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Yorkshire TerrierYorkie

Family: Canidae

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"Bo"Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

     Originally bred to kill rats, the Yorkshire Terrier has a fearless disposition, acting like a very big dog but in a very small body.

    Yorkies are brave, energetic, and affectionate. They are often protective of their masters, and they are great watchdogs. They are good with older children and other pets as long as they are familiar with them. Yorkies are best suited to indoor living, and they do well in small spaces such as apartments. When selecting a Yorkie, watch for signs of partial paralysis and tooth problems.

Common Name(s)     Yorkshire Terrier, Yorkie

Breed Type     The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed. Originally bred to kill rats, the Yorkie is now a favorite house dog. They are best suited to warm climates.

Background     The Yorkshire Terrier is a fairly young breed. Originally from northern England, the Yorkie may have Clydesdale and Skye Terriers, and perhaps Maltese, in its bloodlines. The breed made its way to the United States in the late nineteenth century, quickly becoming a favorite breed. Hybrids include Morkies (Maltese and Yorkie mix) and Yorkie-Poos (Poodle and Yorkie mix).

Description     Yorkies are black and tan as puppies, turning steel blue and tan at maturity. They have long, fine, straight hair, a medium muzzle, and v-shaped ears. Average weight is 7 pounds, and average height 6-7 inches.

Care and Feeding     Yorkies should ideally eat mostly dry food, although they can have some canned food mixed in with it. They enjoy and thrive on beef, horse meat, and wheat. Red fish and soy are not recommended for this breed.
    Yorkshire Terriers need lots of grooming. They should be brushed at least once a week, and preferably once a day. The coat may be clipped to make grooming easier. Teeth require brushing and special attention. The Yorkie's tail is usually docked to medium length shortly after birth.
    Yorkies need annual health and dental checkups. Vaccinations should be administered as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

    Yorkies may have respiratory difficulties, but frequent cleaning of the dog's living space can help prevent them. The breed sheds very little, so they are not difficult to clean up after.

Housing Your Dog     Yorkies are best suited to indoor living, and they do well in small spaces such as apartments. They do not require a large yard. Warm climates are best for Yorkies. They enjoy playing with small dog toys.

Social Behaviors     Yorkies are good with other dogs as well as other types of pets as long as it is familiar with them. It may be aggressive with unfamiliar animals and suspicious of strange people. They get along well with older children.

Handling and Training     Yorkshire Terriers are very smart, and they generally respond well to training, learning new commands quickly. They can be stubborn, however, and this must be dealt with somewhat firmly. They may be difficult to housebreak.

Activities     Yorkies do not require as much exercise as some dogs, but they do need daily walks. They enjoy playing, and should be given the opportunity to do so regularly.

Breeding/Reproduction     Although the Yorkie is prone to some health problems, most are not genetic. Lineage should be considered, however, when looking for mates. Females frequently have trouble delivering their young.

Common Health Problems     Bronchitis and digestive difficulties are among the most common ailments in Yorkies. These can be treated with medication and changes in diet, respectively. Yorkies may also experience spine problems or fractures due to their fragility.

Availability     Yorkie breeders are abundant, thanks to the breed's great popularity. Prices vary greatly, averaging between $500 and $1,500, with some dogs selling for over $2,000.

References "Yorkshire Terrier", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"Yorkshire Terrier", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Yorkshire Terrier", Referenced online, 2008
"Yorkshire Terrier Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008

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Latest Comments
My daughter purchased a yorkie about a year ago. He is such a joy and a very precious little dog. He knows that he is a very important part of our family and is treated as such. Cotton is his name and he is, or think he is, a big dog. Talking about protective, he is so protective. We thought we couldn't love a tiny dog but when he came home it was love at first sight. I call him my little grandpuppy (grandson) :). A very good dog and a very special part of our lives. rose 2008-06-05

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