Is a Yorkshire Terrier Right for You?
If you like small dogs with big dog attitudes, you may want to consider
a Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs are so sure that they are just as big and
bad as the other guy, that they will not hesitate to take on a Great Dane.
Of course, this doesn't mean that Yorkshire Terriers aren't lap dogs. The
Yorkie can cuddle with the best of them.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a member of the American Kennel Club's Toy
Group. In the show ring, a Yorkie seems to glide across the ground, since
the dog's long, flowing coat hides its tiny feet. Although Yorkies can
be as small as one pound, most breeders do not recommend trying to breed
dogs this tiny, and for good reason. When dogs are bred to be this tiny,
health is often sacrificed for size and weight. The AKC calls for the Yorkie
to be under seven pounds, but does not have a minimum required weight.
Yorkshire Terriers have long flowing coats of silver, blue or black
hair, with tan on their heads and legs. Yorkie puppies are all born with
black and tan coloring. This breed has dark, intelligent eyes.
The Yorkshire Terrier is an ideal apartment dog. Of course, your Yorkie
would enjoy having a yard to romp in, but he can survive without it. In
fact, some Yorkshire Terriers do not go out at all. These dogs are litter
trained, instead. If you do not take your Yorkie for daily walks, you should
look for ways to help him get some exercise, such as playing an indoor
game of fetch. If you do have a yard, be sure that there are no gaps under
the fence, as Yorkies love to explore. Since these dogs are so small and
cute, a Yorkshire Terrier doesn't always have a chance to get back home
before a passerby takes the little dog home, thinking it is lost or abandoned.
Yorkshire Terriers are sociable little dogs and enjoy being in the midst
of all the activity and bustle of family life. However, these dogs are
not a good choice for families with toddlers. This is not because Yorkies
are untrustworthy with children, but because they are delicate little dogs
and can be easily injured. A Yorkshire Terrier with a good temperament
will allow children to squeeze, poke and pull on him, but it is unfair
to subject a little dog to that treatment.
Despite the fact that a Yorkie is small, you should still take your
puppy to obedience
classes. These little guys have a tendency to become stubborn and set
in their ways without proper training. Also, obedience training may save
your Yorkshire Terrier's life if you are able to call him back to you if
he escapes out the front door.
Yorkshire Terriers have few serious health problems. They do often have
dental problems, such as retained baby teeth. Other problems these little
guys can have are hernias and hypoglycemia.
Food for your Yorkshire Terrier will probably be your smallest expense.
These little dogs don't eat much. However, you will have to be careful
that you don't spoil your puppy with soft food or he may refuse to eat
dry food, which will help you keep his teeth in better shape.
Most Yorkies should be groomed at least three times a week to keep their
hair from matting. Dogs with silkier
coats may only need to be groomed once a week. Also, since Yorkies
are prone to dental problems, you should brush
your dog's teeth several times a week.
If you want a pocket sized dog with plenty of spunk, then a Yorkie may
be the perfect breed for you.