The Yorkshire Terrier is a
popular breed because of its appearance and because
it is one of the toy breeds, weighing not more than
seven pounds. Yorkies have a long, silky coat that
hangs straight down on both sides of the body. The
hair on the head is abundant and must often be kept
trimmed or tied back to keep it out of the way when
the dog is eating. The Yorkshire Terrier can be a
stubborn dog and will need a lot of attention.
Yorkies are energetic and can be very clever.
The Yorkshire Terrier can be a challenge when it
comes to housebreaking. However, with patience and
the right kind of attention, this toy breed can be a
good companion. Yorkies are generally loyal to the
owner/master and can be an excellent watchdog. Dogs
of this breed can be good for apartment living as
they will do well as an indoor dog.
Temperament
Because this is a terrier, Yorkies can sometimes be
a bit aggressive to strangers and to small animals.
It is a courageous dog beyond its small size,
seeking and exploring when it gets the chance.
Yorkshire Terriers can be very loyal and loving to
the owner, but may show suspicion around strangers.
Small children can present a problem for the Yorkie,
as the dog can be excitable and can get irritated
when pushed too far.
This breed can be very affectionate and may become
attached to an individual, especially if a reputable
breeder takes the time to socialize his young dogs,
raises the puppy. This leads the Yorkie to trust
people more readily and fit into a new home more
quickly. Training can be a problem with individual
dogs because the Yorkie may be a bit stubborn but
training in general is not terribly difficult.
Size and Color
Yorkshire Terriers grow to only six or seven inches
in height and weigh up to seven pounds. The American
Kennel Club standard disqualifies a Yorkshire
Terrier that exceeds seven pounds. The long, silky
coat is black and tan on the puppy. However, the
darker parts of the coat turn a beautiful steel blue
as the dog grows. Color of hair on the body is very
important in show dogs, as is the richness of the
tan color on the head and legs. The darker hair
should not be silver-tinged, bronze, or black in the
adult.
Feeding and Grooming Requirements
Grooming may be one of the most important parts of
caring for a Yorkshire Terrier, because of the long,
silky coat. In fact, some experienced Yorkie owners
have started businesses offering products
specifically for showing this beautiful breed.
Checking for snarls and matting in the long coat is
a good first step in Yorkie grooming. Some
professional dog grooms recommend a “slicker” brush
but urge care in using this type of brush because it
can irritate the skin. Special attention should be
paid to trimming and cleaning the Yorkie’s ears. An
occasional shampoo and thorough rinsing are
absolutely, critical.
Some Yorkshire Terrier breeders say there is no
commercial dog food that is just right for the
Yorkie. Some recommend fresh foods similar to what
the owner buys at the store for the family. Others
say that talking with the breeder when you get your
puppy is the best time to set up a diet, in writing,
that will keep your Yorkie in good health. There are
foods that are created specifically for dogs with
long, silky coats. These can be a bit more expensive
than the usual commercial food, however.
Exercise Needs
The Yorkshire Terrier will not need a great deal of
exercise. An occasional walk on the leash or a few
minutes playing in a fenced yard will do just fine.
Yorkies do well as indoor dogs and are great for
apartment living because of their small size.
Yorkies can live 15 years or more with proper care.
The dog should never be left outside alone for long
amounts of time. This breed will show a desire to
explore and even dig a bit, because the Yorkie is a
terrier!
