Yorkshire Terrier Dog Breed - Full Profile, History & Care

Such dogs were much larger than the modern Yorkshire Terriers. It was believed that they were used to catch rats in the mills.

The Clydesdale Terriers were crossed with other types of terriers. These include English Black, Tan Toy Terrier, and the Skye Terrier. The Waterside Terrier was one of the early relatives. This small dog with a long blue-gray coat may also have contributed to the development of the Yorkshire Terrier.

In 1861, a Yorkshire Terrier was shown in a bench show as a "broken-haired Scotch Terrier." The name of the dog was Huddersfield Ben, and he was born in 1865. It became a popular show dog and considered a father of the modern Yorkshire Terrier. The breed acquired that name in 1870 because most of its development had taken place.

Firstly, Yorkshire Terriers were registered in the British Kennel Club stud book in 1874. The first Yorkshire Terrier breed club was formed in 1898 in England.

The earliest breed of the Yorkshire Terriers was born in the United States in 1872. The first Yorkie was found by an American soldier during World War II.

They were able to compete in dog shows in 1878. Here, they were divided by weight, i.e., under 5 pounds and 5 pounds and over. Lastly, the exhibitors settled on one class having an average of around 3 to 7 pounds of weight.

By 1889, these dogs came to America, but the breed varied so much in size ranging between 12 and 14 pounds. By 1900, people decided to prefer small size dogs with a longer coat. Today, the modern Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest and luxuriously coated dog breeds. Their traits and terrier heritage have made them a consistent favorite with families.

In 1951, the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America was established as the official American kennel club to represent the breed in the US.

Yorkshire Terrier Physical Attributes

Here are the physical attributes of the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed.

• General Appearance

  Generally, the Yorkshire Terrier dog is a long-haired toy terrier whose tan and blue coat is parted on the face. It extends from the skull base to the end of the tail and the body is neat, compact, and well-proportioned.

• Head

  The head is small and flat on the top, but the skull and muzzle are not too prominent, long, and round. The bite is neither undershot nor overshot, and the teeth are sound. Both the scissors bite and the level bite are acceptable. Moreover, the head and muzzle are rich golden tan.

• Eyes, Ears & Nose

  The eyes are dark and medium in size with a sparkling, sharp, and intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark, too, but they are not too prominent. Similarly, the nose is black too.

  The ears of this popular dog breed are small, V-shaped, erect but set not too far apart.

• Body

  The body of the miniature Yorkshire Terrier is well proportioned and compact. However, the back is short.

  The blue color extends over the body from the back of the neck to the root of the tail. In contrast, the hair on the tail is a darker blue.

• Chest

  The chest is bright, and tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle of the hind legs.

• Legs & Feet

  The forelegs are straight, and the elbows are neither in nor out. Furthermore, the hindlegs also look straight when viewed from behind but seem to be bent when viewed from sides. The feet are round with black toenails.

• Tail

  The tail is of medium length and carried slightly higher than the back.

• Coat

  The texture, quality, and quantity of the coat are what matters the most. The hair is fine, glossy, and silky in texture, but the coat is slightly longer and straight. It can be trimmed to the floor-length so that the dogs can move easily and appear to be neater.

  The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in the center of the head or parted in the middle, and tied with two bows. Nevertheless, the hair on the muzzle and ears is very long that should be trimmed short on the tips of the ears. It may also be trimmed on the feet to give a neat look.

• Colors

  The Royal Canin Yorkshire Terrier puppy is born black and tan and is normally darker in body color. The tan hair color on the body, head, and legs is of prime importance in adult dogs. Here, the following color requirements may apply.

  Blue - It should be steel blue in color and not silver blue. Moreover, it must not mingle with fawn, bronzy or black hair.

  Tan - All tan hair is darker at the rooter than in the middle, but the sides have light tan shading. However, it should not be mingled with black hair.

  An interesting fact is that white Yorkshire terrier dogs become lighter with age. It is because of the seasonal hormonal changes that this breed had to experience. Females go lighter in heat and darken after the season is over.

Yorkshire Terrier Personality

The Yorkshire Terrier’s personality is a combination of smart, self-assured, and adventurous spirit. They are small in size and seem to be oblivious because of that.

The dog breed has a range of personalities. Some of them are perky and cuddly. They love to follow their owners throughout the day. Others are mischievous, outgoing, and into everything.

Generally, teacup Yorkshire Terrier dogs are busy, bold, stubborn, curious, and assertive with strange dogs and small pets. Just set limits for them and do not spoil them else; you will get into trouble.

This breed usually barks a lot, but with proper training, they can be easily taught not to do so.

Yorkshire Terrier Care and Grooming

Below are some tips to properly care and groom your Yorkie.

• Brushing

  It is not easy to groom a long-haired Yorkshire Terrier, especially when they have a soft coat. It easily tangles; thus, gently brushes the coat every day to keep him clean by preventing mats. Never brush a dirty or dry coat as it will break the hair.

  After brushing and drying the hair, collect the hair on the top of the head on both sides. Brush and fasten it with a band and add a bow.
• Dental Hygiene

  Small dog breeds, including Yorkies, are more prone to dental problems. They may develop tartar on their teeth and can lose them at a very young age. So most vets advised brushing the teeth regularly. You can also schedule a cleaning session at least once a year.

• Check Ears

  Check the dog's ears regularly by looking inside them. They may experience bad odor, redness, or brown discharge in case of being infected. Consult the vet immediately in such cases. Furthermore, pluck out the hair in the ear canal or ask the groomer to do it for you.

• Bathing

  Bathe this breed regularly for keeping their coat shiny and beautiful but do not rub it while washing. Apply the shampoo and run your fingers through the coat to lift the dirt out. You can also apply conditioner and then rinse thoroughly.

