Yorkshire Terrier
If you want a small dog with a big heart, then don't go beyond than Yorkshire Terrier. They are cuddly, perky and outgoing, and is one of the best apartment dogs you can ever find.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
15-17 cm
2-4 kg
13-16 years
Yorkshire, England
pure
toy
Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier is one of the feisty dogs which is around today. They are courageous dogs despite being small and is always eager to play alongside their owners. These dogs want a lot of attention and is ideal companions for those who like to dote on their dog. Yorkshire Terriers are also excellent watchdogs who will alert you once they notice anything suspicious around them. Though they are affectionate, they can be snappy towards children especially when they are not treated gently and respectfully. Yorkshire Terriers have also this tendency to bark a lot and you can decrease this behaviour by training them, although they can be a bit stubborn initially.
Coat
With long, fine and silky hair, the Yorkshire has a steel-blue and brown (golden) coat that varies from darkest at the root to lighter at the tips. The puppies of the breed, however, are born with black and brown fur that lighten as the animal grows. From the back of their head to the tip of their tail, their hair has a dark steel blue, which is sometimes described as the blue of a rifle barrel. The head of a Yorkshire Terrier is usually bright gold and not reddish, with tan hairs that are darker at the roots than at the ends. Also, their hair is slightly darker at the base of the ears and on the muzzle. This dog has a tan on their head that doesn't extend past their ears and no black hairs are mixed with the tan. It needs regular brushing, although the Yorkshire Terrier doesn't shed a lot.
Pet Profile
Best Food For Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier need a nutritious diet to keep up excellent health and well being. Speaking of ingredients, they require good protein in their diet to preserve muscle mass and adequate fat content to boost their skin and coat health. They also need good amount of vitamins and minerals in their diet to keep up excellent immunity in the dogs as well. When it comes to feeding amount, puppies need a higher calorie content than their adult counterparts to support their overall growth and development. You can consider free-feeding the puppies as they are slow eaters, and prefer to eat at their own convenience. As a thumb rule, 4 times a day would be enough for the puppies. However, you may want to replace their diet quickly so that your doggos don't eat stale foods. Once your Yorkshire Terrier cross the age of 1, you can consider feeding them 3 times a day.
Grooming Your Yorkshire Terrier
When it comes to grooming your Yorkshire Terrier, there are certain things to understand. Firstly, these dogs have a longer hair and therefore need regular brushing to prevent tangling and matting of the hair. Secondly, you need to inspect their coat regularly for preventing skin infections. Coming to brushing, a dematting comb and a pin brush are ideal for removing dead hair and also to eliminate dirt as well as dander. Before combing, spray the coat with water in order to moist them thoroughly which makes it easier for you as well. When it comes to bathing, it is recommended that they are bathed once in a week. Also, you need to use a high quality shampoo to keep their skin and coat soft as well as shiny. Lastly, paw care is also essential for Yorkshire Terriers as this breed has sensitive paws. Trim their nails regularly and and check their paws for any foreign objects, so that they don't get hurt while walking.
Taking Care of a Yorkshire Terrier
They need regular weekly baths and daily brushing. You should also pay close attention to your teeth, brushing them daily to avoid problems such as gingivitis and plaque buildup (tartar). Because it has a very delicate stomach, the Yorkshire Terrier can have gastrointestinal problems more easily, so it is important to maintain a balanced diet using quality products. The right food will also ensure that the animal is always shiny and silky, as it should be. The Yorkshire does not tolerate too much cold or too much heat and is a breed that should not be left outside, in the yard, for example. They are puppies to be kept indoors, which does not exclude the fact that they need outdoor exercise, with stimulating play and whenever possible interaction with other people and animals.
History of Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire appeared in the city of the same name in England around the year 1800. It is believed that the breed was created by peasants to assist in hunting rodents (since its size allowed easy access to burrows). Through the crossing of several other terriers and also the Maltese, the Yorkshire terriers emerged. Around 1880 the breed arrived in America, but the diversity of sizes caused some confusion and it was only in 1900 that an agreement was reached, deciding that the smallest dog would be considered the breed standard. Today the Yorkshire Terrier is a very popular dog around the world and, ironically, they come in different sizes.