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Thinking about
Yorkshire Terrier dogs as a companion?
Height:
18-20cm (7-8 in) at the shoulder Group Lifespan: 14-16 years Who is the Yorkshire Terrier?A spirited, energetic little dog which loves to be with its people. Yorkshire Terrier dogs ('Yorkies') are one of the smallest puppy breeds and belongs to the toy dog breeds group. The long silky coat does not shed or moult and may, therefore, be suitable for people who are allergic to dogs. (If you are allergic to dogs, you should take an allergy test before buying any breed of dog.) Breed historyYorkshire Terrier dogs first appeared in England in the 19th century. They were originally used, like other terrier breeds, to hunt rats. Yorkies were then usually owned by working class people but breeders gradually developed a smaller, more attractive dog which quickly became popular with Britain's upper classes. Personality
Good with children?Yes - Yorkies love their families but small children should be supervised around this tiny dog.Exercise needsYorkshire Terrier dogs don't need much exercise due to their small size but will happily go for long walks with their owners.HealthGenerally, Yorkies are robust and healthy. As their silky coat gives them little resistance to the weather, they should be kept mostly indoors. Possible health problemsCollapsing trachea (the dog's trachea - or airway tube - becomes weakened and interferes with breathing, causing the dog to cough frequently) Luxating patella (the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position) Liver shunt (abnormal blood flow in the liver) Retinal dysplasis (abnormal development of the retina) Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) Good breeders should x-ray or test their dogs for
as many of these
conditions as possible before
breeding, or should avoid breeding from dogs that display the
conditions. GroomingThe Yorkshire Terrier's coat will grow to the ground and needs regular brushing (eg every two days) to keep it free from tangles. It is possible to clip the coat. The hair on the head should be tied up to keep it out of the dog's eyes. When grooming, remember to check the paws, ears and coat for grass seeds. Also check for any minor injuries and check the teeth to see if they need cleaning. More information for new puppy owners:Want to know more about buying, raising and caring for a puppy? Check out these PuppyPrimer.com pages: Ideal ownerThe ideal Yorkie owner will need to spend a good deal of time with their dog as Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't cope well with being left on their own. If you can't be at home much with your Yorkie, consider getting two of them so they can keep each other company.
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