The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the Yorkie, is a beloved breed that has captured the hearts of many dog owners. They were originally bred in the mid-19th century in Yorkshire, England, as ratters in coal mines.
Their small size and big hearts make them a perfect companion for city dwellers. With a weight range of 7-15 pounds and a height of 6-7 inches, they are the perfect lap dog.
Yorkies are known for their distinctive coat, which can be either black and tan or blue and tan. The black and tan variety is the most common, with a glossy black coat and tan points on the face, legs, and chest.
Their intelligence and spunky personality make them a joy to train, but they can be stubborn at times.
History and Origins
The Yorkshire Terrier's history is a fascinating one. They originated in Yorkshire, England, where Scottish weavers brought small terriers to control rodents in textile mills.
These early terriers were crossbred with local dogs, including the Skye terrier and Dandie Dinmont, to create the first Yorkshire Terriers. They were initially used as working-class exterminators.
By the mid-1800s, the breed had gained popularity, and by the late 1800s, they were being shown in dog shows. They quickly became fashionable lapdogs among Victorian socialites.
In 1886, the Kennel Club of England recognized the breed, which further solidified their status as a fashionable companion. This marked a significant shift from their working-class roots.
The Yorkie's popularity soon spread to the United States, where they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. They became a beloved breed, even catching the eye of President Richard Nixon, who owned a Yorkie that lived in the White House.
Today, the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular terrier breeds in the world, with their small size and big personality making them a favorite among dog owners.
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Traits and Characteristics
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their tiny size, typically weighing between 5 to 7 pounds and standing between 7 and 8 inches tall. Their bicolor coats come in variations of black or blue, mixed with gold or tan.
Their long, silky coats are a defining feature of the breed, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Yorkies are also renowned for their luxurious coats, which are often compared to human hair rather than traditional dog fur.
Yorkshire Terriers are feisty, confident, and affectionate dogs, making them great companions for many families. However, they can be wary of strangers and may not get along with other dogs, especially if not socialized properly.
Here are some key traits of a Yorkshire Terrier:
Their intelligence and trainability make them responsive to commands, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training. Yorkies are also prone to barking, which can be a challenge for owners who value quiet living.
Living with a Yorkshire Terrier
Living with a Yorkshire Terrier requires a lot of attention and time, as they're intelligent and curious dogs that need puzzle toys to keep them engaged.
Their grooming needs can be arduous, so be prepared to spend time brushing and grooming your Yorkie regularly.
Yorkshire Terriers are vigilant and vocal dogs, and they'll often alert their owners to any perceived threats, whether real or not.
They can bark fairly frequently, and training can help curb excessive barking, but it's just in their nature.
Yorkies are small dogs that can become easily injured during play, so caution should be used in homes with very young children or large, rambunctious dogs.
In areas with coyotes, Yorkies are at an increased risk for wildlife attacks, so consider taking extra precautions when outside.
Never leave your Yorkie unattended outside, as they're one of the most stolen dog breeds due to their popularity.
Getting your Yorkie microchipped and adding a 24Petwatch Lifetime Protection Membership can help protect them from getting lost or stolen.
Regular grooming is essential to keep a Yorkie looking and feeling their best, and early training and socialization can help keep their big personality from getting out of control.
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Things to Consider
If you're thinking of bringing a Yorkshire Terrier into your home, there are a few things to consider. They can live up to 15 years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment.
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their big personalities, which can be a challenge for some owners. They need patient owners who can handle their spirited and tenacious nature.
If you're looking for a quiet breed, the Yorkshire Terrier isn't it - they're big barkers! They do better in homes without overly rambunctious children or dogs, as they can be fragile.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when considering a Yorkshire Terrier:
- Lifespan: up to 15 years
- Personality: spirited and tenacious
- Barking: frequent and loud
- Children: not suitable for rambunctious kids
- Grooming: high maintenance, daily brushing and regular haircuts
Things to Consider Before Owning a Pet
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, and it's essential to consider several factors before bringing a new furry friend home. The lifespan of a pet can vary greatly, with some breeds living up to 15 years or more, like the Yorkshire Terrier.
