Yorkshire Terrier Breed Characteristics
Height
20 to 22 cm at the shoulder
Weight
4 to 6 pounds
Life Expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Black, gold, tan, blue
Yorkshire Terrier
Amiable, playful and charming
About the Yorkshire Terrier
Feisty, yet affectionate and glamorous, the Yorkshire Terrier commands attention. Though tiny in stature, Yorkies have a huge personality and are well loved as companions for apartment dwellers because they are happy to live in a relatively small space.
As pets, they cherish their owners and their families. They are usually a little cautious around strangers, but once they acclimate, they are quite friendly. With their stunning coats and sweet little faces, they often get a lot of attention, and are often seen as trophy dogs by the most sophisticated of pet owners.
They may have a tendency to guard fiercely when threatened, but if socialised and trained, Yorkies can get along well with other dogs and humans they interact with. Yorkies thrive among city dwellers and are perfect pets for people who don’t have a lot of time to get out.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Yorkshire Terrier, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
Rated 4 out of 5
Friendly with Kids
Rated 3 out of 5
Friendly with Dogs
Rated 3 out of 5
Ease of Grooming
Rated 2 out of 5
Exercise Needs
Rated 1 out of 5
Prey Drive
Rated 2 out of 5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Rated 3 out of 5
Good for Novice Owners
Rated 4 out of 5
Apartment Living
Rated 5 out of 5
Registered Yorkshire Terrier Breeders
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Yorkshire Terrier Breed History
The Yorkshire Terrier traces its lineage to the mid-19th century in Yorkshire, a northern English county. During the Industrial Revolution, Scottish immigrants brought their larger rat-hunting dogs to Yorkshire’s coal mines and factories. Over time, these dogs interbred with local terriers, birthing the Yorkshire Terrier.
Named in the latter half of the 19th century, the breed surged in popularity through Huddersfield Ben, a show dog born in 1865, hailed as the father of modern Yorkies. Victorian noblewomen quickly embraced the breed’s allure, and the Yorkshire Terrier became a fixture of high society.
Caring For a Yorkshire Terrier
- Temperament: Yorkshire Terriers can be gentle and playful with their families but brave and tough when outdoors.
- Grooming: Yorkies possess fine hair, akin to human hair. Owners must become familiar with the grooming routine, which includes frequent brushing, trimming to thwart tangles, and regular baths and conditioning.
- Exercise: Despite their high energy levels, their small size means that even indoor walking suffices as exercise. Two 10 to 20-minute outdoor walks are usually enough to meet their needs.
- Nutrition: Adult Yorkshire Terriers require around ½ to ¾ cup of dry dog food daily, while puppies need about half that amount. Consult your vet for precise dietary guidance.
- Training: Yorkshire Terriers, though intelligent and clever, have a tendency to be stubborn. Training should hinge on rewards to instil desired behaviour.
How to Choose a Responsible Yorkshire Terrier Breeder
To prevent inherited health problems, acquire your Yorkshire Terrier puppy from a responsible breeder. Given their fragility, your Yorkie’s health is paramount. Inquire whether the breeder performs health checks on their breeding animals and understand their breeding program goals.
When seeking a Yorkshire Terrier, ask to meet the dam and stud. The parents’ temperament significantly shapes your puppy’s disposition.
Yorkshire Terrier FAQ
Can Yorkshire Terriers be left alone throughout the day?
No. They’re companion dogs through and through, despite being hunting dogs in the past. Thankfully, they’re very portable dogs and you can usually bring them along for any errands.
Do Yorkshire Terriers make good watchdogs?
Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can make good watchdogs as they won’t hesitate to sound the alarm if a stranger enters their territory.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Yorkshire Terrier
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
