Basic Grooming of Your Yorkshire Terrier is not Complicated
Although details about the Yorkshire Terrier, in days gone by are, scares ,it is known that they originated in England from an area called Yorkshire in the nineteenth century. They were bred by people that worked in the cotton and woolen mills of the day. What we do know is that these dogs came from three small terriers. The male was named Old Crab, one of the two females was named Kitty, and the third dog, also a female , whose name has been lost some where in history. In 1878, John Walsh described the extensive grooming Yorkshire Terriers received then, including putting coconut oil on the coat. The show class of this breed, at the time, was called the “Rough and Broken-coated, Broken-haired Scotch and Yorkshire Terriers”.
The Yorkshire came to America in 1872 and was registered in 1878 with the American Kennel Club, making it one of the first twenty five breeds to be registered. The coat of the Yorkshire Terrier, according to the standard, should be Steele blue to dark gray and this should extend from the base of the tail to the base of the neck. The coat should part down the middle of the back, extending to the floor. The color of the tail should be a darker blue than the coat on the back. When grooming Yorkshire Terriers make sure the coat is floor length and in no way impedes the movement of the dog.
The hair on the adult dog’s head, chest and legs, should be a bright tan color with dark roots. The texture of the hair should be fine and straight. It should have a silky look to it. Grooming Yorkshire Terriers can enhance this shiny coat by the oil that is placed on them and then wrapped in plastic or rice paper. This is usually washed out weekly. The average owner does not do this, it is usually reserved for show dogs.
Many owners will also trim the coat a little shorter to ease maintenance. Grooming Yorkshire Terriers, for the dog that is not going to show, includes daily brushing, trimming the coat to the desired length, and monthly bathing. Special attention must also be paid to the legs and feet with routine trimming of the coat and nails. In general, the basic care of a Yorkshire Terrier is not that extensive. The hair of a Yorkshire Terrier is said to only fall out when it is brushed or when it breaks off.
Interesting Facts to Discuss with your Yorkshire Terrier Breeders
The Yorkshire Terrier’s beginning is somewhat sketchy. Many believe this is due to those that bred them in Yorkshire England, where they originated. The Yorkshire Terrier breeders of those times were workers in the cotton and woolen mills. It is said that these people were unable to keep accurate (or any) records due to, maybe, lack of education. Whatever the case, we do know that this breed began with three small terriers, one male and two female dogs. They were given their Yorkshire name from the area they were bred. They were mostly companion dogs and are, today, champion show dogs.
This breed is a small dog with a air of importance. Yorkshire Terrier breeders will tell you that this dog is very intelligent, active, self confident and bold but not aggressive. In the earlier days, almost anything with the general shape of a terrier and the standard coloring was considered a Yorkshire Terrier. That was until Huddersfield Ben. This was a famous dog that helped set the standards that are used today. In his time, he was the dog that all people aspired to own. It is thought that all of the Yorkshire Terriers of today have some link to his pedigree.
The standard appearance of the breed is of a small dog weighing less than seven pounds, with long silky hair. The hair over the back, from the base of the head to the tail, should be dark gray to Steele blue in color. The tail must be a darker blue. The head, chest and legs are a bright tan color with dark roots. Years ago Yorkshire Terrier breeders would dock the tail of these dogs. Now, this is not the standard. The tails are left to grow to be just long enough to be above the height of the back.
There is quite a plethora of health issues that can afflict this breed. Prior to buying a puppy ask your Yorkshire Terrier breeders if testing has been done for some of the more common ailments. The average sized Yorkshire Terrier will live ten to fifteen years of age. But because of their small size they are subject to injury from falls, other dogs or owner carelessness, more often than a larger dog. Many of these injuries can be fatal. The smaller dogs of this breed (three pounds and less) have even a shorter life span and are more prone to illness and injury.
Owning Yorkshire Terrier Puppies for Companions
Originating in Yorkshire, England the Yorkshire Terrier was originally used to hunt rats. It has since been bred to be a pet. This breed of dog is well-known and the AKC lists it as one of the most popular breeds according to registrations. Having been bred to be companion rather than a working dog, the breed has strict color and appearance standards associated with it. Differences in appearance are rare due to the standards required for dogs to be able to compete in competitions, but they do occur. A dog with a different coloring can be sold at an extremely high price due to the fact that is it so uncommon for the difference to occur.
The general coloring of a Yorkshire Terrier is a dark blue back and a tan chest, head and legs. Yorkshire Terrier puppies do not have this coloring when they are born though. They are generally black and tan and they develop the blue and tan coloring within three years. Their coats are generally kept long and it has a silky texture. The breed does not to shed in the way you normally think of shedding. Instead of the hair falling out and getting on furniture and such, the hair remains in the coat until it is brushed out. Because of the texture and length of the coat, it needs to be brushed daily. A monthly bath will be required as well. The coat does not have to be kept long if it is not going to be entered in competitions, but a longer coat does require more maintenance.
When Yorkshire Terrier puppies reach adulthood, they weigh at most around seven pounds. The average lifespan for the breed is 10 to 15 years. They are good with children and are bold but not aggressive. Since they have been bred to be pets, they are friendly and very intelligent. They do have an air of importance to them and self-confidence.
Because of their small size, they are easy to travel with and don’t require a lot of exercise. This makes them ideal pets for people who aren’t able to play extensively or exercise their pets for long periods of time. They do well in a variety of homes because they are able to adapt to their surroundings. Whether or not you live by yourself or have a family, buying a Yorkshire Terrier puppy is a great idea if you are looking for a small companion dog.
What to Know Before Choosing a Yorkshire Terrier
If you are one of the many people who have fallen in love with the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed, then there are several things to look for before bringing your new addition home to stay. This breed has become overwhelmingly popular over the years due to its small size, and the trendiness of carrying around tiny dogs in purses. This has made breeders and private sellers very motivated to rip people off by charging extremely high prices for less than high quality dogs. This is especially true among puppy mills that are profiting off this cute little breed. If you know what you should look for before you begin the search for your new baby, then you will be better off in the long run with a good quality dog, instead of just a cheap yorkshire terrier sold on the internet.
If you find a good quality yorkshire terrier then chances are that you will be paying a higher price. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune on this breed, but doesn’t mean that you will easily find a cheap yorkshire terrier. Some of the important things to look for in the breed include:
- These little dogs can be prone to certain health problems such as tooth problems and breathing problems. You will also want to look for a healthy coat with the proper coloring.
- Consider where you live since Yorkies aren’t too fond of cold weather.
- Yorkshire Terriers need daily exercise, but a daily walk will suffice as they are fine living in an apartment without a yard.
- The life expectancy of a Yorkie will be about 12-15 years.
- Grooming is going to be very important with this breed. The long hair of this breed will be hard to care for if you let it go too long. You will also need to take into consideration the cost of the grooming.
What To Look For When You Are Looking For Yorkshire Terriers For Sale
You are flipping through the pet ad’s and you are looking for a small toy dog. You are not sure what you want, but you want a very small dog. You see an ad for yorkshire terriers for sale. You think to yourself how cute those dogs are and you decide to get one. Get some information first.
The popularity of the Yorkshire terier has grown a lot over the past decade due to their small stature and great attitude. People are buying them for their calm demeanor around children and adults alike. Be sure that when you are looking to buy one of these “Yorkies” that you do some research into a few breeders before buying one. Do not go for the one that is selling the cheapest ones because you could have your animal die of disease within a few days. It is good to go with the breeder who is honest about their animals and one who knows all of the characteristics and quirks about the breed.
The reason you should go with the best breeder you can find is simply for a healthier dog. If you want this animal to be around for a while then you need to make sure that it has been properly cared for as a puppy. Be sure that it has been properly wormed and vaccinated. Be sure that when you are looking at the puppies they look happy and energetic, not listless and sleepy.
When you are going to pick out your puppy be sure to pick the one that seems to like you. Common sense tells you not to pick one that puts its tail between its legs and pees down your arm when you pick it up. Pick the one that seems to have an instant liking to your family. Introduce the kids and watch the reaction. You do not want a puppy who does not like the kids.
After you pick your puppy and take it home, you will begin to see why people love this breed. It will play its little heart out until it is so exhausted that it flops itself on the floor and sleeps. They are very calm dogs considering their small size. They are great protectors. Even though I do not know what they would do with a threat in front of them. Bark? A nip would not exactly scare off an intruder much less a two hundred pound man! They will sure try though!
Why You Should Consider a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier
You have decided that you want to buy a dog that you can fit into one of those little purses. You would like to get one that is fury and cute and maybe five pounds at the very most. Why not try a miniature yorkshire terrier!
The Yorkshire terrier actually came from Yorkshire, obviously. There are two sizes that these dogs come in which is standard and miniature. The miniature is the most popular. They can actually be breed to weigh no more than a pound to a pound and a half. If you want one of these tini tiny dogs, you had better have some big bucks to get one. The smaller the dog the higher the demand.
These miniature yorkshire terrier’s are known to be very mischievous. They fact that they are small they feel the need to run around and jump a lot to get the attention they feel they need. You must be careful as well because they feel like they are as large as a rotweighler. They will bark and defend their owner against anything or anyone! The miniature yorkshire terrier are said to be fast learners and very good with children. It is best to get them properly socialized as a puppy. These dogs are energetic and very assertive. They actually have one of the calmest temperaments for a small dog.
These dogs do not need a whole lot of room. They can get exercise from the smallest of spaces, because of their small size. They may require a walk every day, but do not need a large yard. They are perfect for those who live in small apartments or homes.
