| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
This dog breed was created to hunt mice on mine tunnels: we are talking about the Yorkshire Terrier, one of the most popular companion dogs in the World.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small-sized dog specially created for hunting small rodents. Among its ancestors we can find the Skye Terrier, the English Toy Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Maltese. In the past, it was the ideal dog to enter mine tunnels to hunt mice.
However, some Yorkshire’s experts assure that among its ancestors we could find the Airedale Terrier; a medium-sized dog named after the Aire River situated near the city of Leeds where wool workers from Scotland used to go. Nevertheless, the Yorkshire was recognized by the el English Kennel Club in 1886, and some years later its standard was developed.
Yorkshire Terrier: Origins
Yorkshire, England: The story begins in the second half of the 19th century during the Second War World in the course of the Industrial Revolution, where miners worked all day and in precarious conditions. One of their main problems was the presence of mice which were numerous at that time in the mines of old English county.
Only a few decades later, the Yorkshire Terrier became a companion dog, let’s not forget that its main job was hunting, and nowadays it is one of the most popular dog breeds in the World.
Today is a beloved dog in the US, Canada and UK, where you can find registered breeders, but also in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, India and South Africa. One of its main characteristics is its long and beautiful coat, “separated” with a division that goes from the muzzle to the tail.
Yorkshire Terrier: Physical Characteristics
How much does a Yorkshire Terrier weigh? It can weigh only 7 lb. (3 kg.)! It is a really small dog and its dark-colored shiny eyes can reveal all its essence. The ears are straight and very noticeable because they are positioned in an area without much hair; unlike the tail that is full of it. The tail has a darker-blue color different from the rest of the body.
The coat is silky and long in its entire body surface; on the head it is red gold-colored and longer. This dog breed’s fur is dark-blue on the back and golden on the legs and stomach. However, both colors do not mix. The Yorkshire Terrier does not have an undercoat, and this is the main reason it is the perfect dog for allergic people.
Let’s see which the allowed colors of the Yorkshire Terrier are:
- Blue and Gold,
- Brown and Tan,
- Gold,
- White and Brown,
- White and Gold,
- Black,
- Merle,
- Tricolored: White with red gold hair on the head and black or blue colored spots on the body.
All the golden hairs are darker on the roots than on the length, gradually the color fades away on the ends that have a lighter tone.
Yorkshire Terrier: Temperament
It is one of the most appreciated companion and apartment dogs, it is specially chosen by older people or families. It loves to cuddle and enjoys the company of its owner, maybe by relaxing on the couch. Although this dog is not a fan of long walks, inside the house it is active and loves playing.
The Yorkshire Terrier is easy to train; it is not stubborn but knows how to convey respect, especially with strangers. It is never aggressive with its family, but if it feels threatened or afraid in the presence of unknown people, it could be hostile.
Does this dog breed get along with cats? It absolutely does!
The average lifespan of a Yorkshire is 12-15 years, it is a long-lived dog and for this reason you should be absolutely convinced before getting one. Also because it needs a lot of attention, cares, and of course cuddles. If it does not get the attention it needs, it could develop some serious behavioral problems, such as excessive barking or constantly digging the ground.
Yorkshire Terrier: Feeding
Which is the ideal diet for a Yorkshire Terrier? We recommend white and red meat, boneless fish, eggs (with a well-cooked egg white) and absolutely nothing spicy. You can give your furry friend milk or yogurt in small amounts, but not a replacement of water.
Now let’s talk about fruits and vegetables. Apples and carrots are excellent for this dog breed; they are good for its bowels and teeth. Vegetables, meat, rice and pasta are always a good choice to feed your Yorkshire, if they are well-cooked to be easy to digest.
What food should you avoid? You must not feed your dog with French fries, sauces, cookies, sweets or candied fruits.
Yorkshire Terrier Toy or Miniature Yorkshire Terrier: The Pocket-sized Version
The average weight for a Yorkshire Terrier standard is 7 lb. (3 kg.), but the Miniature version can have a maximum weight of 3 lb. (1.5 kg.) during adulthood. In fact, it is also known as Teacup Yorkshire, because it can fit inside a cut of tea.
Actually, this variation of the breed is widely criticized, many people think that this reduction of the standard size could cause numerous health problems, have a shorter lifespan and bring high medical costs.
Yorkshire Terrier: Price and Puppies
How much can a Yorkshire Terrier puppy cost in a certified breeding establishment? The price can be around 700-1100 dollars, 600-900 English pounds.
You can also find low priced puppies online, but you should not trust uncertified breeders who do not provide the proper dog’s documentation.
This dog breed can bring along a lot of expenses: hair grooming, health care, proper feeding and “small vices” that will increase its maintenance value. But it will all be worth it! We recommend putting on some dog’s clothes during your winter walks, as your dog could suffer from the cold weather.
Yorkshire Terrier: Breeders, and Puppies for Sale
It is important to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed´s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Schipperke
- Maltese
- Volpino Italiano
- Fox Terrier
- Pomeranian Dog
- Dachshund
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Pug
