| Don’t be fooled by the size of this breed, the | | | | multiple commands. Often described as feisty, the |
| Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a feisty and fearless | | | | Yorkie makes great competitors in sports and agility |
| dog. Today, this breed is viewed as a glamorous and | | | | activities. Although these dogs are famous for their |
| fashionable pet and is recognizable by its characteristic | | | | independence, they do crave the attention of their |
| long, silky coat of steel bluish and tan hairs. | | | | owner and are very loyal and affectionate |
| History | | | | companions. They do not take easily to strangers or |
| This breed dates back a little more than 100 years | | | | new dogs and can become aggressive. On the other |
| when the Waterside Terrier, Paisley Terrier and | | | | hand, this trait makes them excellent watchdogs. This |
| Manchester Terrier were crossbred in England to | | | | breed is not recommended for very small children. |
| create a new breed of Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier | | | | Bold and inquisitive, the Yorkshire Terrier likes to be |
| became popular in the US in the late 19th century. This | | | | busy and is eager to play, and often gets into all sorts |
| breed was originally created by working men to chase | | | | of high jinks. |
| rats and penetrate fox holes and burrows made by | | | | Health |
| badgers. | | | | Due to their size, Yorkshire Terriers have a tendency |
| Appearance | | | | towards fragile bones and falls or high jumps can |
| Classified as a Toy breed, the Yorkshire Terrier has a | | | | often lead to joint problems. This is also why this breed |
| long, silky, straight and fine coat that usually falls almost | | | | is susceptible to paralysis of the hindquarters. Some |
| to the floor on both sides of the dog. The coat is a | | | | Yorkies might be prone to bronchitis, while others might |
| steel blue on the tail and body with tan hairs on the | | | | have delicate digestion. It is best to avoid exotic treats |
| head, muzzle, ears and lower legs. The ears are | | | | for this breed. Since this breed often experiences early |
| v-shaped and help erect. The tail is usually docked to | | | | tooth decay, their teeth need to be cleaned regularly |
| half its length and is carried level with the back. The | | | | by a Vet. The smaller “teacup” Yorkie is more |
| muzzle is not very long, with a black nose. This | | | | prone to health and behavioral problems. |
| non-shedding breed is good for people with allergies. | | | | Regular grooming is extremely important for this breed, |
| The body of the Yorkie is compact and | | | | although it does not shed. Daily brushing is |
| well-proportioned, with a straight back and a flat head. | | | | recommended, with regular trimming if required. Since |
| This breed grows to about 7-9 inches in height and | | | | the hair on the head grows long, it is usually tied with a |
| weights about 7 pounds at adulthood. | | | | bow or band to allow the Yorkie to see better and to |
| Temperament | | | | prevent the hair from falling into the food while it eats. |
| Yorkshire Terriers are bold and independent dogs, full | | | | The life expectancy of the Yorkshire Terrier is 12 to 15 |
| of energy and eager for adventure. They are intelligent | | | | years. |
| and easy to train, with the ability to remember a | | | | |