YORKSHIRE TERRIER

ATTRIBUTES: Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish

GROUP: Toy Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Regular Exercise

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Silky

COAT LENGTH: Long

SHADDING: Infrequent

SIZE: XSmall

TRAINABILITY: May Be Stubborn

CHARACTERISTIC: Smallest Dog Breeds, Best Dogs For Apartment Dwellers, Hypoallergenic Dogs

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Waterside, Manchester, Paisley, Dinmont Terriers

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Origin

England

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Registration

1885

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Size

7 - 8 Inches 

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Weight

7 Pounds

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Expected Life

11 - 15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a dog breed is likely to exhibit towards family members or familiar faces can vary widely. There are breeds that display reserved behavior, showing a strong attachment to only their owners and maintaining a distance from others. On the flip side, some breeds are known for their gregarious nature, offering friendly wagging tails and eager affection to anyone within the family circle or among their well-known acquaintances greeting them as if they are long-lost friends.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The degree to which a breed tolerates and is patient with children's behavior, as well as its general compatibility with familial life can be quite breed-specific. Some breeds display remarkable patience and gentleness which makes them exceptionally family-friendly and tolerant of the unpredictable nature of children's actions.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
The predisposition of a dog breed towards friendliness with other canines can greatly differ from one breed to another. Certain breeds have a natural propensity to mesh well with their fellow dogs, showcasing ease and sociability during interactions both in the home environment and in communal settings. Other breeds may have a more reserved or dominant demeanor, necessitating careful and vigilant supervision during introductions and ongoing interactions with other dogs. Regardless of breed tendencies supervision is key to ensure smooth and safe engagements between dogs.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur that a breed sheds can vary widely, with some breeds known for their heavy shedding while others are celebrated for minimal hair loss. High-shedding breeds will demand more grooming attention, such as regular brushing sessions to manage their loose fur. These breeds may also be more likely to activate allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and could necessitate more frequent housecleaning routines, including vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to keep living spaces and clothing hair-free.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming needs of a dog breed, including bathing, brushing, and trimming, can significantly vary, impacting the time, patience, and financial cost dedicated to pet care. Some breeds may thrive with sporadic baths and minimal brushing while others might need regular grooming sessions to maintain a healthy coat and skin. When contemplating the required grooming efforts it's essential to be realistic about your availability and willingness to commit to these routines
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The likelihood of a dog breed to drool can range significantly, from those that seldom exhibit this trait, to those known for their slobbery tendencies. If keeping a tidy, drool-free home and wardrobe ranks high on your list, opting for a less drool-prone breed may be a wise choice.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Silky
COAT SPECTRUM
Long
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
A breed's inclination to be amiable with strangers varies and is an important consideration when choosing a dog. Some breeds are inherently wary or reserved around unfamiliar people regardless of the setting and may require careful introduction and socialization to ensure they feel comfortable. Conversely, other breeds are characterized by their outgoing and sociable nature, frequently greeting newcomers with enthusiasm and friendliness.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
A dog breed's inclination towards playfulness can greatly vary, with certain breeds retaining their puppy-like zest for play well into their adult years, and others adopting a more sedate and relaxed demeanor once they've emerged from puppyhood. Breeds renowned for their perpetual energy and play-drive, such as many herding or sporting breeds, often take joy in interactive games like tug-of-war or fetch throughout their lives. They tend to thrive with owners who can provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
A breed's propensity to alarm bark or alert their owners to the presence of strangers is a trait that can vary widely among different breeds. Some dogs have strong territorial instincts and are quick to sound the alarm at the sight or smell of an unfamiliar presence. They may be reactive to various stimuli from visitors like the mailman to wildlife such as squirrels.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
A dog breed's adaptability to change can widely range, affecting how seamlessly it can transition through variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, routines and other life fluctuations. Some breeds are notably versatile and resilient, taking disruptions in stride and quickly acclimating to new situations or environments. These dogs often do well with travel, moving to different homes or adjusting to alterations in their family's daily schedule.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
Educating your dog can range from straightforward to challenging and much depends on how keen they are to embrace new experiences. There are breeds that relish the joy of pleasing their owner, while some cherish their freedom, opting to act as they please.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The level of physical activity and cognitive engagement required by a particular breed varies. Those with high energy are perpetually on the move, enthusiastically anticipating their subsequent escapade; expect them to be constantly engaged in vigorous runs, playful leaps and lively interaction. Conversely, breeds with lower energy levels are content to emulate a couch potato's lifestyle, preferring to lounge and drift into slumber.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The demand for cognitive stimulation to keep a breed content and vigorous can be considerably diverse. Dogs bred for certain roles often require tasks that draw upon decision-making analytical problem-solving, and sustained attention. Without such brain-engaging activities they'll seek out ways to keep busy developing projects that likely won't coincide with what you'd consider ideal.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

