Yorkshire Terrier [General Breed Information]

How Did The Yorkies Become So Popular?

The Yorkshire terrier, most commonly referred to as a “Yorkie” has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.

This is not only because of their small and cute appearance but because of their unique and charming personalities.

Being so playful and loving, the Yorkie is the perfect pet for millions of people around the world. The most common Yorkie colors are gray, black, and tan coats.

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the late 18th century in the town of Yorkshire, England. The breed falls into the category of Terriers, and the word Terrier originated from the Latin word “Terra” (earth, land), that is why they are often called “Land dogs”.

The “Land dogs”, or Terriers, are a group of dogs made initially to clean up the English farms from rats above and below the ground.

We can say that Yorkshire terriers are well adapted to today’s “city life” even though they still keep some of the main characteristics of their grandparents.

Even though most of them are small, they are brave, vital, and very smart.

Their character can be described as “courageous”.  Overall we can say that all types of terriers are suitable for a pet, but they need determined owners who will suit their dog’s strong personality.

Due to their small size and bossy nature, some representatives need extra training and socialization in order to coexist with other canine family members.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a loyal, happy, and amusing canine companion. Even with their tiny proportions, Yorkies can be a formidable guard when it comes to protecting the home.

Their unique personality and appearance have made them famous, not only for being a loving pet but also for worldwide dog exhibitions.

Y.I.C.'s GIANT Book of Yorkshire Terrier Care

The Everything Yorkshire Terrier Book: A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, And Caring for Your Yorkie

Yorkie, Yorkie Dog, Yorkie Training | Think Like a Dog, But Don't Eat Your Poop! | Yorkie Breed Expert Training |: Here's EXACTLY How To TRAIN Your YORKIE (Volume 1)

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Y.I.C.'s GIANT Book of Yorkshire Terrier Care

Check Price

The Everything Yorkshire Terrier Book: A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, And Caring for Your Yorkie

Check Price

Yorkie, Yorkie Dog, Yorkie Training | Think Like a Dog, But Don't Eat Your Poop! | Yorkie Breed Expert Training |: Here's EXACTLY How To TRAIN Your YORKIE (Volume 1)

Check Price

Some Quick Q&A About The Yorkshire Terriers:

Are they aggressive with other dogs?

As with any other breed, they could be aggressive with other dogs if they are not socialized properly in the early months of their life.

Owners must be aware that Yorkies have to spend time on training and socializing their puppy when he is still young. You can read more about socializing and training your terrier in our Training and Behavior category.

Are they so energetic and active as they seem to be?

Yorkies are lively and full of energy. They require sufficient exercise and movement. We do not have to forget that they were developed as dogs for work and their nature requires going for walks in the park, throwing and catching a ball, or running and chasing toys in your backyard.

Yorkshire terriers like to have a “job”. Overall they require only moderate exercise compared to other breeds due to their small size.

Can I reduce the hunting nature and personality of my Yorkshire terrier with special training?

You should consider another dog breed if you do not want one with strong hunting instincts. As we said before, this is an inborn instinct that can not be removed completely.

Even after so many years adapting to the “city life” Yorkshire Terriers must be walked with a leash as they have a tendency to chase what they perceive as “prey”.

Can my Yorkshire Terrier live with my cat, dog, or small animal?

Cats and other small animals are not the best “roommate” for your Yorkie because as we said before, their inborn nature is to “hunt”. They’re territorial and not necessarily tolerant of other animals.

Yorkies do perceive themselves as larger dogs and they are not scared to try and gain a dominant position within the other pets at home.

However, if the proper approach is taken and the dog is well socialized with the rest of the pets at home, they can live together without any conflicts.

The easiest way to do that is by taking actions when the Yorkie is still a puppy and right after the arrival at home.

Yorkshire Terrier Facts And Information

Known as:

Yorkie

Group:

Terriers

Origin:

Yorkshire, Great Britain

Born:

In the year 1800

History:

Yorkies had become a popular pet in the late Victorian era in Yorkshire, UK. Experts believe it is a crossbreed between Manchester terrier, Skye terrier, Maltese, Paisley terrier, and Clydesdale terrier.

Dimensions for males and females:

Height

Most of the representatives reach from 6 to 9.5 inches (15 to 25 cm). However, the standards of the breed do not specify the exact height.

Weight

The standard approved by the AKC does not specify a minimum weight but rather a maximum of 7 lbs (3.17 kg).

Primary function:

To chase small rodents.

Function nowadays:

Chasing small rodents, the perfect companion, a stress reliever.

The breed has been approved by:

FCI, AKC, SAKU, ANKC, UK, NZKC

Watchdog (level of efficiency):

Very high

Appropriate Housing:

Urban and suburban areas, small and big apartments, housing with or without a backyard.

Attitude with kids:

Particular attention should be taken when kids are alone with the Yorkie due to the reason that their small size puts them at risk of being injured.

There are situations where they can be aggressive but this is the only way for them to protect.

No doubt that kids love to play with Yorkies just because they are so cute playful. But we have to keep in mind that due to their small size they are so fragile and sometimes show protective reactions against the not so gentle games of the children.

Attitude with owners:

Excellent. Highly devoted and loving to its owners. They are always ready to defend if needed.

Special Care:

We suggest visits to a professional groomer at least once per two months. Daily brushing is also an important part of the cares as if it is ignored the hair of the Yorkie becomes matted.

They love to play in the house and that is how they can spend most of the energy but we also recommend at least two walks by 20 minutes every day.

Life expectancy:

Between 12 and 16 years.

Possible health problems:

• Collapsed trachea
• Retinal dysplasia
• The luxating patella or kneecap dislocation
• Portosystemic Shunt
• Legg Perthes disease
• Hypoglycemia

Temperament:

Impulsive, lively, brave, strong character, independent, dominant, not afraid to challenge a larger dog.

Thoughts:

• Yorkies do get along with other pets at home as soon as their owner introduce them properly and take some time to make them friends.
• They can develop intense possessiveness with their family members, toys, and food.
• The games of the very young children must be supervised as sometimes they get too rough and that may harm the delicate creature call Yorkshire terrier. However, Yorkies get along perfectly with older and mature children.
• It is not uncommon when Yorkies will bark if a stranger comes close to his owners or passes close to his house. This behavior can be controlled and changed during the first months of the life of the puppy. On the other hand, people can take advantage of these habits and make their little friend a perfect guard dog.
• Always remember that you may need to conform to your Yorkie’s specific character as well as its needs of exercises and special care.

Conclusion

No doubt that the Yorkshires are one of the most beloved dogs of the terriers and toy breed.

They are charming, intelligent extremely cute and the only thing they want is to spend time with their owners.

It is important for you to know that every dog including the Yorkies is an individual, just like each person is.

Please remember that every dog including the Yorkie is an individual. They cannot be summed up under exactly the same characteristics and behavior.

Sometimes it happens that the owners hand over their own behavioral qualities to their loving dogs.

That is why in some cases we can see something that it’s not typical and considered as a mistake about the breed’s representatives. They may be shy, nervous and lonely rather than brave and playful.

Furthermore, Yorkies who grew up in a bad environment and negative treatment are more likely to have negative temperament and behavior which is much harder to change as the puppy gets older.

Last update on 2023-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API