Origin: United Kingdom (England)
Origin of Name: The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dog breeds of the terrier type.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the northern English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in the mid-1800s. At the end of Victorian times it became a fashionable lapdog for proper English women, but its beginnings were uniquely labor-class.
The breed is said to be the creation of Scottish weavers who migrated to the English North Country and brought their Scottish terrier with them. (We stop here to distinguish between Scottish terriers, ie the special breed designated as the Scottish terrier and the Scottish terrier.) Many of the now extinct Scottish terrier breeds are part of the genetic mix of Yorkies, as well as such still skies And the current terrier as Dandy Dinmont. A historical source suggests the addition of Maltese blood.
Scots weavers were proud of their tough little terriers, small enough to squeeze into the nooks and cranes of textile mills in search of rodents. Jokes were made about Yorkie's long, silky coat, stating that its thinly textured hair was the product of the loom. York's home territory was a center for mining as well as cloth-making, and many Yorkies were employed as exterminators in coal mines.
The turning point in the breed's history came in 1886, when the Kennel Club (England) granted Yorkie recognition. With this splash of hype, Yorkie became fashionable as a companion to women. And, as Yorkie's popularity grew among fashion, she was reduced in size to better cater to her new job description: adorable, entertaining companions sitting on the lap of luxury.
Yorkies were first seen in America in the 1870s, and the AKC recorded their first Yorkie, a woman named Belle, in 1885.
The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is very similar to human hair and should be treated accordingly. If the coat is kept long, it needs to be brushed daily. To avoid eye irritation, the upper head hair should be cut short or pulled into a top knot. Yorkies will need a bath every week. Check the ears weekly for any debris or signs of infection. The breed's national parent club, the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, offers detailed grooming and bathing instructions on its website.
Yorkies love their owners, and are very intelligent and eager to please. Effectively praising and behaving for good behavior will work far better than the drastic reforms with Yorkie. Starting at an early age, Yorkies should be socialized for awkward situations, people and other dogs. Take her slowly to new situations, and always in a calm and happy atmosphere. These should be positive experiences. Despite their small size, Yorkies can participate and excel in canine activities such as rally, agility and obedience, and many Yorkies work in roles such as medical work with their human partners.
Small dogs also need exercise to be mentally and physically healthy. Yorkies would benefit from both moderate exercise, such as walking at a steady pace with their boss, as well as occasional short bursts of activity, such as chasing a tennis ball in the backyard. A short walk twice a day will be enough for your Yorkies to see new scenes and burn off energy. Participating in dog sports such as obedience or agility will provide a beneficial activity to keep him healthy as well as challenge his mind.
Yorkshire Terriers should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Yorkshire terriers are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders examined their stock for health conditions such as eye anomalies and luxating patella, a dislocated knee once called a ""gait knee"" in humans. To help avoid the latter, care must be taken to limit Yorkie's jumping height, especially as a puppy.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: