Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in northern England during the Industrial Revolution as a breed to work in the various mills, mines, and factories as a rat and mice exterminator. The breed was larger in its early history, but has since been selectively bred to a considerably smaller size. As their size decreased, Yorkies became more and more of a companion dog than a working dog and was seen in the laps of many wealthy women. By 1880, the Yorkshire Terrier had made its way to the United States, where it quickly became a favorite among the upper-class. The Yorkshire Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885 and has since become a popular companion for many families.

Yorkshire Terriers are tiny dogs with a small head and triangular, upright ears. Yorkies can have a different appearance depending on how their coats are trimmed and styled. Some Yorkies have floor length hair while others have shorter cut coats. However, Yorkies coats remain silky and fine no matter the cut. Yorkshire Terriers generally have the same coat colors and markings being either blue and tan, black and tan, blue and gold, or black and gold. The Yorkie's back is usually blue or black while their head, chest, and legs tend to be tan or gold.

Yorkshire Terriers are brave, energetic, and adventurous dogs that make outstanding companions, especially for someone who is willing to become their "pack leader." They love attention and don't do well if left alone for extended periods of time. Yorkies can have a range of personalities. Some are cuddly and laid-back, while others are bold and mischievous. Yorkies have a tendency to become a bit stubborn if not taught boundaries during puppyhood. Nevertheless, these dogs learn quickly and are easy to train, and they respond best to positive praise and food rewards. These dogs are naturally suspicious of strangers and other pets, so early socialization is very important. While some Yorkies bark a lot, they can easily be trained not to.

Yorkshire Terriers may be more likely to deal with dental issues, eye issues, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, bladder stones, hypoglycaemia, Legg-Perthes disease, and pancreatitis. Additionally, because they are a small breed Yorkies can hurt themselves and break bones from jumping down or falling.

The Yorkshire Terrier needs to be groomed every day to reduce tangles in its coat caused by loose, shedded hair. Because they can brush below the surface, combs and pin brushes are ideal for brushing a Yorkie. However, if you come across a tangle instead of brushing it out, you should take is apart with your fingers and dog-safe conditioner. Grooming frequency will depend on the coat length you choose for your Yorkie. Yorkies with a long coat that falls above the floor (called a "show coat") will need more frequent grooming and trims than a Yorkie with a short coat.

Yorkies do best with 2 walks a day spanning 15-30 minutes each. This breed will need frequent physical and mental stimulation to use up its energy and avoid boredom. Yorkies enjoy being able to run around and chase toys so a fenced in outdoor area such as a dog park or yard is good for burning off this breed's energy. Due to their energy level and working dog past, these dogs also perform well in shows and agility competitions.