About Yorkshire Terriers—Yorkshire Terriers are small, long-haired dogs with a solid and erect body frame. Their tails are medium length, while their shiny coats hang straight and long all over their faces and bodies. The color of their coats varies from blue to tan, white, and brown.
What are Yorkshire Terriers Like?
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Known for their small size, overriding personality, and versatility, this breed makes a highly-spirited yet loving companion ideal for families and homes. Although some can get stubborn, Yorkshire Terriers can be obedient if given proper training and handling.
They can learn quickly and with great passion. They are among the most competitive breeds in sports and dog shows. They are independent, self-reliant, and very enthusiastic.
They are often regarded as “small dogs with big personalities, ” meaning they can be equally capable of doing great things associated with the bigger breed of dogs.
One dominant personality of Yorkshire Terriers is their assertiveness. He doesn’t mind living in a large family with many members since he can relatively assert his presence in the household to get everyone’s attention towards him. He is an attention-seeker and wants to play with everyone if it means getting noticed.
Yorkshire Terriers can get along with people and, if taught good social skills, with other dogs. However, they can also become overly protective of their masters, often resulting in aggression with other people. Thus, as an owner, it is important to recognize this behaviour, as it can worsen over time if not adequately addressed.
History of Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier breed originated in the 19th century from a mixture of Scottish Terriers, namely Skye, Paisley, Clydesdale, and Waterside. They were initially hunting dogs used by miners in Yorkshire, England, to chase rats and other small burrowing animals away from the mining sites. Over the years, their breed grew smaller, eventually making them ideal home pets due to their size and appearance. They obtained their popularity from various dog shows.
Yorkshire Terrier Facts
The average life span of Yorkshire Terriers is around 10-12 years and can even reach up to 15 years. Their small size and structure make them susceptible to various kinds of illnesses. These include hip and joint aches, poor digestion, bone fractures, and minor to moderate teeth problems. Their fragility should be a concern to every owner. Simple neglectful handling can be dangerous to them.
Yorkies are more confident than larger breeds of dogs. They don’t mind getting into fights with bigger dogs if they don’t get their way. They have very little patience and are quite demanding. Amateur dog owners usually have a hard time walking Yorkshire Terriers on leashes. If given a chance, they become dominant and can take you anywhere.
Taking care of your Yorkshire Terrier entails grooming regularly. These include brushing, nail clipping, bathing, hair trimming, and ear cleaning. If left uncut, his hair and nails can grow very long. Sometimes, it would be necessary to have his coat tied or clipped so it doesn’t interfere with his vision and activities.