Yorkshire Terrier - Dog Breed Guide

Breed summary

Size: Small

Weight: 3 to 7 pounds

Height: 7 to 9 inches

Longevity: 15

Bark Tendency: High

Aggression: Medium

Compatibility to other pets: High

Adopt a Yorkshire Terrier, Dog Breed Guide

Introduction

In 1995, the Guinness World Records awarded one Yorkshire Terrier the title “The World’s Smallest Dog”. The Yorkie’s name was Big Boss who was just 4.7 inches tall only 5.1 inches long when he hit his first birthday.

Official Name

Yorkshire Terrier

Origin

Date – Officially named and recognized as a purebred in 1870
Country – England
Family / Group: Companion, Toy

History

The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed or fondly called Yorkies originated in Yorkshire, England and was officially named as a breed in the year 1870. They were bred and developed to be efficient rat hunters in Yorkshire’s cotton mills and mining projects. During the Victorian Era, these ratters became a fashionable companion. Yorkies were originally called broken-haired Scotch Terriers that have links to various terrier breeds. Yorkies are believed to be the descendants of several dogs including Old English Black and Tans, Rough Coated English, Waterside and Glysdale, all of which are terriers are native to the British Isles.

Personality

Yorkies are true blue terriers. They are small scrappy dogs that display courage and will often be assertive. They are well behaved and will get along with children, other dogs and other pets. They are also known to be nippy and a bit demanding.

Bred For

These dogs were originally bred as a ratter. Today they are mostly bred to be companions.

Environment

Yorkies are great apartment pets. They can adapt to most living environments including city, rural and suburban areas.

Grooming

Yorkies require special attention when it comes to grooming their long silky and glossy coat.

Training

Like most terriers, Yorkies can be a bit hard to train. Patience and persistence is the key.

Health

Yorkies are dogs known to have a liver shunt, luxating patellas, hypoglycemia and Legg-Perthes disease. They are also prone to various dental problems.