Yorkshire Terrier: Brief Information

Breed Information

The Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, originated from Scotland but bred in England. They were molded to hunt rats, but nowadays they are popular as pets.

They usually grow to be small and light varieties. Hence, owners do not mind having their pets on their lap almost all day. Mor over, this usual bonding activity usually transforms this lapdog into a bright, playful, and loyal companion pet.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would love to know about Yorkies

Category: Toy (Terrier)

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: silky, glossy, long and beautiful; no undercoat

Colors: black when young but they attain the colors tan and blue as they mature
Height: between 8 and 9 inches

Weight: between 3 and 7 pounds

Temperament

Naturally, they are : territorial and like their privacy to be respected, intelligent and fearless, assertive and independent

When properly trained, they: develop a close affinity with older children, become playful and lively, extremely affectionate, do not mind having other pets at home, focus much of their attention and affection toward their owner

Breeders should note of the following health issues

Alopecia, or losing hair; Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eye; Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum; Dwarfism; Entropion, a disorder with the eyelid; lashes on the eyelid that irritate the eyeballs could lead to other complications; Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increased pressure within the eye; Hydrocephalus; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or the reduction of tear production; Low blood sugar; Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap; Portosystemic shunt, or the accumulation of blood toxins in the liver; Urolithiasis, an infection of the urinary tract leading to the formation of bladder stones.

Care and Exercise:

They require daily grooming.; Ears and eyes must be cleaned and checked regularly; Dental hygiene must be regularly maintained; They are fit only for short strides; Yorkie should have regular play time while lying under the sunbeams, chasing shadows, and joining tug-of-war.