Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed Information

The Yorkshire terrier dogs have long been considered as the favourite companions of women, thanks to their shoe-button eyes, beautiful & cute appearance, and soft-to-the-touch silky coat. They are trainable, alert, and avidly curious that make him a typical “big dog in a little dog’s body.” Generally weighing less than eight pounds, the Yorkshire terriers are the purse-dog, but they also need ample time on the ground. In addition to this, this breed of dogs can be quite a determined and boisterous watchdog. If you are considering this breed of dogs, read this article as it will tell you all important information of this breed in an elaborative way.

General Information:

History:

In the United Kingdom, during Industrial Revolution Scottish workers came to Yorkshire to work in the textile mills, coal mines, and factories, bringing with them dogs known as Paisley Terrier or Clydesdale Terrier. These dogs were larger than today’s Yorkshire terriers, and it’s thought that they were used primarily to catch the rats in mills. The Paisley Terriers were probably crossed with other types of terrier dogs, perhaps the Tan Toy Terrier, English Black and the Skye terrier. In addition to this, it is considered that the Waterside terrier may have contributed to the development of the Yorkshire terrier dog breed. The result was a small dog with a long blue-gray coat.

In the year 1861, a Yorkshire terrier was shown in a bench show as a “broken-haired Scotch Terrier.” Furthermore, a dog named Huddersfield Ben, born in the year 1865, became a renowned show dog and is acknowledged to be the father of modern Yorkshire terrier. The Yorkshire terriers acquired that name in the year 1870, as that is where most of their development had taken place.

The Yorkshire terriers were first registered in the British Kennel Club (BKC) stud book in the year 1874 and the first breed club of Yorkshire terrier in England was formed in the year 1898. The Yorkies were able to compete in dog shows as early as 1878 and in these shows their classes were divided by weight i.e. under 5 pounds, 5 pounds and above 5 pounds.

Description:

The Yorkshire terriers are small, toy-sized dogs and their small head is rather flat on top, with a medium-sized muzzle. The teeth of this breed of dogs meet in a scissors or level bite and its nose is black. Furthermore, the medium-sized eyes of these dogs are dark with dark eye rims. Their erect ears are V-shaped and all the four legs are straight when these viewed from the front. The round feet of breed of dogs have black toenails and their dewclaws are usually removed.

The Yorkshire terriers’ glossy, long coat is silky and falls straight down on their either side. Their coat comes in a tan and steel blue colour. The tail and body of these dogs are blue and the rest of the dog is of tan colour. The puppies of these dogs are of black, brown, and tan colour. The hair on the head of this breed is plentiful that it is almost always essential to gather it in a band to keep from going into dog’s food bowl and to give them highest visibility.

Temperament:

The Yorkshire terrier dogs are very eager for adventure. These little dogs are highly energetic, loyal, brave, and clever. This dog is suitable for those owners who know how to treat a small dog. This breed of dogs is quite affectionate with its owner, but if humans are not their pack leader, it can become wary of strangers and aggressive to the strange dogs and small animals. These dogs have a true terrier heritage and they need someone who understands how to be their leader.

The Yorkshire terriers are often recommended for the older and children because they are so small, and most people allow them to get away with the behaviors that no dog should display. These dogs are quite easy to train, although they can sometime become stubborn if their owners do not give them proper boundaries. They are excellent watchdogs. When the owner of this breed displays pack leadership to him, it is very loving and sweet and can be trusted with the children. The problems arise with this dog when owner, because of the dog’s cute little size, allows the dog to take over the house. These truly sweet little dogs need those owners who understand how to give them the gentle leadership.

Health Concerns:

The Yorkshire terriers are tiny dogs and tiny dogs often come with big health problems. Most Yorkies live long, healthy lives, but there are some health concerns that are common to this breed of dogs, such as luxating patellas, weakened collapsing tracheas, dental issues, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hypothyroidism. Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia, is also a problem especially in the puppies. In addition to this, certain types of bladder stones, cataracts, hair loss, and ingrown eyelashes are also found in this breed.

The Yorkshire terrier dog breed has a high incidence of a liver defect which is known as Portosystemic Shunt that may need to be treated with costly surgery. There are various tests that can identify carriers of these diseases.