White

199

White & Black

202

Black & White

019

White & Gray

210

Gray & White

105

White & Red

214

Brown & White

063

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Black Markings

002

Tri-Colored

086

Buff Markings

031

About The Breed

Behind the sophisticated glossy veil of fur that skims the floor the Yorkshire terrier harbors an undaunted ancestral terrier heart. From their humble beginnings as adept rodent controllers in the industrial settings of mines and mills Yorkies climbed the social ladder to become the ribbon-adorned darlings of Victorian gentlewomen. The Yorkshire terrier stands as a toy-sized icon of terrier grit enveloped in a luxuriant straight coat that gleams with hues of steel blue and a vibrant golden tan and weighs no more than seven pounds. The Yorkie's fragile appearance belies a willful tenacity unyielding bravery and a touch of authoritative demeanor – all marks of the storied terrier lineage. Celebrated as a top dog breed in several American metropolises, Yorkies embody an outsized urban swagger in a diminutive package that exudes self-importance. They're beloved by city residents worldwide. With their extended lifespans, hypoallergenic fur that mimics human hair and their reliable watch-dog aptitude they shine as pets. Yorkies represent a quintessential 'personality breed' ensuring a life enriched with laughter, love, and endearing companionship. 

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A YORKSHIRE-TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your YORKSHIRE TERRIER: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

Yorkshire Terriers boast robust health, yet it's important for ethical breeders to conduct thorough health checks on their breeding dogs, particularly looking out for ocular irregularities and a condition known as luxating patella. This issue akin to what was once referred to as a 'trick knee' in people, involves a dislocated kneecap. To prevent this from occurring in these spirited little pooches it's wise to minimize the height from which your Yorkie leaps and this is especially crucial during their energetic puppy years. 

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

  • Patella Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

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The luxurious coat of a Yorkshire terrier shares a striking resemblance to human hair which means it requires similar care. If you choose to keep your Yorkie's coat long, remember to brush it every day to maintain its sleek appearance. To prevent discomfort and irritation to the eyes, it's best to either keep the hair on the top of the head trimmed short or style it into a cute topknot. Your little companion will appreciate a refreshing bath roughly once a week. Additionally, it's prudent to inspect their ears on a weekly basis for any foreign matter or indications of infection. For those seeking comprehensive guidance on grooming and bathing procedures the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, the breed’s official national organization offers a wealth of detailed recommendations on their website.
Health

Exercise

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Yorkshire Terriers need their share of physical activities to maintain their mental sharpness and physical fitness. A blend of consistent, moderate exercises – think leisurely walks that allow both you and your Yorkie to stride smoothly, paired with the occasional exhilarating game of fetch with a tennis ball in your garden – can work wonders. A brisk brief stroll a couple of times each day not only lets your Yorkie explore and experience new sights but also helps them to expend some of their innate vigor. Moreover, engaging your little furry friend in canine sports such as obedience or agility trials can be exceptionally stimulating and beneficial for their health, ensuring they're both physically active and mentally engaged.
Health

Training

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Yorkshire Terriers are renowned for their profound affection for their owners displaying bright intelligence and a keenness to please. These tiny companions respond best to enthusiastic affirmations and treats when they exhibit desirable behaviors rather than to severe reprimands. It is beneficial to introduce your Yorkie to a variety of situations faces and fellow canine companions from a tender age. When exposing those to new environments, it's crucial to do it gently, ensuring the atmosphere remains soothing and joyful with each new experience leaving a positive imprint on them. Despite their diminutive stature, Yorkies have the capability to shine in doggy disciplines such as rally, agility and obedience.
Health

Nutrition

+
Yorkshire terrier with top-notch dog food is vital be it a product obtained from stores or a meal made at home under the guidance and consent of your vet. The food you choose must suit the life stage of your dog, whether it's a pup, an adult or in its senior years. Be mindful that some dogs may gain excess weight more easily, so it's crucial to monitor your Yorkie's intake of calories and maintain a healthy weight regime. While treats are quite beneficial for training purposes overindulgence could lead to obesity. It's also smart to familiarize yourself with human foods that are safe for canine consumption and those that aren't. Should you have any queries or concerns regarding your Yorkie's weight or nutrition, don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. And never forget to keep a supply of fresh, clean water accessible for your furry friend at all times.

Historiography

The origins of the Yorkshire terrier can be traced back to the 19th century in the northern counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in England. Initially regarded as a working-class dog it gained popularity among the genteel English ladies of the late Victorian era as a chic lapdog. The creation of this breed is credited to Scottish weavers who relocated to England, bringing along their native terriers (here, it's important to distinguish between terriers from Scotland in general and the specific breed known as Scottish Terriers).

The Yorkie's lineage includes a blend of several now-extinct Scottish terrier breeds along with other surviving terrier breeds like the Skye and the Dandie Dinmont with some accounts claiming an infusion of Maltese genes into the mix. The Scottish weavers originally bred these diminutive and tenacious terriers to be small enough to navigate through the tight spaces of textile mills to chase rodents leading to playful banter that their silky coats were akin to the fine textiles they wove.

Yorkshire Terriers made their first appearance on American shores in the 1870s. The American Kennel Club (AKC) went on to register its first Yorkie a female named Belle in 1885, marking the beginning of the breed's venture across the Atlantic and into the hearts of American dog lovers.

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