The
ultra long, fine, silky coat parts along
the spine and falls straight down on either
side. It is steal blue on the body and tail,
and tan elsewhere. Puppies are usually black
& tan. The tail is usually docked to
half its length. If the dogs are not for
showing, the owners usually go for the shaggy
look. The Yorkie has a flat head, medium-sized
length muzzle, a black nose, and regular
teeth. The eyes are extremely vivacious
and the ears are v-shaped, erect or semi-erect.
The tail is docked to medium-length and
is carried level with its back. Its limbs
are straight with round feet and black nails.
The hair on the head is so abundant that
it is almost always necessary to gather
it in a band to keep from going into the
dog's food bowl and to give the animal maximum
visibility. Some owners choose to trim the
hair on top of the head.
Temperament
The
Yorkshire Terrier seems oblivious of its
small size. It is ever eager for adventure
and trouble. This little dog is highly energetic,
brave, loyal and clever. Affectionate with
its master, but sometimes suspicious of
strangers. It can be aggressive to strange
dogs and small animals. In other words,
it has true Terrier heritage. They do best
with older, considerate children. Yorkies
are easy to train, although they can sometimes
be stubborn. The breed is demanding and
dependant and needs a lot of human attention.
The Yorkie is an excellent watchdog, defending
its territory in no uncertain manner. They
can get snappish if surprised, frightened
or over-teased, but are usually very sweet
and loving. They can be difficult to housebreak.
These little dogs should not be over-protected,
for they may become neurotic. The Yorkie
likes to bark, but it can easily be taught
not to do so.
Some
Yorkies are prone to bronchitis and early
tooth decay, poor tolerance of anaesthetic,
and delicate digestion. Exotic treats should
be avoided. They sometimes suffer paralysis
in the hindquarters caused by herniated
disks and other problems of the spine. Falls
or knocks can cause fractures of fragile
bones. Abnormal skull formations in Yorkies
measuring less then 8 inches (20cm). Bitches
often have trouble delivering. The very
tiny "teacup" Yorkies often have serious
health and behavioral problems. Be sure
to feed Yorkies dry food (canned food can
be added) to help keep their teeth clean
and strong. They should get their teeth
cleaned at the Vet to keep them from falling
out and creating infection.
Living
Conditions
The
Yorkie is a good dog for apartment life.
They are very active indoors and will do
okay without a yard. The Yorkie is sensitive
to the cold and prefers warm climates.
Exercise
These
are active little dogs, who need a daily
walk. Play will take care of a lot
of their exercise needs, however, as with
all breeds, it will not fulfill their primal
instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to
go on daily walks are more likely to display
behavior problems. They will also enjoy
a good romp in a safe open area off lead,
such as a large fenced in yard.
Life
Expectancy
About
12-15 years
Grooming
Regular
grooming is needed. A clipped coat needs
daily to weekly combing and brushing. Topknot
is usually tied back with ribbon. Full show
coats need hours of grooming. They should
have their teeth cleaned regularly. This
breed sheds little to no hair.
Origin
The
breed is only 100 years old or so, but its
origins are not entirely certain - probably
because the working men of north England,
who developed the Yorkshire Terrier for
catching the terrible rats that infested
the mine shafts and as a hunting dog that
could penetrate into badger and fox burrows,
avoided divulging the secret of their success
to those who might have cashed in on a lucrative
side line. However, it seems likely that
Scotsmen seeking work in the woolen mills
of Yorkshire brought with them various types
of terrier, including the Skye and the now
extinct Clydesdale. These were then crossed
with local types, such as the long- haired
Leeds Terrier. The Maltese, Black &
Tan Manchester, and Dandie Dinmont Terriers
may also have contributed blood lines. At
first, the Yorkie was a much bigger animal
than the one we see today, but by selectively
breeding the smallest individuals, the dog
was gradually miniaturized over the years.
They were made into a fashion dog. Women
carried these little dogs in their bags
and under their arms. The first Yorkshire,
with the characteristics demanded by its
standard today, appeared in a dog show in
1870.
