensive, highly active one. Make sure they do not become overweight as this is bad for their health.
Small in size but Yorkie’s can be feisty and they make loving, loyal companions.