The kneecaps of some small dogs, including the Yorkshire terrier, can pop out of place, a defect known as Luxating Patellas. You should ask your veterinarian to examine your dog’s knees on regular basis, especially if you notice him hopping or limping while running. In addition to this, it is essential that the Yorkie’s get regular veterinary dental care because they have small mouth and they often have problems with improper and overcrowding development of teeth.

This breed of dogs may suffer from Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. In this disease, blood supply to the head of the rear leg bone is reduced, causing it to degrade. There are various signs, include limping, of this disease which usually shows up by the time the dog is 6 months old. This disease in dogs can be treated with the surgery. The sooner this medical condition is identified and treated, the greater the chances are that your companion will enjoy a full recovery.

Care:

The Yorkies enjoy taking a walk with their owners or playing outside, but since they are very active while indoors that does not take a lot of effort to keep them well exercised. Generally, the Yorkshire terriers are interested to the training, especially if it brings them attention for performing in agility or obedience trials or performing cute tricks. These dogs can be difficult to housetrain, however, because their “accidents” are easy to clean up and so small that people let it slide. It is better to show your dog where to go from the beginning and reward them for doing their work in the right place. If you make this effort, you can end up with a well trained Yorkie indeed.

The Yorkies are housedogs and do not tolerate extreme cold or heat well. Many people paper train their Yorkies so that they do not have to take them outdoors when the climate is too cold or hot. In addition to this, this breed of dogs loves squeaky toys, but it is important to check the toys on regular basis in order to make sure they have not chewed them. This dog breed especially enjoys fetching the toys that you throw to them.

Grooming:

The Yorkshire terrier is definitely not a low-maintenance pooch. If you keep the coat of this breed long, they need to be brushed on daily basis, with its long topknot tied up and kept out of its eyes. Most of the pet-owners choose for a “puppy clip”, with the facial hair left a bit longer than the hair on the body of dog. Regular trips to the professional groomers are necessary for this breed, along with weekly baths.

One of the best things about the Yorkshire terriers are they don’t shed much that make them less problematic for some people with allergies. However, the shedding varies from dog to dog, so do not believe anyone who tells you that this dog breed is “non-allergenic.” This dog breed requires some other basic care like trim his nails every week or two and brush his teeth regularly with pet toothpaste for the fresh breath.

Suitability of the Yorkshire terrier:

• The Yorkshire terrier is suitable for you if you want a dog who:
• Is small, elegant, easy to carry, fine-boned, and does not take up much space
• Sheds quite lightly therefore it is one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers
• Is inquisitive and lively, and moves swiftly with the light-footed grace
• Does not want heavy exercise
• Makes an eager watchdog as it will not fail to announce strangers
• Is peaceful with other pets

The Yorkshire terrier is Not Suitable for you if you do not want to deal with:

• The fragility of the toy breeds
• Notorious housebreaking difficulties
• Regular combing and brushing, or regularly trimming the coat short
• Excitable chasing instincts

Some Facts about the Yorkshire terrier:

• These dogs have an inquisitive temperament and an impish sense of humour.
• The Yorkshire terriers have stunning blue-and-tan coats, but they are not born that way.
• Puppies of the Yorkies are black, and their coat colour develops as they mature.
• Despite their Toy status of these dogs, they love action, speed, and plenty of applause
• Show dogs should weigh between 4 to 7 pounds, but the Yorkies can weigh as much as 12 to 15 pounds. Further, if a Yorkie weighs less than 4 pounds, he is more prone to health problems.
• Yorkshire Terriers are known for being difficult to housetrain and for these dogs crate-training is recommended.
• This breed of dogs does not like the cold and is prone to chills, especially if it is in the damp areas.
• Because of the delicate structure, small size, and terrier personality, generally this dog breed isn’t recommended for households with toddlers.
• Yorkshire terriers can have delicate digestive systems and they may be picky eaters. Some eating problems can also occur if your pet has gum or teeth problems. If your Yorkshire terrier is showing discomfort while eating or after eating, take him to the vet for a check-up.
• These dogs think that they are big dogs and will try to pick a fight with a big dog if allowed, therefore, make sure to keep your Yorkie under control.
• In order to get a healthy Yorkshire terrier, never buy him from a puppy mill, irresponsible breeder, or pet store. You should look for a highly regarded breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure that they are free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies.