DOGS BY BREED :: YORKSHIRE TERRIER

Yorkies - Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier originates from England and was bred originally for hunting small vermin. Its 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 misspelled as Terrior.

Colors and Coat

The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is normally a shade of blue grey and their face, chest and feet are bright tan. The coat is normally long, fine and silky.

Potential Health Problems

All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Yorkshire Terrier, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Yorkshire Terrier can include:

  • Legge-Perthes, also called Legge-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease, is a disease of the hip joints of small breeds of dogs. The head of the femur (the ball part of the ball and socket) begins to die and disintegrate. This causes limping, pain, and eventually arthritis.
  • Patellar Luxation (The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place)

Grooming and Care

The Yorkshire Terrier requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Yorkshire Terrier dogs.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 - 15 years.

Age comparison between the Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed ( Yorkies) and a human

Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

If you are considering buying a Yorkie Teacup dog or Yorkie Teacup puppy it will almost certainly bring great you pleasure but caution must be adopted when purchasing a 'Teacup'. Remember that the diminutive size of Teacup Puppies have been achieved by selective breeding - and the price should not reflect a rare or special dog.

Toy Dog Breed Information

Dogs in the Toy Group, which include the Yorkie or Yorkshire Terrier, were initially developed to ease the lifestyle and provide pleasure to rich people. These dogs were initially owned by the wealthy and were viewed by others as status symbols - a luxury item with little apparent purpose. Dogs in other groups had specific working roles and played a major part in providing food for the table and therefore justified the cost of their upkeep and care - these were the dogs which were commonly owned by the lower classes. Changes in the economy, lifestyles, living conditions and the environment brought the luxury and pleasure of owning a toy breed dog, such as the Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkies), to everyone.

The Toy dogs which includes the Yorkshire Terrier - Yorkies are small and even diminutive in size. Toy dogs are generally easy care pets however some do not like young children and their fragility can be a concern in large families. They have a tendency toward yappiness. Toy dogs are loyal and intelligent and especially good at learning tricks.

Toy Dog Breed Duties

Characteristics and features of Toy Dogs, including the Yorkshire Terrier - Yorkie, have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Toy Group dogs had limited duties which included the following tasks were specifically utilised in Oriental and European Courts by royalty and the nobility:

  • Warmth - A dog's temperature is between 100.2-102.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Warmth - toy dogs sat on laps (hence the term 'lapdogs')
  • Warmth - toy dogs warmed beds in cold castles and palaces
  • Companionship
  • Status symbols