Yorkshire Terriers – Large Attitude, Small Package
Yorkshire terriers, also known as Yorkies, are amazing, tiny little dogs. Their coats are very fine, very long, and quite silky, parting along the spine, and falling down directly on either side. The body and the tail are steal blue in color, while the rest of the fur is tan colored. There is a great deal of hair on the Yorkie’s head, sometimes making it necessary to pull it back in a top knot so that the visibility is not limited, and the fur does not droop in the dog’s food or water dish. Some owners – not showing their dogs – choose to trim this hair to reduce maintenance.
The tail of the Yorkshire terrier is usually – though not always – docked to half it’s natural length. It is carried level with it’s spine. The head of the Yorkie is flat shaped, with a medium length muzzle that ends with a black nose and a straight stop. The Yorkshire terrier’s eyes are very bright and round, between two v-shaped ears that are either held erect or partially erect. Yorkies have straight legs and round feet.
Though the Yorkshire terrier is extremely small, its personality abounds. Always on the hunt for a new adventure (that some would call trouble) the Yorkie is very brave, clever, energetic, and loyal. Though very devoted and affectionate with its own family, the Yorkshire terrier can be cautious of strangers. It may also be rather aggressive with other dogs or other animals (true to its terrier-ness). Though not necessarily aggressive by nature, Yorkshire terriers are better off with older children who will not tease or harm the dog, testing its patience.
Yorkies have only been around for about a century; however, their exact origins aren’t known for certain. It is believed that they were bred by minors living in northern England in order to catch rats in mine shafts as well as getting into badger and fox burrows. It is believed, though, that Scotsmen mixed this pre-Yorkie with different terriers such as the Clydesdale (now extinct) and the Skye. The breed was further mixed with local dog breeds such as the long-haired Leeds terrier, and then later with the Black and Tan Manchester, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and the Maltese. Originally, Yorkshire terriers were larger, but the smallest possible size was desirable, so the tiniest individuals were bred to gradually shrink the breed.
Yorkies typically live between twelve and fifteen years, and may be prone to early tooth decay, bronchitis, adverse reaction to anesthetic, and sensitive digestion. They have also been known to suffer from herniated disks and other spine-related issues. Yorkies of less than 8 inches may have abnormal skull formations. The breed commonly suffers from difficult deliveries.
Yorkshire terriers are considered to be stubborn, yet relatively easy to train. They need a lot of attention, but are natural watchdogs. They can be challenging to housebreak. Over-protecting a Yorkie can cause neuroses, so it should be avoided. Though they are natural barkers, they can be trained not to do this.
