CKC Yorkshire Terriers can make wonderful pets for the right owner, but it's essential to consider the pros and cons of ownership.
Their small size, weighing between 7-15 pounds, makes them a great choice for apartment living.
One of the biggest pros of owning a CKC Yorkshire Terrier is their affectionate nature. They bond strongly with their owners and are known to follow them around the house.
However, their strong attachment can also make them prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.
CKC Yorkshire Terriers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring only short daily walks and playtime.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning.
Despite their small size, CKC Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and active dogs that need mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.
Breed Characteristics
The Yorkshire Terrier is a spirited and healthy breed, reflecting its terrier strains.
They are very intelligent and lovable, making them excellent companions. With proper care, they can live a long and happy life.
Their ancestry is a mix of old working Black and Tan Terrier, Maltese, and Skye Terrier blood. This unique blend is seen in their distinctive coat color, which changes from black and tan to steel blue and tan as they mature.
Characteristics
The Yorkshire Terrier is a spirited dog, reflecting its terrier strains, and very healthy and strong.
Its intelligence is one of its most notable characteristics, making it a lovable companion.
This breed is born black and tan, but changes to a steel blue and tan coat with maturity, a result of its ancestry from the old working Black and Tan Terrier and other breeds.
Despite being a popular house pet, the Yorkshire Terrier still retains some of the features of its terrier background, and can account for any domestic rodent.
It's worth noting that the Yorkshire Terrier is the only breed that is exhibited on a decorative box in the show ring, a tradition that dates back to its early exhibition days.
Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is a breed that's full of surprises. They're spirited, intelligent, and very healthy, making them excellent companions.
Their terrier strains are evident in their bold and brash nature, which can sometimes make them feisty, especially around strange dogs. They're also very playful and high-energy, requiring plenty of exercise to keep them happy.
Yorkies are affectionate and can make great lapdogs, but they need to be taught to be cooperative and well-behaved. They can be stubborn at times, but with patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn quickly.
One thing to keep in mind is that Yorkies are naturally alert and vociferous watchdogs, but they're not effective protectors. They'll bark at strangers and other animals, but they won't hesitate to chase after toys or small creatures.
Here are some key temperament traits to consider when bringing a Yorkie into your family:
- Bold and brash, but can be feisty at times
- High-energy and playful, requiring plenty of exercise
- Affectionate and loving, but can be stubborn at times
- Naturally alert and vociferous, but not effective protectors
Overall, Yorkies are lively, inquisitive, and quick-witted dogs that thrive on attention and interaction. With proper training and socialization, they can become wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
Types of?
There's only one breed of Yorkshire Terrier, but different sizes can look quite different. A 3-pounder can look delicate compared to a sturdy 8-pounder.
Grooming can also make one Yorkshire Terrier look different from another. Those with flowing coats look different from clipped-short Yorkies.
Show dog coats are often impractical for family companions. They can be a lot of work to maintain, and some breeders even use curlers, rubber bands, and barrettes to pin up all the hair.
Yorkies with show dog coats often have to be carried everywhere or confined to crates or kennel runs to prevent messes. I think it's better to keep them looking natural and easy to care for.
If this caught your attention, see: American Bully Coats
Care and Upkeep
Yorkshire Terriers are adaptable dogs that can thrive in small spaces, such as apartments, as long as they get daily walks.
Their exercise needs are relatively low, but they do enjoy playing games and chasing balls. However, they might not return them, so be prepared for a game of fetch.
Yorkies are not generally water-loving breeds, so you won't need to worry about taking them to the beach or pool. However, their small size makes them vulnerable to larger dogs and wild predators, so keep a close eye on them in public.
To prevent patellar luxation, a common issue in small breeds, make sure your Yorkie gets regular exercise and doesn't jump too high.
Exercise Requirements
Yorkshire Terriers need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. In fact, they can get most of their exercise indoors, but it's essential to take them outside to prevent over-stimulation.
