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Old 10-11-2009, 12:14 PM   #1
Moose1215
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Location: Michigan
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Default Yorkshire Terrier Facts

Owner's Guide

Because they're so tiny and have such splendid coats, many people think Yorkshire Terriers
are delicate dogs. Actually, it's better not to baby these dogs too much. Excessive pampering confuses them. Common sense care must be taken because of their size, but Yorkies are little terriers. That means they love to play and investigate. They are bundles of energy as puppies, though older Yorkies can be quiet and settled.
In nineteenth century Yorkshire, England, the dog caught rats for workers in clothing mills. The breed's coat was so beautiful that people said the mill workers must have spun their coats in the factories. Later in the nineteenth century, the Yorkie was discovered by high society, and he became the widely loved family companion he is today.
The Yorkie's coat is always blue and tan. The body is mostly blue, darker at the tail. The hair on the top of the head is called the "headfall." It should be a golden tan color. The tan is darker on the sides of the face, chest, and parts of legs. The Yorkie's long coat needs to be brushed every day so it won't get matted. It needs shampooing once a week and some trimming.


Yorkshire Terrier Personality

While these dogs are quite tiny, they don't seem to be aware of that fact. Yorkies have true Terrier temperaments and therefore have the heart of a lion. Yorkies are very adventurous, will chase anything that resembles a rodent, and are known to be prolific climbers to the point of scaling four foot high chain link fences.
To their human companions, the Yorkshire Terrier is very affectionate and devoted, enjoying many hours spent snuggling or in play. However, their treatment of other dogs, whether of their own breed or another, can be a little aggressive. Yorkies are highly territorial as many Terriers can be, and will scrap to defend anything they perceive as one of their possessions. This inclination varies in strength for each individual, but is a mainstay of the breed's temperament. This territorial nature leads to more barking than some other breeds.
While Yorkshire Terriers make wonderful pets for adults and older children, their physical delicacy does not make them ideal for young children who may accidentally injure their pets without meaning to.

Trainability

Because the Yorkshire Terrier is highly territorial, there is a greater tendency to mark their territory, which means they may sprinkle around the house. Once this behavior begins, it is extremely hard to curb. Great diligence is required for potty training, with males being a little more difficult than females. It is a good idea to provide a spot for newspaper or Wee Wee Pads.
Yorkies are also very intelligent, and can quickly learn to do anything they actually want to do, so obedience training and agility training are both terrific options for owners and dogs to pursue. The sight of a Yorkie flying over a jump is truly a sight to behold.

Grooming

Yorkies require a good deal of grooming if you intend to keep them in long coat. Even though the coat is long, it does not carry the type of thick undercoat that a Shih Tzu has, so matting is minimal. A weekly bath and brushing every other day will keep them in decent condition. The hair on the head should be tied up out of the dog's eyes with a small rubber band. A bow is not required, but is part of the fun of owning one of these glamorous little canines. Keep the hair around the feet and anus trimmed.
Yorkies can be kept in a shorter trim, much like a puppy coat, eliminating the need for a top knot. Keep toe nails short, and remember to check nails on the dew claws if they haven't been removed. The coat tends to hide them, and they can grow around and into the Yorkie's pads if forgotten.

Health Concerns

Yorkies are generally robust little dogs, but the breed has experienced a rise in certain health disorders. Congential Liver Shunts, Hypothyroidism, and Renal Displaysia are the main problems facing the breed today, though diligent breeders are working hard to identify afflicted dogs in their kennels and eliminate them from their breeding programs.
Because of the tiny size of their lungs, Yorkies are also not terrific candidates for anesthesia and must be carefully monitored.


Miscellaneous Facts


The average life span of a Yorkshire Terrier is twelve to fifteen years.
Average litter size is two to three puppies.
Average price for a pet puppy is approximately $700+.
The Yorkshire Terrier originates from England and was bred originally for hunting small vermin. It's origins can be dated back to the 1800's. This dog is classified as one of the Toy Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Yorkshire Terrier was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1936. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to as the Yorkie or Yorkies. The word Terrier is often mis-spelt as Terrior.




I Hope this helps for people who need this information! If you need more information about yorkies, or any dog breed, just pm me, and i'll give you about everything about that breed!



Thanks,
-Paige
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