If you're thinking of getting a pet, you'll need to consider your lifestyle and whether it's suitable for a long-term commitment. For example, if you're away from home for long periods or travel frequently, a pet might not be the best fit.
Some pets are more high-maintenance than others, requiring regular grooming and exercise. Yorkies, for instance, need their coats brushed daily and haircuts every 4 to 6 weeks.
If you have young children or other pets, you'll need to consider whether they're compatible with your new pet. Yorkies, being fragile, do better in homes without overly rambunctious children or dogs.
Here are some key things to consider when thinking about owning a pet:
- Lifespan: 5-15 years (or more)
- Lifestyle compatibility: consider your work schedule, travel frequency, and living situation
- Grooming needs: daily brushing and regular haircuts
- Family dynamics: consider the age and behavior of your children and other pets
Adopt or Buy
If you're considering bringing a Yorkshire Terrier into your life, you have two main options: adopt or buy. Adopting a Yorkie from a local animal shelter or breed-specific rescue is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need.
For a Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder, be prepared to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 or more. This cost can vary widely based on the dog's bloodline and other factors.
If you're interested in adopting a Yorkie, there are several organizations you can look into. The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, Save a Yorkie Rescue, and United Yorkie Rescue are all great places to start.
Here are some organizations to consider:
- The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America
- Save a Yorkie Rescue
- United Yorkie Rescue
Health and Wellbeing
Yorkshire terriers are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
One of the most common health problems in Yorkies is patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap dislocates itself. This can cause limping, licking the knee, and bending the knee at an unusual angle.
Yorkies are also at risk for eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause progressive vision loss. Regular eye exams can help catch this condition early.
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A liver shunt, also known as a portosystemic shunt, is another potential health issue in Yorkies. This condition causes blood to bypass the liver, preventing removal of toxins and absorption of nutrients. Symptoms include excessive urination and thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, circling, head pressing, and seizures.
Yorkies can also be prone to heart disease, which can be difficult to detect early on. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help catch this condition before it becomes a serious issue.
Some Yorkies may experience dental issues, such as gum disease and plaque and tartar buildup. Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth and checking for signs of dental problems, can help prevent these issues.
Here are some common health problems in Yorkies:
- Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates itself.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: A condition that causes progressive vision loss.
- Portosystemic shunt: A condition where blood bypasses the liver.
- Heart disease: A condition that can be difficult to detect early on.
- Dental issues: Gum disease and plaque and tartar buildup.
Grooming and Training
Yorkshire Terrier black and brown dogs require regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats in their silky coats.
Their coats need to be brushed daily if kept long, and regular trims are necessary to prevent dragging. A bath every week or two is also a must, and checking their ears weekly for dirt and debris is a good habit to get into.
Yorkies are low-shedders, but their coats still require a fair amount of grooming. To avoid hassle, many owners choose to keep their coat short, which can be cut by a groomer every few weeks.
On a similar theme: How to Groom a Yorkshire Terrier at Home
Grooming
Yorkies are hypoallergenic and low-shedders, but their coats require regular maintenance due to their texture and quick growth.
To prevent tangles and mats, brush your Yorkie's coat daily if it's kept long. This will also help prevent hair from dragging on the ground.
Regular trims are necessary to prevent hair from dragging, and the hair on your Yorkie's head should be cut short or tied back with a hairband to keep it out of their eyes.
Plan on a bath every week or two, and check your Yorkie's ears at least weekly for any dirt and debris.
Nail trims will be necessary roughly every month, depending on how much your dog wears down their nails.
Daily teeth brushing with dog toothpaste is ideal, as small dog breeds like Yorkies are at risk of dental problems like periodontal disease.
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Training
Yorkies are receptive to training, especially if it brings them attention and praise, like performing cute tricks. They can learn some pretty impressive tricks with proper training and lots of love.
