Dog Profiles

The Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) is a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of the body. The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the world's smallest dogs and should not exceed 7 lbs in weight. The Yorkshire Terrier may be tiny but is a big-dog in a little-dog package. A newborn Yorkshire Terrier is born black in color with tan on the eyebrow, jaws, chest and feet. They are fully mature in two years. The Yorkshire Terrier is compact in size, sweet in nature and cheerful in character.


Height: 6 - 9 in.
Weight: 3 - 7 lb.

Color: Dark steel blue from back of head to root of their tail. Face, chest and feet are bright tan.
Coat: Glossy, fine and silky.

Temperament: The Yorkshire Terrier is intelligent, confident, affectionate, lively, brave and spirited.
With Children: Yes, does best with an only child and no roughhousing or hectic activity.
With Pets: Yes, the Yorkshire Terrier should be even tempered and co-exist peacefully with other breeds.
Special Skills: Rat catcher.

Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Low

Care and Exercise: Frequently daily brushing will keep the coat of the in beautiful condition. The Yorkshire Terrier does best when some type of exercise is given, though it need not be special. A romp through an apartment or house will suffice. Extra care must be taken for the Yorkshire Terrier in cold or bad weather.
Training:
Learning Rate: High, easily trained but be careful not to spoil. Obedience learning is medium to low.

Activity: Very High
Living Environment: Apartment, house, urban or rural living.

Health Issues: Eye irritations, patella luxation, premature dental disease and some puppies are born with open fontanels.

Life Span: 12 - 15 years
Litter Size: 2 - 3

Country of Origin: Great Britain
History of the Yorkshire Terrier: The Yorkshire Terrier became a fashionable pet in the late Victorian era in Yorkshire, England. It is said that they were bred from the Manchester Terrier, Skye Terrier, Maltese, Paisley and Clydesdale Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier made their appearance in the United States in the early 1870s and today have become one of the most popular toy breeds.

First Registered by the AKC: 1936 AKC Group: Toy Class: Toy Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC