Yorkie terriers are a beloved breed, and within this group, there are several types to consider. The American Kennel Club recognizes the Classic Yorkie as the original breed standard.
The Classic Yorkie is characterized by its silky, fine coat that requires regular grooming. They typically weigh between 7 and 15 pounds and stand about 6-7 inches tall at the shoulder.
One of the most distinctive features of the Classic Yorkie is its long, narrow head and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Their friendly, outgoing personalities make them a great fit for families and first-time dog owners.
In addition to the Classic Yorkie, there are several other types of Yorkies that have emerged over the years, including the Teacup Yorkie and the Micro Yorkie.
Yorkshire Terrier Basics
Yorkshire Terriers are a Toy breed, which means they're small in size but big in personality.
Their Temperament is a key characteristic, and it's described as feisty, confident, and affectionate.
These tiny dogs have a High Energy level, which means they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Here's a quick rundown of some key stats:
- Height: 7 to 8 inches
- Weight: 5 to 7 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years
The Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Terrier is a beloved breed known worldwide for its purebred status, tracing its roots back to the Paisley terrier and Clydesdale terrier. Recognized by the Kennel Club since the 1870s and the American Kennel Club since 1885, Yorkies have become a popular choice for many dog owners.
Their small size, ranging from 7 to 8 inches in height, makes them a great companion for city dwellers and travelers alike. In fact, Yorkies are often referred to as "pocket-sized" dogs due to their compact size.
Yorkies are also known for their vibrant personality, which is characterized as feisty, confident, and affectionate. They are highly social animals that thrive on attention and interaction with their owners.
Here are some key facts about the Yorkshire Terrier breed:
- Breed Group: Toy
- Temperament: Feisty, confident, and affectionate
- Energy level: High
- Height: 7 to 8 inches
- Weight: 5 to 7 pounds
- Life expectancy: 11 to 15 years
Their high energy level means they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. A daily walk and playtime should be a priority for Yorkie owners.
Yorkshire History
The Yorkshire Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s.
The breed originated in Yorkshire, England, where Scottish weavers emigrated and brought their small terrier dogs with them. These dogs were employed as rodent control in textile factories.
The Yorkshire Terrier's ancestors were crossed with local dogs, becoming a new breed. By the late 1800s, these new terriers had transitioned from factory work to the show ring, dazzling onlookers with their long, luxurious coats.
The breed's early development was led by mill operatives in Yorkshire and Lancashire. It's remarkable that reliable facts about the breed's history have been difficult to attain, given the breed's humble beginnings.
The Yorkshire Terrier was bred from two distinct dogs, Old Crab and Kitty, and another female whose name is not known. The Paisley Terrier, a smaller version of the Skye Terrier, also played a significant role in the breed's development.
Huddersfield Ben, a popular Paisley-type Yorkshire Terrier show dog, defined the breed type for the Yorkshire Terrier in the late 1860s.
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Breed Variations
The Yorkshire Terrier has a rich history, and its breed variations are a fascinating aspect of its heritage. The Silky Terrier is one such breed that was created from the Yorkshire Terrier.
In recent years, demand for unusual pets has led to the creation of crossbreeds between the Yorkshire Terrier and other breeds. These crossbreeds are often given portmanteau names, combining syllables from the Yorkshire Terrier and the other breed.
These portmanteau-named crosses can be found on the list of dog crossbreeds, but one breed that has gained recognition as a separate breed is the Biewer Terrier.
Mismarked Yorkie Breeds
Mismarked Yorkie breeds are not a different type of Yorkshire terrier breed, but rather dogs that don't meet the breed standard.
The American Kennel Club accepts four variations of Yorkshire terrier coat color: black and gold, black and tan, blue and gold, and blue and tan. These are the only recognized coat colors for the breed.
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Mismarked Yorkies are solid-colored dogs with a saddle pattern, but they can have a small white spot on the forechest that doesn't exceed 1 inch at its longest dimension. This small white spot is allowed by the breed standard.
These mismarked dogs are not rare or valuable, but they make wonderful pets for the right family. They're just as lovable and deserving of love as a Yorkshire terrier with standard markings.
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The Biewer Breed
The Biewer breed has its foundation in the Yorkshire terrier. It began as a particolor Yorkshire terrier with liberal random white markings.
