Yorkshire Terrier

Don’t Be Afraid Of The AKC Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standard

In 2006, Yorkshire Terriers became the second most popular purebred dog in America. The year before, they had been number three. Although it seems hard to think that any breed of dog would topple the long reigning Labrador Retriever from the top spot, the tiny Yorkshire Terrier seems poised to do just that. Wondering if you have ever seen a Yorkshire Terrier (most commonly called Yorkies)? Chances are, you have seen a lot of them. Yorkshire Terriers weigh only about six pounds, although they can get heavier or lighter without being ill in any way. They have pointed ears, a tiny pointed nose and a yappy voice. They are most commonly in blue and gold coats, although a there are slight variations in color the blue and gold dominate. These coats naturally grow long and silky, getting to be almost twice the length of the dog, requiring that tiny red bow in top so the dog can see. You can find the Yorkshire Terrier breed standard in a variety of places. All breed dog books are not very good if you are looking for a detailed description. They only give the most general descriptions of breed standards. You need to go the American Kennel Club or a Yorkshire Terrier rescue group website in order to find the most recent Yorkie breed standard (which can be updated occasionally). There are also books focusing on just the Yorkshire Terrier that may available in your local library. In general, Yorkshire Terriers are lively, bright-eyed toy sized dogs that weigh an average of six to seven pounds. For the most part, their ears are pointed, but sometimes they are floppy in adults. Puppies almost always look to be black and tan, and lighten to the distinctive steel blue and tan as they mature. The spine is level, the muzzle pointed and the tail is usually, sadly, docked. Very rarely will you find a Yorkie with a long tail. Yorkshire Terriers pointed ears are more V-shaped than a tight point. Their noses are supposed to be always black. Their eyes are bright and alert. The Yorkshire Terrier should seem as if he thinks he's better than everyone else and carry himself like he's the biggest dog in the world. Their backs are level and they should stand squarely. They shouldn't have an overbite or an undershot jaw like a bulldog. Some common faults in a purebred Yorkshire Terrier include floppy ears as an adult, being just too big to be in the show ring, having an undocked tail (all show dogs have tails docked at two or three days of age) or dewclaws (which are removed from all show dogs). Another fault is if they are over seven pounds, which happens often, even in purebreds, since the Yorkshire Terrier ancestor was well over seven pounds. Another fault is if they don’t have the right color. The Yorkshire Terrier is the perfect pet for some people. There would less need for animal rescue groups if people would learn basic Yorkshire Terrier information before they buy a puppy.

Yorkshire Terriers: A Small Apartment Dog

Yorkshire Terriers are known as Yorkies. These dogs are marked with their friendliness, cheerfulness and elegance. Belonging to the small dog breeds, Yorkshire Terriers are one of the popular and attractive toy dogs. If you live in a small home and prefer a soft, little, cute and sweet-natured dog, quite naturally the Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect choice for you. Although these dogs have a true fascination for long walks, they do not usually miss out the chances to run around the garden or home if they are allowed so. They possess a jovial mind, so it is better to arrange various toys for them to play. Probably there is no one on the face of earth who does not get hypnotized while looking at a Yorkie's charismatic appearance blended with intelligent attitude. They can weigh less than six pounds typically, however they will never back down if they perceive anything threatening in the environment. Sensitiveness, loyalty and showing affection to the family members are its integral characteristics. They are true descendants of Terrier, so are their temperaments. Although Yorkshire Terriers are very small in size, these little dogs do not really bother about their size especially when time comes to defense. They put forth their best effort to defend their area. They possess a sharp sense of hearing, which causes them to alert their owners if they perceive the slightest possibility of intrusion. This quality in Yorkshire Terriers makes them really noisy from time to time, so before buying one, give enough consideration to your neighbors' perspective. Although Yorkshire Terriers are a popular show breed, preparing them exclusively for that purpose is truly a time-consuming and specialized job. It is mainly because of the fact that the Yorkie coat grooming for show purpose is really a difficult task. In order to maintain the coat for any show or for any special purpose, it is better to get in touch with a specialized breed club or professional breeders. Since thorough care is intended for this breed, Yorkshire Terriers are not for everyone. Yorkshire Terriers are a very social type of dogs. They possess the ability to mix up with other household animals like cats and dogs quite comfortably, especially when they are brought up with them. However, enough measure needs to be taken if you are exposing the dog with a new household animal for the first time, since this dog carries a strong instinct for possessiveness for its owner, which it typically inherits from its ancestors. Since the dog is very small in size, you should take good care with your Yorkshire Terrier especially if you have small children at home. It is because mistreatment may lead to injury to them. Typically, Yorkshire Terriers love to play with gentle little children. They love to take a nap on their owner's lap. House training is not a difficult task for Yorkshire Terriers and crate training is mandatory for them to ensure safety. Typically these dogs have good health without any apparent health complications and their life span is long. The Yorkshire Terrier is social by nature and can mix with others household animals very well, however, it may sometimes cause problem due to its intense possessiveness for its owner. If you are looking for Yorkshire Terrier information, you will be able to learn the fundamentals of this breed in this article.

