Terriers Originally Bred in Yorkshire Complete Owner's Handbook

Terriers were originally bred in Yorkshire, England, to hunt vermin and small game. They were known for their fearlessness and tenacity.

The first Terriers were bred in the 15th century to control the rat population in mines and farms. This is where they got their name, "Terrier", which means "earth dog" in French.

Terriers were bred to be small, agile dogs with a strong prey drive. They were often used to hunt badgers, foxes, and other small game.

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The Yorkshire Terrier is a high-energy and playful breed that's always on the go. It's bold, brash, and busy, and can even be feisty at times, especially to strange dogs.

This breed is not the best choice for households with small rodent pets, as it may not be trustworthy around them. On the other hand, it makes a great lapdog for people who can provide sufficient exercise.

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The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It's a must for any Yorkie owner to know how to care for this beautiful coat.

The American Kennel Club emphasizes the importance of coat color, quality, and texture in adult Yorkshire Terriers. The coat should be glossy, fine, straight, and silky.

Traditionally, the coat is grown out very long and parted down the middle of the back, but it must never impede movement. This means regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and tangling.

A dark grey to black color is preferred from the back of the neck to the base of the tail, with a darker black color on the tail. On the head, high chest, and legs, the hair should be a bright, rich tan that shades into a lighter tan at the tips.

The fine, straight, silky coat is considered hypoallergenic, meaning it sheds less than other breeds. This makes it a great choice for people with allergies.

Here are some common coat colors found in Yorkshire Terriers:

Adult Yorkshire Terriers with atypical coat colors or textures are still considered Yorkshire Terriers, but they may require extra care. For example, "woolly" or "cottony" textured coats can be more difficult to manage.

The long coat on the Yorkshire Terrier requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. This is a must for any Yorkie owner to keep their dog clean and healthy.

Yorkshire Terriers should be 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder and weigh no more than seven pounds, with four to six pounds preferred.

Yorkies can vary significantly in size, even within the same litter, with some weighing as little as three pounds and others growing to 12 to 15 pounds.

Beware of breeders who offer "teacup" Yorkshire Terriers, as these dogs are prone to genetic disorders and are at a higher health risk in general.

The Yorkshire Terrier's personality is a unique blend of boldness and affection. They're known to be feisty at times, especially with strange dogs, and may not be trustworthy around small rodent pets.

Their high-energy and playful nature makes them an ideal companion for older gentle children and elderly people who want an amusing pet. However, they can be stubborn and require early training to learn quickly.

Yorkies are naturally alert and vociferous watchdogs, but unfortunately, they're not effective protectors. Set limits and establish clear boundaries to ensure they become wonderful companions.

Some Yorkies are cuddly and perky, while others are mischievous and outgoing. Early socialization is crucial to help them become friendly and well-rounded dogs.

Yorkshire terriers are generally easy to exercise indoors, but they do require attention to housetraining. It's essential to show them where to go from the beginning and reward them for doing their business in the right place.

They can be prone to accidents, but with consistent training, you can end up with a very well-trained Yorkie.

They don't tolerate extreme heat or cold well, so it's crucial to provide them with a comfortable environment.

Taking care of our physical health is essential for overall well-being. Regular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide.

Aim to move your body for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, to see noticeable improvements in your physical health. This can be as simple as taking a brisk walk or doing a quick workout at home.

Eating a balanced diet is also crucial for maintaining good health. Aim to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your body hydrated and functioning properly. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Getting enough sleep is also essential for maintaining good physical health. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night to help your body repair and recharge.

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Yorkshire Terriers are adaptable to small living spaces, but they still need daily walks to stay happy and healthy.

They can thrive in apartments with open areas, but it's essential to keep them away from extreme temperatures.

Yorkies love playing games and chasing balls, but they might not return them, so be prepared to pick them up.

In addition to daily walks, Yorkies also enjoy participating in canine sports like obedience, agility, and barn hunt.

Their small size makes them vulnerable to larger dogs and wild predators, so owners must be vigilant about their surroundings.

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Yorkies have beautiful long coats that require frequent combing, even daily, to prevent tangling and matting.

Biweekly bathing and conditioning can help reduce the risk of hair tangling and matting, but regular grooming is a must.

Some owners clip their Yorkies' coats to a more manageable length, while others show them off in their full glory.

Yorkies are prone to patellar luxation, a common issue in small breeds where the kneecap shifts out of alignment.

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Feeding your Yorkshire Terrier requires attention to detail and a understanding of their individual needs. The recommended daily amount is 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.

The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog, and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

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Take care that your Yorkie doesn't get fat. Roly-poly is not a good look for this elegant breed.

To determine if your Yorkie is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. You should be able to see a waist, and then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward.

If you're considering getting a Yorkshire Terrier, it's essential to think about your family dynamics, especially if you have young children.

Yorkies aren't suited to families with young children, as they're too small and fragile for kids to handle properly.

Most breeders won't sell puppies to people whose children are younger than 5 or 6 years old, so it's best to wait until your kids are a bit older.

Socializing your Yorkie with other pets, like cats, can help them get along peacefully.

However, be aware that Yorkies can be bold and go after strange dogs, even if they're much bigger than them.