Be sure that when you are looking for one of these “teacup” sizes that they have papers and the parents are on sight. You would hate to pay the money for a miniature and take it home and it grow to a much larger size. Do a little research on the breeder before you agree to buy the puppies. Be sure that they are of good quality and in good health. You do not want to pay a fortune for a dog and bring it home and it die in a few days. Be sure these breeders are not just breeding dogs for money. Make sure they care about their owners because they are great dogs!
Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standard
General Appearance
That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.
Head
Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.
Body
Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with height at shoulder the same as at the rump.
Legs and Feet
Forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.
Tail
Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back.
Coat
Quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.
Colors
Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.
Color on Body
The blue extends over the body from back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is a darker blue, especially at end of tail.
Headfall
A rich golden tan, deeper in color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle, with ears a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of neck.
Chest and Legs
A bright, rich tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hind legs.
Weight
Must not exceed seven pounds.
Dog Preed Profile: Yorkshire Terrier
Group:
Toy
History:
Yorkshire Terriers can be traced back to the Waterside Terrier and developed as a result of breeding with various other terriers throughout England. Originally known as Scotch Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers were brought to Yorkshire by weavers in the mid 19th century. During the Victorian Era they became quite fashionable. The trendiness of this breed is still notable today, as Yorkies are one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
Size:
5 to 7 pounds
Color:
Blue and Tan
Health Problems:
Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to develop hereditary conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:
- Patellar Luxation
- Collapsing Trachea
- Portosystemic Shunts (PSS)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
Yorkshire Terriers, commonly called “Yorkies” are little dogs with big personality. Though categorized in the toy group, they take on many terrier traits as well – especially in personality. Early training and socialization with people and other dogs will help keep that “big personality” on track. Yorkies are well suited to apartment living due to their small size, but they are active dogs that still need regular exercise.
The Yorkie is just one of many hypoallergenic dog breeds. Yorkies have silky, continuously growing hair which should be brushed regularly if kept long. Many Yorkie owners choose to keep their hair cut short. Either way, the breed requires a moderate amount of routine grooming.
Yorkies tend to be very vocal, protective and loyal. Despite their small size, they make excellent guard dogs. At heart, Yorkies are wonderful companions that love to be pampered and snuggle up to their loved ones.
Crate Training and Yorkies
Crate training your Yorkshire terrier is neither punishment nor cruel. The crates provide the Yorkies with a safe place to retreat to and curl up, adjust to new surroundings, sleep, a place to escape confusion, and give the dog a sense of security when left home alone. To many Yorkies, a crate is their own indoor house. For a Yorkie owner, confining their puppy to a crate is a great housetraining aid that gives them peace of mind when sleeping or away. The owner knows their puppy cannot destroy or chew anything such as the furniture, form destructive habits, hurt itself, or end up in a dangerous situation, which could injure the Yorkie puppy. It also helps to speed up housebreaking the puppy. You should never use a crate for punishment or as a replacement for human companionship but as a place for your Yorkshire terrier to feel safe and secure.
A wire dog crate provides your Yorkie with maximum security, ventilation, and portability. Many fold down or collapse so they are easy to store and their openness makes them easy to clean. Purchase a crate that is large enough for your Yorkie puppy to turn around, stand up, lie down and stretch out when fully grown or approximately one and a half times the size of an adult Yorkshire terrier. If the crate is too large, your puppy may pick one corner to use as a toilet area and sleep in the other corner. There are crate partitions available that you move as the puppy grows. Put some washable, soft bedding in the bottom of the crate to make it comfortable and warm. Never punish your puppy if it eliminates in its crate as accidents do happen occasionally. Remember that young puppies have very small bladder capacities. Never put your puppy in the crate with a dog collar on, as there is always a possibility of it catching on the cage and choking or trapping your pet.
Your Yorkie puppy should rest or sleep in its crate from the start and will naturally begin to seek safety and security there when he wants to be alone or is sleepy. Put the crate in an area such as the kitchen, family room, or bedroom, where the puppy is not completely isolated from the family. When introducing the puppy to its new crate or 'home', take it slowly and never force your Yorkie into it, as this could frighten the dog. Instead, try either tossing a treat or toy into the crate to get the puppy used to going inside or try coaxing it with bits of food. The puppy may be hesitant at first but keep encouraging him and be sure to make a fuss and praise him when he does go into the crate. It will not be long before your Yorkie puppy is comfortable walking in and out. Next, start putting your Yorkie puppy into the crate for a very short length of time and leave the room. Slowly increase the length of time but be sure to give him a few safe toys to play with and water. Keep your puppy crated all night and do not feed or give them water late in the evening. Some people move the crate to their bedroom at night, so the puppy is not lonely and they hear him if he needs to go out. If your puppy starts getting restless or whimpering during the night, take him outside to go potty.