Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie or Yorkies, is named after a small county in Northern England, with its founding father a show dog named Huddersfield Ben, has become a popular dog breed over the years because of its small size and colorful character. Belonging to the Toy Group, this breed has a compact body with a long and well-defined blue coat. With lots of hair around its head, it is also necessary to keep the hair parted or well groomed to give the Yorkshire Terrier best visibility. Yorkshire Terrier puppies are black and tan at birth, with the black quickly turning to blue as the terrier matures. Yorkshire Terrier dogs are tenacious, intelligent, full of character, and alert, making it a well-rounded companion for families looking for a small dog.

TEMPERAMENT

Yorkshire terriers are curious dogs always willing to investigate anything and everything. This is primarily due to its rodent-hunting natural instinct. The breed is very active and requires lots of attention, although they make excellent lively companions at home. Training does take some patience as they are very independent, but are quick to learn if trained well. Despite its small size, they tend to bark a lot which make good for guard or watch dogs.

GROOMING

The Yorkie has a long, silky, and straight coat which can demand lots of grooming. For easier care and for warmer climates, trimming the hair short maybe the best option. The hair on top of the head is traditionally tied up in a ribbon or band to keep it from getting into the eyes. Regardless, regular brushing and combing should be done 2-3 times a week. This breed sheds relatively little hair, only when brushed or washed. This breed of dog is suitable for allergy sufferers or for those individuals who are hypoallergenic.

HEALTH

The most common health condition in this breed is Patellar luxation, which results in the patella kneecap slipping and causing lameness. Other problems that can occur with Yorkies are corneal infections, dental and tooth decay, digestion problems, and tracheal collapse in very tiny breeds such as the teacup. Prone to dental problems, their teeth should be cleaned regularly. A healthy Yorkshire Terrier can live between 13 – 17 years.

EXERCISE

Exercise for your Yorkie should be frequent. Daily walks and play should be encouraged as this is a fun and energetic breed. However, Yorkshire Terriers are not very suitable for runners because of its small size and short legs. Housed up Yorkies can soon show behavior problems if not exercised enough. Although they can be suitable for apartment owners, a nice fenced-in yard is ideal to allow them to run and play at their leisure, as well as hunt for small rodents & critters, which is their natural-born instinct. They will enjoy long walks outside with their owners.

TRAINING

Although not impossible, Yorkies can be somewhat difficult to housetrain. Persistence, consistency and patience are a must to get respect out of your dog. Beginning when they are puppies will make life much easier to train, instead of waiting when your Terrier is a full grown adult. Keep in mind, they are intelligent and love attention and to show off, so almost any trick can be learned by this breed.

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