The Biewer terrier was developed from a single puppy named Schneeflocken von Friedheck, whose parentage raised questions about its origin. The puppy's ancestry was later confirmed using DNA markers.
The Biewer terrier was initially considered a variation of the Yorkshire terrier but has since been recognized as a separate breed by many kennel clubs, including the AKC. This recognition was granted in April 2014 when the breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service.
The Biewer breed has been developed through breeding programs, which were established after the initial development of the breed.
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Physical Characteristics
Yorkies are small dogs with big personalities, and their physical characteristics are just as unique as they are. They typically weigh between 7-15 pounds.
Their average height is around 6-7 inches at the shoulder. Their long, fine coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Yorkies have a distinctive bearded face and a plume on the end of their muzzle. Their erect ears are triangular in shape and very mobile.
Their eyes are almond-shaped and range in color from blue to dark brown.
Traits and Temperament
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their feisty, confident, and affectionate nature. They're a high-energy breed that can be quite playful and bold.
Their small size, typically weighing between 5 to 7 pounds and standing between 7 to 8 inches tall, doesn't stop them from being quite brave and willing to stand up for themselves, even if their opponent is much larger.
Yorkies are also prone to being territorial and may not get along with other dogs, especially if they haven't been properly socialized. However, with the right training and socialization, they can learn to be quite friendly and outgoing.
Here are some key traits of a Yorkshire Terrier:
- Feisty and confident
- Affectionate and loving
- High-energy and playful
- Brave and willing to stand up for themselves
- Can be territorial and wary of strangers
Yorkshire Traits
Yorkshire Terriers are feisty, confident, and affectionate dogs. They love spending time with their owners and are generally friendly but can be wary of strangers.
Yorkies are known for their dainty appearance, with small bodies, delicate features, and expressive eyes. Their most prominent feature is their long, silky coat, which can reach floor-lengths if not trimmed.
Yorkshire Terriers are renowned for their luxurious coats, often compared to human hair rather than traditional dog fur. While beautiful, the Yorkie's coat can also be high maintenance.
In true terrier fashion, Yorkies are quite brave and won't back down from a fight, even if their opponent is twice their size! They can be boisterous and bossy at times, making them a challenge to train.
Here are some key traits of a Yorkshire Terrier:
- Feisty and confident
- Affectionate and friendly
- Brave and won't back down from a fight
- Boisterous and bossy at times
- High maintenance coat
Yorkies can be territorial, so socialization is key to helping them get along with other dogs. With proper training and socialization, Yorkies can thrive in a variety of environments.
Temperament
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their bold and feisty personalities, which make them a perfect companion for those who can keep up with their high energy levels. They can be quite stubborn at times, but with patience and consistent training, they can learn quickly.
Their confidence and bravery often lead them to stand up to larger dogs, even if it's not the most advisable thing to do. This can be a challenge for owners who need to socialize their Yorkie properly. A good socialization plan can help prevent territorial behavior and ensure a smooth interaction with other dogs.
Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their owners. They love going everywhere with their owners and can make great travel companions. Their compact size and adaptable nature make them perfect for city living.
However, their small size also means they can be fragile and require extra caution to prevent injuries from falls or rambunctious play. Owners need to be mindful of their Yorkie's surroundings and take necessary precautions to keep them safe.
Here are some key traits of Yorkshire Terriers that you should be aware of:
- Feisty and confident
- High energy levels
- Affectionate and loving
- Stubborn at times
- Vigilant and vocal
Their barking can be a challenge for owners, but with proper training, it can be managed. It's essential to remember that Yorkies are naturally alert and will bark at any perceived threat, whether it's real or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between Yorkies and Yorkshire Terriers?
Yorkies and Yorkshire Terriers are actually the same breed, with "Yorkie" being a nickname used to refer to the dog. The full name "Yorkshire Terrier" is the official breed name recognized by kennel clubs and breeders.
Are there two sizes of Yorkies?
Yes, there are two sizes of Yorkies: the standard size and the smaller Miniature Yorkie. However, the term "teacup" is not an official classification, but rather a marketing term used to describe the smallest Yorkies.
What is the rarest color of Yorkie?
The rarest color of Yorkie is blue, white, and tan or solid colors, but they don't meet AKC breed standards. This unique color combination makes them highly sought after, but also quite rare.
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