Yorkshire Terrier
Other names: Yorkie, York

The Yorkshire Terrier is an animated, lively, very intelligent dog, who should never be treated like a toy but like the true Terrier that he is. He is only suitable for those children who are able to respect him. Even if he is principally used as a companion and show dog, he remains an avid rat hunter, the latter being the role for which he was bred. He can be a good watchdog by virtue of barking, an ‘alarm dog’ so to speak. This miniature dog is the smallest of the terriers, and currently the most popular dog in the world, from the States through to Europe.
Key facts about the Yorkshire Terrier
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Origins and history
The breed is quite recent since it has first emerged in the beginning of the 19th century, around the time of the industrial revolution. In fact, wool workers migrated from Scotland to Yorkshire, taking their dogs with them. There are, however, no surviving documents that fully explain their origins. It is nevertheless more or less certain that various Terriers like the Skye, Cairn, Clydesdale (extinct today) and the “Melita Terrier” (today’s Maltese Dog) have contributed to his formation. Initially bred to hunt for rats in the mines and for rabbits in the burrows, he is nowadays regarded exclusively as a toy terrier. Initially dubbed “Miniature Terriers”, it is in 1886 that the Kennel Club officially recognised the breed in its own right as the “Yorkshire Terrier”. The first official breed standards had been established towards the end of the 19th century, in 1898.
Physical characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 6 and 10 in
Male : Between 6 and 10 in
Weight
Female : Between 4 and 7 lb
Male : Between 4 and 7 lb
Coat colour
Dark steel blue from the occiput to the top of the tail, which should never be mixed with fawn, dark, or tan hair. A vivid red-brown on the chest. All the reddish-brown hair is darker at the roots than at the ends, getting lighter in a gradual gradient.
Type of coat
The coat is long.
The coat is straight, shiny, of fine and silky texture, without ever being wavy or wooly.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark.
Description
The Yorkshire Terrier is a dog of compact and balanced constitution, carrying himself upright and exuding an air of importance. His build is generally robust and proportional. The head is rather small and flat, with a skull not too round and a rather short muzzle. The eyes are of medium size, shiny, cast in a straight direction. The ears are small and v-shaped, erect and covered in shorter and duller red-brown hair. The limbs are perfectly straight. The tail is densely covered by hair and carried above the level of the back.
Good to know
This breed is extremely popular, which has led to an increased production of low-quality dogs. It is vital to seek out the best breeders in order to adopt an authentic Yorkie rather than a dog that simply resembles him.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Yorkshire Terrier
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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Yorkshire Terrier varies depending on its origins, age, and gender. You have to count an average of £670 for dogs registered at the Kennel Club.
With regards to the monthly budget required to meet the needs of a dog of this size, you have to estimate an average of £20 per month.
Grooming
His coat does require rather constant and scrupulous care, and it is actually advised to take him to a professional dog groomer on a regular basis, since his hair grows on a continual basis (around 0.4 inches a month).
Regular trims are therefore indispensable to prevent his coat from getting tangled up, or getting in the way of his movements.
For those individuals fulfilling companion roles rather than show dog roles, you can trim his hair just enough for it not to reach the ground, which also facilitates the maintenance of his coat.
Regular brushes are necessary to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of his coat.
His eyes, ears, and teeth need to be checked and cleaned regularly, and his nails need to be clipped or filed if necessary.
Shedding
The Yorkie experiences moderate hair loss- it will be necessary to brush him on a daily basis during moulting seasons (autumn and spring), in order to remove any dead hairs.
Nutrition of the Yorkshire Terrier
Just like all dogs in general, the Yorkie must be provided with daily rations based on quality nutrients (premium-quality kibbles) adapted to his weight, age, and physical shape.
Veterinary supervision is advised, particularly for growing pups. Even if the York seems to be of solid constitution, he can, like many small-sized dogs, have a fragile joint and bone structure.
One meal a day is enough and should preferably be served in the evenings, to facilitate digestion. Self-service is not an option as it increases the risk of excessive weight gain and gastric torsion.
Health of the Yorkshire Terrier
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy is estimated at 15 years.
Strong / robust
Even though he appears fragile, this little dog is robust and can enjoy a very long life in spite of his predisposition to certain diseases.
Withstand heat
Even though he is less sensitive to the heat than to the cold, the Yorkshire Terrier should not be physically overstimulated during heatwaves. Early-morning and late-night walks should take priority during such periods.
Withstand cold
Lacking an undercoat, this dog is vulnerable to bad weather (cold and humidity).
Tendency to put on weight
Rather active by nature, if he is provided with a nutritional regimen adapted to his needs, as well as sufficient exercise, the York will not fall victim to excessive weight. Be careful, however, as one really tends to spoil toy dogs in particular!
Common illnesses
- Patent ductus arteriosus (cardiac malformation)
- Mitral endocardiosis (degenerative disease of certain heart valves)
- Color dilution alopecia (faulty development of the coat and subsequent loss of coat)
- “Leather ear” (symmetrical hair loss and hyperpigmentation of the muzzle and ears)
- Cushing’s disease (hypercorticism)
- Urinary stones
- Hydrocephalus
- Atlanto-axial subluxation
- Eye afflictions (cataract, dry eye, retina disorders, etc.)
- Congenital dislocation of the elbow
- Patellar luxation
- Aseptic necrosis of femoral heads
- Tracheal collapse (respiratory disease)
- Undescended testis (testicular development anomaly)
- Complications during labour