|
Choosing a Pet |
Our Procedures |
Dogs of the Week |
Our Dogs |
Our Cats |
Happy Endings |
Responsible Ownership
Choosing a Pet
Are you Ready? |
Which Breed?
Which Breed?
Back to breed selection
Yorkshire Terrier
- Bubbly, extrovert and self-assured
- Tough
- Willing to learn
- Average height and weight: 23cm; 3kg
- Average life-span: 14 years
The Yorkie loves to be with people and is happy and bouncy and loves to play. Cute and often irresistible, they can become spoilt but owners should not be fooled. There is nothing delicate or sickly about a Yorkie and in spite of his size, he is totally fearless. These diminutive dogs have boundless energy, love exercise and can wear out larger dogs. Basic training is quickly learned.
Yorkies are good with children, easy-going and are adaptable to most households: families, single or elderly people. A Yorkie is a small dog with a big character.
Back to the top
- Originally worked in British textile mills and coal mines
- Bred small to be carried to work in a pocket
- Breed originated in the 1800s
The breed is over 100 years old and is the result of cross-breeding of Paisley, Clydesdale and Black and Tan terriers. Originally, the Yorkie was a humble working dog: a good ratter and talented hunter, flushing out rabbits for their owner's cooking pots. Once they started appearing in dog shows, Yorkies became popular with the middle classes and the first official standard was established in 1898. By the 1920s they had become widely known in Europe and are now one of the most popular toy dogs.
Back to the top
Yorkshire Terriers:
- Have small appetites
- Can be clingy
- Need to be bathed at least once a month
- Are prone to gum disease
- Can bark excessively
Yorkies can adapt well to living in a flat but must be taken out often for long walks. Despite often being treated as 'lap dogs', they love to run free, off the lead, and can come back dirty as they are quite adventurous. Obviously their appetite is small but they do have a penchant for sweet things which should not be encouraged.
Some Yorkies can suffer problems with their windpipes or with gum disease so they would benefit from a regular dental check-up by your vet. Specially prepared toothpaste and toothbrushes for dogs are widely available. Careful, regular grooming is necessary which should include a monthly shampoo, when the hair is untangled and the fringe cut. Unless you plan to show your dog, it is more practical to keep his coat short.
Back to the top
Back to breed selection
|