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Yorkies are bright little dogs who can take to training fairly well, though they can be bossy at times. They tend to respond very well to positive reinforcement.
Start training your Yorkie when they're still a puppy to prevent bad habits from forming and to socialize them with various people, other animals, and situations. Attending a puppy obedience class as soon as your dog meets the age requirement is a good option for both training and socialization.
Yorkies can be stubborn and often don't like to go outside in inclement weather, making them difficult to housebreak. Be patient and consistent during this process to reinforce good housebreaking habits.
Yorkies prefer lots of attention and companionship, and might develop separation anxiety and bad habits if their social needs aren't met. They don't always make good companions for young children, who might be too rough with the little dog and provoke them to nip.
For another approach, see: Training Corgis
Temperament and Behaviour
Yorkshire terriers are bold and loving dogs, known for their feisty and active nature. They're always up for adventures and will get their exercise on their own, just playing and romping around the house.
They're not particularly friendly with other dogs, but early socialization can help. In fact, they can become over protective of their owners if not properly socialized.
Yorkies are quick learners and love company, making training easy. However, they can be prone to destructive behaviour if their minds aren't kept active.
Behaviour
Yorkies are fun-loving dogs that are always on the move and very affectionate, but they can become overprotective of their owners if not properly socialized.
They need plenty of socialization to stop this from becoming a real problem, and puppy classes are vital for teaching them how to interact with strangers.
Yorkies make great watchdogs, but they can be prone to destructive behavior if their minds aren't kept active.
With proper training and socialization, they can make good family pets and are fine with strangers - as long as they've had proper training.
They can be quite yappy if not sufficiently trained, but short walks and games of fetch in the house will keep them stimulated.
Yorkies are independent dogs, but they hate being left alone for too long, so they need plenty of attention and exercise.
They're quick learners and love company, which makes training easy - as long as you're consistent and patient.
With a long coat that sheds less than many other breeds, daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling.
Many owners opt for the shorter "puppy cut" to make grooming easier, but this is a personal preference.
Yorkies are a healthy breed, but obesity can be a problem if they're not sufficiently exercised.
Decoding Dog Body Language
Decoding Dog Body Language is a crucial skill for any dog owner to master. Everything from your dog's ears and tail to their eyes and fur can give you an insight to how your dog is feeling.
A relaxed dog will often have a loose, open posture, with their ears up and tail wagging gently. Their eyes will be soft and relaxed, without any signs of tension.
A dog's tail can tell you a lot about their mood. A tucked tail can indicate fear or anxiety, while a wagging tail can suggest excitement or happiness.
Your dog's ears are also a great indicator of their emotional state. Ears that are held back or laid flat against the head can be a sign of fear or submission, while ears that are held up and perked can suggest confidence and alertness.
By paying attention to your dog's body language, you can pick up on subtle cues that can help you prevent conflicts and strengthen your bond with your furry friend.
Additional reading: Rhodesian Ridgeback Tail
Frequently Asked Questions
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 less common in purebred Yorkies.
What are multi colored Yorkies called?
Multi-colored Yorkies are known as Parti Yorkies, characterized by a tri-color or multi-color coat. They are a variation of the traditional Yorkie breed, not a separate breed.
What color are purebred Yorkies?
Purebred Yorkies come in a variety of colors, including black and tan, silver, blue, and gold. Discover the unique characteristics of each color and learn more about this beloved breed.
Sources
- Dainty, dazzling, and daring: The Yorkshire Terrier (24petwatch.com)
- Yorkshire Terrier Dogs - Breeds (omlet.us)
- according to the AKC (akc.org)
- The “Yorkie”: Yorkshire Terrier Facts (aspcapetinsurance.com)
- various eye problems (yorkieinfocenter.com)
- United Yorkie Rescue (unitedyorkierescue.org)
- Save a Yorkie Rescue (saveayorkierescue.org)
- The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America (theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org)
- Yorkshire Terrier Puppies For Sale (akc.org)
- Yorkshire Terrier (ctvsh.com)
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