All About Yorkies

The Yorkie is one of the dog breeds that have found its way into the heart of millions of people. This small and yet hardy dog is a fearless animal who is extremely loving and therefore would make a wonderful family pet. And there is no need to worry about other animals or pets within the home as Yorkies can pretty much get along with everyone and that includes humans and animals. So beware as this little outgoing pup may just make its way into your heart. This small dog, who only weighs in at about five or six pounds and is the perfect size to be carried around in a book bag or doggy purse. And they certainly do eat up that attention, as this dog's personality is extremely outgoing and certainly loves to live the pampered life. Their lively spirit is a wonderful addition to just about any home as they are lovely but also independent at the same time. And with as much running and playing around that Yorkies like to do, it is no wonder that they require daily brushing as their silky long coat can easily get matted and can become a problem if it is not taken care of properly. Also, as with any pup that loves being pampered, the Yorkies generally enjoy being cleaned in baths and with teeth brushing. To the Yorkies, any type of attention is good attention. And although they are not very big in size, these little ones can make for excellent guard dogs, as they will always alert the owners when someone is approaching their home. They are very protective over their home and their family, which means there is another reason to make this precious pup apart of your family. Their outgoing personality is what will help make sure that you do not regret your decision to bring one home. Even though it seems like Yorkies would get along with everyone, they tend to dislike small children. It is generally the fast and unswift movements made by children that can scare off the Yorkies. Remember, Yorkies are small in size and the way a child looks when he or she is jumping towards them must be a scary experience. When in fear of a child, it would not be uncommon for them to bite at the child, which could cause physical and emotional damage. And it is also because of their independence that they are sometimes hard to get house broken. Some people have experienced that Yorkies take a great deal more time and patience to housebreak. But, that is not saying that it cannot be done. With consistency, anything can be accomplished. Also, if they had the choice, Yorkies would stay away from the cold and rain, as it is something that can't stand. When you think of Yorkies, you are almost certain to think about the fun loving aspects of the Yorkshire Terrier. To make sure that your lifestyle matches the personality of the Yorkies you should read as much Yorkshire Terrier information as possible.

Where Did The Yorkshire Terrier Originally Come From?

If you took a trip back in time to 1870, you probably would have a hard time recognizing a Yorkshire Terrier.  In about one hundred thirty years, the breed has gone through tremendous changes in their looks and in their functions.  But the Yorkshire Terrier has adapted to the great changes that the Industrial Revolution brought to the economy and to family life.  Yorkies back then weighed about thirty pounds and came in more colors than just blue and tan. Back in the 1870's, word was getting around about the great pups from a sire named Huddersfield Ben, who was born in 1865.  Huddersfield Ben was considered an ideal dog – a champion ratter as well as being friendly and handsome.  Any dog that resembled Huddersfield Ben had to have been from Yorkshire, where Ben lived.  Yorkshire dog breeders kept their breeding methods secret so they could be assured of buyers.  His puppies eventually became known as Yorkshire Terriers.  Back in 1865 – the year of Huddersfield Ben's birth – dogs were bred to exhibit useful qualities, not for their looks.  There also was not much interest in keeping breeds pure.  There are very few accurate records of dog breeding at this time.  It is also thought that dog breeding was considered such a secret business that no records were kept for fear of the knowledge getting out to competitors.  Yorkshire Terriers got their name because the breed was perfected in Yorkshire.  Yorkshire Terriers were bred to be specialists in killing rats.  They were (and still are) thought to be more reliable at killing mice and rats than cats.  They were also bred to bark when they found their prey and to let their masters know where they are.  The mining industry thrived in Yorkshire at this time – and the mines were full of rats.  They were until the Yorkshire Terriers got to work. As time went on, the need for big working dogs decreased.  People were living in smaller homes and needed smaller dogs they could physically control easily.  The Yorkshire Terrier filled this niche admirably.  They were a hit on both sides of the Atlantic.  Not only did they make great guard dogs, but were affectionate and did not need a lot of exercise.  They were introduced to America in 1872. Over the last century, Yorkshire Terriers have become ever smaller.  The original Yorkies were about thirty pounds and came in several colors.  Today's show Yorkies are not to exceed seven pounds and must be steel blue and tan (and have those colors in specific proportions).  The hot trend is top breed Yorkies that tip the scales at three pounds, which has lead to concerns about the health of breeding such small dogs.  The Yorkshire Terrier, as of 2006, is the second most popular purebred dog in America. The Yorkshire Terrier has a very sketchy history at best. This author is currently writing a series of articles containing Yorkshire Terrier information for interested readers.