Yorkshire Terrier – A Complete Guide to this Adorable Breed
Yorkshire Terriers are a toy dog breed that originated in the 19th century in Yorkshire, England. They were originally bred for catching rats and mice in clothing mills but later became popular as companion dogs. Today, they are one of the most beloved breeds with their small size and adorable looks.
Physical Appearance:
These little dogs have an average height of 8-9 inches and can weigh up to 7 pounds. Their long silky coat is usually tan or blue with black markings on their head, legs, and tail. Their eyes are medium-sized and dark in color which gives them a lively expression. Other distinctive physical features include erect ears that stand straight up, a button nose, and a docked tail.
Variations:
One of the most attractive features of Yorkshire Terriers is their range of colors such as steel blue & tan, black & gold, golden tan or solid chocolate.
Temperament:
Despite its tiny size Yorkies have big personalities! They’re affectionate little dogs who love spending time around people making them perfect pets for elderly individuals looking for companionship or apartment dwellers who want an indoor pet to keep them company during lonely moments.
Their loyalty can sometimes lead to protectiveness which means Yorkies may bark at strangers until they’re sure there’s no danger however through socialization training it’s possible to ensure your pet greets visitors politely without being aggressive or overly anxious especially around children who tend not be aware when playing too rough so watchfulness may help prevent nips if play gets out hand .
Health Problems:
Like all purebred dogs Yorkies do suffer from some common health issues including eye problems like cataracts vision loss; hearing disorders; teeth decay due overcrowding obesity hypoglycemia collapsed trachea diseases affecting kidneys liver heart lungs among others. While many will live happily into old age past ten years old; some may only live to be five or six years of age. It’s important to consult a vet regularly and keep up with routine care in order to help prevent serious health issues from occurring.
Exercise:
Yorkies may be small but they still need plenty of exercise every day, especially when they’re young. Regular walks outside are perfect for burning off their energy whilst playing games at home can also suffice. A Yorkie’s daily exercise requirements will vary depending on their age, size, and activity level however thirty minutes walk per day is recommended.
Grooming Needs:
Yorkshire Terriers have an almost non-shedding coat that requires regular grooming in order to stay healthy & free from knots or matting . The breed’s long hair must be brushed several times a week which can be tiresome so hiring professional groomers who specialize specifically with this breed is best if you’re not confident enough to do it yourself .
Training:
The first step is house training your Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Crate-training makes the process more efficient as Yorkies tend not soil where they sleep.
Basic obedience training such as sit, down stay commands along with tricks like shake hands provide stimulation (both mentally physically) helping enhance their overall behaviour towards positive interaction reinforcement techniques always work better than punishment ensuring progress without undue stress. With proper training regiment your yorkie should grow into smart fun-loving lap dog within no time!
Compatibility with Children/Pets:
Though these dogs have big hearts there is little doubt that children must be aware and taught how to handle them gently & appropriately due small stature delicate nature avoiding any roughhousing aggressive play amongst other things If you own another pet make sure introductions are done carefully slowly supervised over period time
Personality Quirks:
These little dogs often think themselves bigger than they actually are! They often exhibit feisty personalities and aren’t afraid of putting themselves out there even in strange situations showing bravado despite being half the size of most people & other animals.
Famous Examples:
Yorkshire Terriers have been featured in a variety of movies, TV shows, and commercials over the years. One example is Toto from “The Wizard of Oz” who was played by a Yorkie named Terry! In addition to this, there are also many famous owners including Audrey Hepburn & Paris Hilton showcasing their furry friends on Instagram .
Conclusion:
Yorkshire Terriers may be small but they’re packed full of personality traits that make them one of the best dog breeds for both single-person households as well as families with kids. The breed’s adorable appearance combined with intelligence trainability will no doubt leave you feeling proud to be owned by such an amazing pet!