Yorkshire terriersThe Second Most Popular breed in America

By: Mara Spector

Description• The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy sized dog. The small head is rather flat on

the top, with a medium sized muzzle. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The nose is black. The medium sized eyes are dark with dark eye rims. The erect ears are V-shaped. All four legs are straight when viewed from the front. The round feet have black toenails. Dewclaws are usually removed. The tail is customarily docked to a medium length and carried somewhat higher than the back. Note: it is illegal to dock tails in most parts of Europe. The long glossy coat is fine and silky and falls straight down on either side. Coat colors come in a steal blue and tan color. The body and tail are blue and the rest of the dog is tan. Puppies are brown black and tan. The hair on the head is so abundant that it is almost always necessary to gather it in a band to keep from going into the dog's food bowl and to give the animal maximum visibility. Some owners choose to trim the hair on top of the head.

• Yorkies are also hypoallergenic

Temperament• Yorkshire Terriers seem oblivious of their small size. They are

very eager for adventure. This little dog is highly energetic, brave, loyal and clever. They can also become yappy, as the dog does their best to tell you what THEY want YOU to do. They have a true terrier heritage and need someone who understands how to be their leader. They are often only recommended for older, considerate children, simply because they are so small, most people allow them to get away with bad behavior. This changes the dogs temperament, as the dog starts to take over the house. Yorkies are easy to train, although they can sometimes be stubborn if owners do not give the dog proper boundaries. The Yorkie is an excellent watchdog. Yorkshire Terrier are very sweet and loving and can be trusted with children.

Statistics

• Height: 6-7 inches (15-17½cm.)Weight: 7 pounds (3.2kg.)

• Life Span: About 12-15 years

Common Health Problems

• Some Yorkies are prone to slipped stifle, bronchitis, eye infections, and early tooth decay, poor tolerance of anesthetic, and delicate digestion. Exotic treats should be avoided. They sometimes suffer paralysis in the hindquarters caused by herniated disks and other problems of the spine. Falls or knocks can cause fractures of fragile bones. Abnormal skull formations in Yorkies measuring less then 8 inches (20cm). Dams often have trouble delivering puppies and sometimes need to have a cesarean. Be sure to feed Yorkies some type of dry food or bone to chew on to help keep their teeth clean and strong. They should get their teeth cleaned at the Vet to keep them from falling out and creating infection.

Exercise

• Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, it will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.

Grooming

• Regular grooming is needed. A clipped coat needs daily to weekly combing and brushing. Topknot is usually tied back with ribbon. Full show coats need hours of grooming and pet owners usually choose to clip them short giving them a shaggy look. They should have their teeth cleaned regularly. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Group

• Terrier, AKC Toy

White Yorkies

Yorkie

Teacup Yorkie

White Teacup Yorkie

Bichon Yorkie

Biewer Yorkie

Male or Female?

• Male and female Yorkies have different characters. It is important to know about their unique personalities to make a decision.

Female• Female Yorkies are affectionate, but on a different level to a male Yorkie.

They enjoy lap attention and plenty of fussing. A female Yorkie will almost demand petting and then once she has had enough she will get up and leave. This is a show of her independence.

• It is said that females also show more intelligence and are more focused when it comes to training. Thus, succeeding quicker than their male counterparts.

• However, they can be manipulative in order to get their own way, even though they will not openly compete in power struggles of any kind. Their cleverness in situations will lead them to be the victor at the end of the day.

• The female Yorkshire Terrier is also known to have remarkable mood swings. They can be sweet and playful one day and shy, grumpy and reclusive the next.

Male• Male Yorkshire terriers are more sociable dogs. They do not tend to

shy away from visitors and like their presence to be known, and sometimes felt, straight away. They enjoy playing on a more regular basis and do so with a great appetite for fun.

• Their mood does not fluctuate as much as their female companions but they will be more of a challenge in the house. Many male Yorkies have the tendency to impose their dominance in the house. Some simple housetraining will solve this.

• The most off putting male yorkie trait is their love of 'marking their spot'. During their formative years male Yorkies mark their territory by spraying their urine on virtually every upright object available, both inside and outside the house. This can be very annoying but trying litter training could be very helpful.

Yorkies and other Dogs

• Speaking from our experience with our Yorkshire terrier Harry, they will normally not have any problems accepting other pets. Being a terrier it will naturally want to check out any other animal it is unsure of, but this is due mostly to curiosity.

• When it comes to Yorkshire terriers and other breeds of dogs, they are smart dogs and will normally recognize the dominance of a larger dog. It is very likely that they will establish good relationships with other dog breeds.

• When Harry came into the house he met Tasha (black labrador) and they get along just fine.

Cute Names

• Male• Bailey• Elmo• Mugsy• Nacho• Ninja• Ollie• Peewee

• Female• Tinkerbell• Ella• Brownie• Ivy• Lacey• Lulu• Minnie

Cost

• It can cost anywhere from $500-3,000 for a Yorkie. It depends on if their parents were show dogs.

• Be careful. If the puppies are under $500 they could be mutts they are selling as Yorkies.

• If the Yorkie is bought from a good breeder the price might include neutering, some training, shots, etc.

Cost

• Dog license• Food• Grooming• Veterinarian care

CostMiscellaneous Items

Leash, collar, I.d. tags

Dog shampoo, comb, and brush

Clothing and boots (for cold weather)*

Toys and treats

bed

crate

Etc.

* Yorkies are better adjusted to warm weather. The clothes will help them become used to the cold winters.

Why a Yorkie?

• They’re so cute!• They are good for mature and older children

(me and Mason)• They get along well with other pets• They are loving• Lily hates me and the yorkie will love me• They make great family pets!

Thank you for Watching!

Sources

• http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/yorkshireterrier.htm

• Google Pictures• http://

www.all-about-yorkshire-terriers.com/maleorfemaleyorkshireterrier.html