The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie or Yorkie, is a beautiful companion dog, very intelligent and docile. Its small dimensions (the breed’s dogs are less than 20 cm!) and easy adaptation make it ideal for both owners who live alone and for homes with large families and children. Smart and playful, the Yorkie also acts as a guard dog, warning of strange presences and noises.
The personality of this breed requires a leader who imposes rules and gives commands in a firm voice – or else he will start to present inappropriate behaviors, such as, for example, pulling the leash during the walk, going to unauthorized areas of the house and peeing and pooping. in the wrong place.
Origin: England
Weight: 2-3 kg
Height: 18-20cm
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Story
The Yorkshire terrier we know today was bred in the city of Yorkshire, in the midst of the Industrial Revolution. The breed is the result of mixing other terriers, many of them from Scotland, accompanying their owners, who sought employment in factories and mills. The origins of this breed go back to the extinct waterside terrier, formed by crosses between the black-and-tan english terrier, the paisley terrier and the clydesdale terrier.
Like their terrier counterparts, the Yorkshire Terrier was of great importance in the city and in the countryside. He contributed to the hunting of rats and insects, which spread disease and attacked food stocks. In addition to these, small animals such as rabbits and squirrels could be hunted – a reinforcement in the families’ diet. The breed was officially recognized as a Yorkshire terrier by the British Kennel Club in 1874.
Characteristics
Yorkshire breed colors
Yorkshire terrier puppies usually have brown, black and tan fur, but when they grow up they show beautiful shades of black and gold, black and tan, steel blue and gold or steel blue and brown. An interesting detail is that brown hairs are darker at the root and lighten towards the ends.
Yorkshire Terrier with children, strangers and other animals
The breed is perfect for homes with children because the Yorkshire Terrier is docile and loves to play. With strangers, first he gives the warning. Once he realizes that he is a friendly presence, he will show the joy of making a new friend. The same goes for other dogs and even cats.
Does the yorkie bark a lot?
The yorkie is very loyal to the owner and likes to alert him when something different happens, like a noise, for example. Therefore, he can also be considered a guard dog. Since many things can be new to a dog, including a neighbor’s voice, barking can be frequent and, if it becomes a problem, a little training can help alleviate the problem.
Are Yorkies Destroyers?
The younger, the more energy the Yorkshire Terrier has. Like all races, he becomes calmer in old age, but during his youth it is necessary to keep him entertained. Play and training help keep furniture and objects in the house safe. Otherwise, the dog will chew, bite, bark and dig for distraction.
Is the yorkie fussy?
As the Yorkie loves to be held, but is also enthusiastic and full of energy, ideally, he has activities to keep himself busy. He’ll be alone for hours on end, but watch the availability of water and make sure there are no wires, cleaning products, or other dangerous objects within reach before he leaves.
care
– Nails: The nails of this breed grow fast and must be trimmed twice a month. If you don’t have the experience and the proper tool to keep them trimmed, learn to cut your nails or leave the task to qualified professionals.
– Ears: should be checked regularly so that there is no accumulation of wax or dirt, which causes infections.
Health
Some health problems can happen to the Yorkshire Terrier, despite being a generally healthy breed. Some care is necessary to keep the yorkie’s health up to date. Check out the main ones:
– Yorkshire size: The Yorkshire terrier is small and delicate. Avoid jerking (stopping or pulling the leash abruptly) with the leash when walking and playing games that involve physical strength consistent with your size.
– Teeth: daily brushing reduces the formation of tartar and the consequent fall and premature breakage of teeth.
– Knees : as the yorkie has a lot of energy, he can suffer from patella luxation (displacement of the knee bone, also known as kneecap).
– Eyes : the breed has a tendency to develop eye infections, so it is important to be aware.
