Yorkshire Terrier, popularly known as “Yorkie,” is the most popular dog breed in many cities of the United States due to their big town attitude packed into a small package of 7 pounds. They have very long human-like hair and bring a lot of laughter and joy to their owner’s life. They are so playful that formerly people used to refer to them as Toy Terriers.
Origin and History of Yorkshire Terrier
This cute little dog breed earned its name from the region of England where they first originated. Yorkshire, England was the central point of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1800s. During this era, some miners from Scotland traveled to England along with their small dogs known as Broken Haired Scotch Terriers. The Yorkshire Terriers today are the successors of these Scottish dogs.
Though breeders are not sure about which dog breed is the true ancestor of modern Yorkshire Terriers, many believe that three Terriers named Skye, Paisley, and Clydesdale started it all.
Personality and temperament of Yorkshire Terrier
Many view Yorkshire Terrier as a delicate dog who loves cuddling but some also view him as vigorous. Yorkies are generally full of life and have excellent physical and mental abilities. They are curious little beings and love are always running around checking things out.
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Yorkshire Terriers exhibit a very possessive nature when it comes to their food and toys.
Pros and Cons. of Yorkshire Terrier
Buying a puppy can be very exciting, but it is always wise to consider all the pros and cons of the breed that you are thinking about welcoming in your family. Following are some of the highs and lows of owning a Yorkshire Terrier:
- If you are a dog lover who is living in a small apartment, then Yorkshire Terrier is an ideal choice for you due to their small size. The average Yorkie is only about six or seven inches tall and weighs around 7 pounds.
- Unlike many other dog breeds, Yorkies don’t shed a lot and are a perfect choice for people with allergies.
- A Yorkie will love to spend a lazy afternoon with you cuddling up in your lap as these dogs don’t require as much exercise or physical activity as other dog breeds.
- If you are looking for a pet who will show just as much affection for you as you will for him, then Yorkie is everything you need. Yorkie cherish every moment that they spend with their owner and crave for human interaction.
- Yorkshire Terriers can also serve as perfect watchdogs, and despite their cute little size, they can be fearless and courageous too.
- This dog breed is very protective of kids and can adjust well in a family with many kids in the house.
- Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy, and they don’t come with any serious health concerns. The only health issue that you may have to worry about is the premature loss of teeth, and you can avoid that by giving them proper dental care.
- Yorkshire Terrier is easy to train and will love to play games like Fetch and Flyball. It is essential to start teaching your Yorkie at a younger age as he may become a bit stubborn as he will grow older.
Physical Appearance of Yorkshire Terrier
A Yorkshire Terrier comes with a coat of long, straight and silky hair and is usually gold or tan in color with a blue saddle. They are small puppies, weighing no more than 7 pounds and have a small and flat head.
Yorkies come with a black nose, small and erect ears and a tail that is docked and higher than their back.
Taking Care of Yorkshire Terrier
- Yorkshire Terriers don’t require as to the as the other dog breeds do, but you will still have to take them out for a walk on a regular basis to help them vent their energy.
- Yorkshire Terriers are more comfortable to train when they are puppies because as they grow older, they may become a bit stubborn. You will have to be very patient and consistent with them.
- To keep your Yorkie healthy, you will have to feed him a protein-rich diet like fish, chicken or turkey.
- Yorkshire Terriers require little difficult because if you do not trim their hair in time, it may cause difficulties while walking.
- Yorkshire Terriers can easily adjust in small apartments, but you should never leave them alone for too long as during the is very crucial for them.
Health Concerns of Yorkshire Terrier
Hypoglycemia– Yorkshire Terriers can suffer from hypoglycemia where their blood sugar level becomes abnormally low. This disease is more common in puppies, but adults with liver diseases can suffer from hypoglycemia as well. Hypoglycemia can cause the dog to become very weak and can lead to potential drowsiness and fainting as well.
Legg-Perthes Disease– This genetic disease causes hip joint problems in Yorkies leading to deformation of the joint. This condition occurs because of the lack of blood supply to the joint which causes it to lose its strength.
Liver Shunt– This genetic disease affects the liver’s ability to clean the blood properly, and this unfiltered blood flows to all the other parts of the body. Liver Shuntoccurs because of a portal vein deformity which blocks the blood supply to the liver. A Yorkie suffering from this disease may go through behavioral changes and severe weight loss. Yorkies suffering from Liver Shunt should be given food according to the Vet’s advice.
Buying a Yorkshire Terrier puppy
Yorkshire Terriers are a bit more expensive as compared to other dog breeds, and on average a Yorkie puppy may cost from $800 to $10,000. If you think you are ready to welcome a Yorkie in your house, you will have to:
- Learn all about their temperament and personality.
- Start looking for are susceptible breeder in your area.
- Tell the breeder you picked all a bit that you will like your new puppy to have.
- Ask the breeder to give you the to the of the parents and make sure that they are healthy.
- Examine all the puppies one by one
andpick the one who best suits your needs.
FAQS
On average, how tall is a Yorkshire Terrier?
The average height of a Yorkie is about 7-8 inches.
What colors do Yorkies usually come in?
According to many breeders, Yorkies are either tan with a blue saddle or gold with a blue saddle.
Do Yorkies require a lot of grooming?
Yes, you will regularly have to comb and trim the Yorkie’s hair to avoid tangles especially on their face and behind their ears.
What is the typical lifespan of a Yorkie?
The typical lifespan of this dog breed is 12-15 years.
Do Yorkshire Terriers bark a lot?
Yorkshire Terriers don’t usually bark a lot, but if you leave them alone for too long, they will bark out of separation anxiety.
Also, read about the Cavachon dog
Picture Credits: Pixabay.com
