Live Life Team
The Yorkshire terrier is a member of the toy category and is commonly referred to as the Yorkie. This is a relatively new breed at only around 100 years old. It was originally developed in the north of England for catching the rats that infested so many of the mines. It was also used as a hunting dog and its small stature enabled it to enter badger and fox burrows. The original Yorkie was much bigger than the one we see today. Over the years, the breed became smaller and made into a lapdog and women could be seen carrying them in bags and under their arms.
The Yorkie is characterised by extremely fine and silken hair. It is long and straight and will part naturally along its spine. Puppies are normally born black and tan coloured and may become a steel colour across the body and tail as they mature with tan markings elsewhere. The head is usually flat with a medium sized muzzle and will display a moustache and beard. These are often trimmed for visibility, hygiene and ease of care. In countries where tail docking is not now illegal, the tail will be docked or surgically truncated to a medium length.
The Yorkie is an adventurous little dog and full of life. It is a bold creature and affectionate to its owner. They have a tendency to be more suspicious of strangers and even aggressive to other strange dogs and animals. They are known for their barking or, more accurately, yapping. The Yorkie will not hesitate to tell its owner when it wants something and will persist with yapping until its needs are met.
This is an intelligent dog and can be easy to train but typically can be difficult to housebreak. Whilst they do make good pets their temperament lends itself better to families with older children who will be more careful and considerate of the dog’s small size. The dog may also exhibit jealousy in the form of snapping if it does not receive adequate human attention or is teased. Generally, with firm handling, the Yorkie will be a sweet and affectionate pet.
The Yorkie typically has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. As with many breeds, there are a number of common health issues to which they are prone. Some Yorkies are susceptible to bronchitis and a delicate digestion system. Tooth decay is common and their teeth should regularly be professionally cleaned to avoid tooth loss and infection. Dry food should form a large part of their diet as this helps to strengthen and clean the teeth. Bone structure also has its problems. Falls or knocks can easily cause fractures and they may even suffer paralysis of the hindquarters due to spinal problems.
The Yorkie does need to have daily exercise to keep it healthy and fit. Dogs that are not exercised daily are also more likely to exhibit undesirable behaviours. They do not require a huge amount of living space or a garden and will be equally happy spending a lot of time indoors. They are sensitive to temperature and prefer warm to cold.
