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Yorkshire Terrier > Yorkshire Terrier Breed Description

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Description

by Dogs.net on January 29, 2010

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Description

Yorkshire Terrier

An adorable member of the toy dog group, the Yorkshire Terrier is a mixture of England's finest terriers, made up of the Clydesdale terrier, English black and tan terrier, waterside terrier, and the Paisley terrier.

By the late 1800s, Yorkies had made their way to America but because there were so many variety of sizes, the Yorkshire Terrier did not make its exclusive name until the early 1900s.  It was at this point that the majority of dog enthusiasts deemed the smaller sized Yorkshire Terrier was preferable.

The temperament of this dog breed is that of a bold, confident, and courageous animal. And the Yorkshire Terrier seems to be oblivious to its small stature.  Always eager for fun and adventure, this dog can be a bit aggressive towards other small animals and strange canines. It definitely maintains that old rough-edged terrier spirit.

Upkeep And Maintenance

Like other toy dog breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier needs plenty of exercise but can get all of the physical activity it needs by running from room to room inside of the house or small apartment.  Of course this does not mean that the Yorkie should not be outside.  In fact, they love to take a brisk walk with their owner at any chance possible. Just be sure to keep your dog on leash to avoid problems with other small animals.

As far as living arrangements are concerned, the Yorkshire Terrier is not meant to live outdoors.  This dog breed prefers the companionship of its family and human contact.  If you must leave your Yorkie outside for any short period of time, just be sure that there is plenty of shelter and adequate bedding.

Yorkshire Terriers tend to grow very long hair.  Whether or not you decide to keep your dog with this style will determine grooming needs.  Most Yorkie owners keep their pets trimmed so that it only needs a thorough brushing three to four times per week.  Long hair will need to be looked after a little bit more often so that it does not tangle and mat.

Health Information

The Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of up to 16 years when raised in a positive environment by a health minded dog owner. Fortunately, the Yorkie has no major health concerns that we know of.  And the only minor health concern to look out for is patellar luxation. Veterinarians do suggest, however, that dog owners have their Yorkies specifically tested for eye problems, knee dysplasia, and have a liver ultrasound.

History

Yorkshire Terriers were named for the British city of the same name, but the dogs that become this breed also lived in Leeds and Manchester; these counties are in northern Britain. The progenitors were Scottish terriers that belonged to Scottish weavers, along with Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers. In the beginning they were working dogs that caught rats for weavers working in clothing mills. These dogs moved up later on to be owned by the upper crust of England.

General Looks

It is a long-haired terrier; its fur is silky. The fur is colored tan and blue and splits evenly from the head going down its back, thus, hanging perfectly straight along the dog's sides. It has a condensed body with attractive, symmetrical  proportions. It carries its head aloft; its general posture exudes confidence. It emanates rigorousness.

Is This Your Breed

Yorkshire Terriers are happy in various surroundings. They enjoy traveling and are excellent pets. They stay healthy with modest exercise and like companionship from their owner. They like responding back and forth with people. This dog's extended coat needs routine grooming.

Weight

Weight should be seven pounds or less.

Coat

The amount of the coat, its surface characteristics, and quality are of utmost priority. The fur should be shiny, satiny, and fine textured. Trimming to barely hit the floor, so the animal can move easily and look tidy is acceptable. The body fur must be completely straight and minimally long. The head fur falls longish, secured with one bow (in middle) or two bows (sides). Muzzle fur is lengthy. Fur covering ear tips is trimmed and feet fur can be trimmed too. This presents a tidy appearance.

Color

The pups are tan and black and usually a richer hue. The black fur intermixes with the tan before the pups are mature. For the adult Yorkie, the body's color, the deepness of the tan head fur and legs is a paramount priority. These expected colors are applicable: The blue is deep like steel; it isn't intermixed with fawn, black or bronze nor is it silver. Tan fur has darker roots, with middle paler than roots, and ends are even paler. No black or soot-like intermixing with tan fan is condoned.

The blue fur ranges the body going from the neck's back to the tail's root. The tail's fur is a richer blue, especially on the end of the tail. The head, muzzle, and ear roots are adorned with a deep gold-like tan, tan on head's sides are more intensely colored. The ear color is a vivid tan. No tan on neck's back.

The legs and chest are a vivid tan, which doesn't go passed the foreleg's elbow or higher than the stifle of back legs.
Personality

They are fond of their owners, but sometimes wary of strangers. They are energetic, but are best with  children old enough to understand their diminutive size.

Disqualifying Characteristics

•    No solid colors other than tan and blue.
•    No color combinations other than the ones depicted in color description.
•    A white spot on fore-chest of more than an inch.

Yorkshire Terrier video:

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