• Trim Nails

  Trim the Yorkie's nails with dog nail clippers after bathing to prevent painful tears. The dog nails have blood vessels in them, and it may cause bleeding if you cut too far. Therefore, ask a vet if you're not experienced in it.

• Check the Anal Area

  While grooming, check the anal area and trim the hair around it. Usually, trimming about half an inch of hair is enough.

• Check Nose, Eyes, and Mouth

  Handle the paws and feet of the dog with great care. Look out for rashes, sores, and other signs of infection on the skin, in the mouth, nose, and eyes. The eyes should also be clear with no discharge or redness.

  Yorkshire terriers are called hypoallergenic because they don't shed much. However, his saliva can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Lastly, keep in mind to make this grooming session a positive experience filled with rewards and praise.

Household Training

Start the training and early socialization when they are puppies. Give them enough exposure to different sights, people, experiences, and sounds. It will help to ensure that your Yorkie will be a well-rounded, and friendly dog.

Moreover, proper training makes it easier to handle the dog at places like your vet. A well-trained Yorkshire is more attentive towards its owner.

Ideal Temperature

This dog breed cannot live in extreme hot and cold temperatures. Instead, they prefer to stay in moderate climates and indoors.

In summers, always take the Yorkie for a walk in the coolest part of the day. Also, cover them with blankets and sweaters during cold weather.

Perfect Household and Living Conditions

It is usually noted that a Yorkshire Terrier can’t live in a house with small children. They are often roughly handled by the children in return to which they may react widely.

On the other hand, these dogs are absolutely fearless in challenging larger dogs. Their dominating nature can sometimes put them in danger.

However, this dog breed can’t do well in a house where they are left alone for a longer time. Yorkies need lots of attention and do their best if kept near a human companion. Otherwise, it can develop bad habits and separation anxiety.

Similarly, these dogs are difficult to housetrain. The owners have to struggle a lot while training their Yorkies. They may be reluctant to go outside in the rain, and for this, the pet parents need to find a covered area for potty breaks. Thus, they are more suited to apartment living because of their small size.

Exercise Needs

Yorkies are active dogs and are not lazy lapdogs by nature. They need daily walks and regular exercise to keep them healthy and healthy. Along with this, some dogs need to run and play.

Therefore, monitor the behavior of your Yorkshire Terrier dog on or off-leash. They like to chase things and may sometimes indulge in fights with small and large dogs. Moreover, Yorkies love to have squeaky toys and enjoy fetching them. They also like to play with a ball.

Diet & Nutrition

Feed the Yorkshire Terrier twice a day with about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of dry dog food. Also, avoid sharing your food with the dog. This breed is likely to have digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting when they have excessive dog treats.

Additionally, free-feeding can also end up having an overweight dog. It can further lead to different health problems and a shorter lifespan. Thus, it is better to discuss the dog’s weight gain with the vet and get a proper feeding schedule.

Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

Yorkshire terriers are generally a healthy dog breed, but they are also prone to certain health issues like others.

• Luxating Patella

  It is a common condition in small dogs and is also known as slipped stifles. It refers to a looseness of the kneecap resulting in dislocation, an abnormal gait, or lameness in the leg. Sometimes, the knee often pops back into place, while it may also require surgery in serious conditions.

• Collapsed Trachea

  In this disease, the trachea that carries air to the lungs usually collapses easily. The common symptoms include a chronic, dry cough that can get worse with age. This issue can be treated surgically or medically.

• Hypoglycemia

  Like other small and toy breed dogs, Yorkies can suffer from hypoglycemia when stressed. It is mainly caused by low blood sugar and includes symptoms like weakness.

• Portosystemic Shunt

  This health condition causes abnormal blood flow between the liver and the body. Major signs are loss of appetite, neurobehavioral abnormalities, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary tract problems.

• Reverse Sneezing

  Pet owners typically confuse this condition with a collapsed trachea. It is a less serious issue that lasts no longer than a few minutes. It usually occurs when a dog tries to eat fastly or gets too excited. Gently stroke his throat to stop reverse sneezing.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  It is a degenerative eye disorder that may cause blindness. This health condition can be diagnosed easily, even before the dog starts to show signs of blindness.

Yorkshire Terrier for Sale

If you are planning to welcome a Yorkshire Terrier at home, keep in mind the following expenses.

• Cost of dog or puppy
• Vet fees
• Training expenses
• Food and supplies
• Grooming expenses
• Medical expenses
• License registration

Generally, the price of purebred Yorkshire Terrier puppies ranges between $300-$800. However, the purebred dogs with pedigree papers cost around $1,200-$2,000.

The first-year expenses may cost you around $3,855. Finally, the average cost of owning a Yorkie is $18,615 throughout the dog’s lifetime.

You can also find a healthy, purebred Yorkie at a low price, but it is rare. Thus, it is better to inquire before adopting one.

Yorkshire Terrier Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed.

Yorkshire Terrier as an Emotional Support Animal

Yorkshire Terrier dogs make up great emotional support animals for those suffering from mental illnesses. They expect lots of attention but give it back tenfold. Moreover, this breed is very easy to travel with as they tend to adapt well to change.

If you think Yorkshire Terriers are the right dog breed for you as an ESA, research thoroughly before getting one. Talk to reputable breeders, other terrier owners, and Yorkshire Terrier rescue groups to get a better idea.

For adopting a Yorkie as your support dog, the first thing you need to get is an ESA letter. It is a detailed prescription from a mental health provider that makes you eligible for having an ESA. Furthermore, this letter allows you to live and travel with your Yorkie without paying any extra charges.

So what are you waiting for? Get your letter within 24 hours by contacting us now at RealESALetter.com.