A fenced yard, no matter how small, is a blessing for Yorkies who love to run around and stretch their legs. If you live in an apartment with no yard, a short outdoor walk or playtime is still necessary.
Interactive dog toys and mental exercises are just as important as physical activity for Yorkies. Engage their minds with activities like learning tricks, Hide 'n Seek, or creating a miniature homemade obstacle course.
Yorkies are naturally bright and curious dogs, so they appreciate activities that challenge their minds.
Related reading: Yorkies and Chihuahuas
Do They Shed? Are They Easy to Groom?
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers, as they shed very little and produce minimal dander.
They do, however, require frequent brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles, which can be painful for the dog.
Mats and tangles are especially likely to form behind the ears, under the arms, and on the stomach.
If you can't commit to regular brushing, you'll need to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, and healthy.
Shearing the coat very short with clippers is a great option, as it eliminates the need for brushing altogether.
This sheared cut is also comfortable for the dog and makes them look adorable throughout their life.
Yorkies are especially vulnerable to injury, liver disease, slipping kneecaps, and eye diseases such as cataracts, so regular grooming is essential to prevent health issues.
Discover more: Smooth Hair Fox Terrier Puppies
Physical Characteristics
Yorkshire Terriers are small, spirited dogs that are very intelligent and lovable, making them excellent companions.
Their appearance is that of a well-balanced, long coated, small terrier, readily identified by their steel blue and tan, straight-flowing coat.
The body is compact, with a level topline and moderate spring of rib, giving them a sturdy build.
The tail is customarily docked to a medium length, but if undocked, it's as straight as possible, well covered with hair, and carried a little above the level of the topline.
The coat is long, perfectly straight, fine, and glossy, with a silky texture that's cool to the touch.
Yorkies should be about 7-8 inches at the shoulder and weigh 3-7 lbs, but some individuals are smaller or larger.
Those extra-large or extra-small claims you might hear from some breeders are just marketing terms, and not a real breed or variety.
A fresh viewpoint: Yorkshire Terrier Coat Type
General Appearance
The Yorkshire Terrier's general appearance is that of a well-balanced, long-coated, small terrier, readily identified by its steel blue and tan coat.
Their body is square and evenly proportioned, with a high head carriage and confident manner that gives the appearance of vigor and self-importance.
The hair is parted on the muzzle and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail, giving them a distinctive look.
Their level topline and moderate spring of rib contribute to their compact, balanced appearance.
Yorkies typically stand about 7-8 inches at the shoulder and weigh 3-7 pounds, but some individuals can be smaller or larger.
Forequarters
The forequarters of an animal are a crucial part of its overall physique, and it's interesting to see how different breeds have varying characteristics in this area.
The shoulders are well laid back, which is a notable feature.
A well-structured forequarters is essential for an animal's agility and flexibility, allowing it to move with ease and precision.
The shoulders are well laid back, which contributes to the overall balance and poise of the animal.
Gait
The gait of these dogs is truly impressive. They exhibit a smooth and flowing movement, in straight line, with good reach and strong drive and straight action front and rear.
Their topline remains level while gaiting, which is a testament to their overall balance and poise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter if a dog is CKC registered?
CKC registration confirms a dog's breed, ownership, and lineage, providing official recognition and credibility. If you're considering a purebred dog, CKC registration is a key factor to consider
Does CKC recognize merle Yorkies?
CKC does not recognize merle Yorkies as a standard color variety. The CKC recognizes only two color varieties of the Yorkshire Terrier breed: standard and non-standard.
Sources
- Vetstreet - Yorkshire Terrier (vetstreet.com)
- WebMD - What to Know About Yorkshire Terriers (webmd.com)
- Dog Breed Info Center - Yorkshire Terrier (dogbreedinfo.com)
- PetMD - Yorkshire Terrier (petmd.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Yorkshire Terriers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad ... (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
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