Yorkshire Terriers are one of the few breeds of dogs classified by their hair, tan colors, and texture. This animal was bred by immigrant cotton mill workers in Yorkshire, England. Within a short while, it became a popular breed in the country’s elite circles. Entirely covered long glossy hairs, Yorkshire Terriers are the personification of elegance. This can be seen in its independence, and sense of uprightness. Yes, this breed is intelligent, and it’s a delight for dog trainers everywhere. However, it can be a bit yappy and loud. Yes, Yorkshire does bark a lot, and this makes it a wonderful watchdog for most homes. This is good selection for a person who wants a home security dog.
Yorkshire Terrier – The Fearless Lap Dog
Like most terriers, this breed has a small stature and weight. With a medium weight of 3kg, Yorkshire Terriers are delicate and require much care. For this reason, it’s not a good addition for families with kids less than eight years old. As mention earlier, this breed has a sense of self-importance, which makes it a little bit hard to control. In fact, it’s been known to act bossy around huge dogs. Therefore, early socialization is necessary, so it doesn’t become shrill and cranky with strangers and other household pets.
Origin of Yorkshire Terriers
In the mid 19th century, immigrant Scottish workers brought different types of terriers into the counties of Yorkshire and neighboring Lancashire. Although the details of Yorkshire Terriers came into being, is a bit shaky, since most of these workers were not familiar with the details of writing breeding records. Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, were bred by these immigrant workers, to chase rats that roam around cotton Mills. This trait was embedded in their psyche, and it’s one of the major reasons why it was largely accepted by the American society – since they’re excellent ratters.
There are accounts of a cross from three different types of dogs, to get this type of breed. Some professionals believe that the Maltese and a Skye Terrier were part of the mix. For this reason, most of the history of Yorkshire is based on accounts given by Mrs. Foster – the owner of the world’s most famous Yorkshire Terrier; Huddersfield Ben. Huddersfield Ben was the perfect image for a Yorkshire Terrier. In fact, it is referred to as the father of the breed. Since many of today’s Yorkshire Terrier have one or more crosses of his blood in their pedigree.
With a thick, straight, glossy coat, this breed became an instant attraction for American Society. In the early 20th century, there was a huge demand for this breed, until it dropped to an all-time low. The Yorkshire Terriers come with four different color pattern – Black & Tan, Blue & Tan, Blue Steel & Tan, Steel Blue, Steel Blue Black & Tan, Steel Blue & Tan, Steel Grey, and Black Blue & Tan.
For whom is this breed a good partner?
As mentioned earlier, Yorkshire Terriers are great companions, and they fit perfectly in an apartment setting. Moreover, their barking makes them suitable for guarding or for security purposes. This makes them a wonderful addition to families, especially those with older kids. This is because their bones are strong enough to withstand the rough play of young children. Mind you, Yorkshire Terriers love attention, and they tend to be quite yappy if denied. What’s more? Yorkies are the perfect companion for first-time dog owners since they are eager to please and intelligent. They also form tough bonds with their owners. Lastly, they are territorial and might voice their opinion most often than not via barking.
Common Statistics for Yorkshire Terriers
The lifespan/life expectancy of Yorkshire Terriers varies from 13 – 20 years. Yorkies have small statures, with a median weight of 7 pounds (3.2kg). Due to their small build, they are prone to lots of diseases that might not affect other breeds. Most Yorkies have dental problems, which are caused by the retention of milk teeth. Other types of disorders include; hypothyroidism, allergic dermatitis, and Alopecia.
Although native to the UK, Yorkies can adapt to any type of environment. It is, therefore, no surprise to see Yorkies in a different part of the world.