The Best Guide 2023 to the Toy Terrier Breed
Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if you’re searching for a petite, vivacious, and intelligent dog that can hunt and be a companion. One of the most well-liked toy terrier breeds worldwide, and for good reason. Everything you need to know about this dog breed, including its background, traits, health problems, advantages and disadvantages, and commonly asked questions, will be covered in this article.
History of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a relatively new breed that originated in England in the middle of the 19th century. During the Industrial Revolution, Scots weavers who moved to Yorkshire and Lancashire crossed different terrier types to create it. The working class appreciated these terriers as companions in addition to using them to hunt rats and rabbits in the mines and mills.
In 1865, Huddersfield Ben, the first Yorkshire Terrier, was born. He is regarded as the founder of the breed and was a champion show dog as well as a prolific sire. This dog breed was recognized as a separate breed by the British Kennel Club in 1886, and the American Kennel Club did the same in 1885.
The Yorkshire Terrier immediately became well-liked among the affluent as a chic pet, particularly with women who carried them in their purses. This dog, known as Smoky, performed brave acts like pulling a communication cable through a pipe under an airport, which helped the breed gain notoriety.
Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier has a petite, well-proportioned body and is a robust, attractive dog. The head is rather flat and tiny, with small V-shaped ears and medium-sized eyes. Docked and carried a little higher than the back is the tail. The coat is long and smooth, and it has a tan and steel blue coloring. Regular grooming is necessary to keep the coat tidy and free of tangles.
This dog breed weighs between 2 and 3 kilograms and stands between 15 and 25 cm (6 and 10 inches) tall (4 to 7 pounds). The breed has a 12- to 15-year lifespan on average.
The Yorkshire Terrier has an outgoing, perceptive, and sharp demeanor. It is devoted and devoted to its family, yet it might be wary of humans and other animals. It is a bold, tenacious terrier that will aggressively guard its area and pursue anything moving. It makes a good watchdog because it may be noisy and barky.
This dog cannot be handled like a toy dog. To keep it from growing up to be spoilt, intransigent, or aggressive, it needs adequate training and socialization from a young age. For it to be content and healthy, it also needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. It enjoys fetching balls, playing with toys, and taking walks.
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The Yorkshire Terrier is best suited for people who can provide it attention, discipline, and care. As long as it exercises regularly, it can adjust to apartment life. It can get along with kids who respect it, but extremely young children or rough kids who might damage it or provoke it shouldn’t be around. If raised with other pets, it can get along with them, but if not properly introduced, it may chase or fight with them.
Problems with the Yorkshire Terrier’s health
Although this dog is typically a healthy breed, it can nonetheless develop some health issues. Among the most typical ones are:
- Hypoglycemia: When blood sugar levels go too low, it is a condition known as hypoglycemia that can lead to tiredness, drowsiness, seizures, or even coma. Under stressful conditions or with a poor diet, it can affect puppies or adult dogs. Little meals spread throughout the day, as well as avoiding fasting and excessive exercise can help to prevent it.
- Patellar Luxation: This problem results in the kneecap slipping out of place, which can be painful and make it difficult to walk. It may result from trauma, obesity, or a congenital condition. Depending on the severity, it can either be treated surgically or with medicine.
- Tracheal Collapse: This is a disorder in which the cartilage rings supporting the trachea (windpipe) weaken and collapse, resulting in coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties. Obesity, allergies, or stress might cause it. Controlling one’s weight, using a medication, or in extreme circumstances, having surgery can help.
- Dental Issues: Because of their small teeth, Yorkshire Terriers are more likely to develop plaque accumulation, tartar, and tooth decay. Bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss can result from this. Regular tooth cleaning and the provision of dental chews or toys can help avoid it.
- Eye Issues: The Yorkshire Terrier’s big, expressive eyes are prone to damage, infections, or illnesses. Dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy are a few of the most prevalent ones. By keeping the eyes clean, shielding them from dust or debris, and checking them frequently for any signs of difficulty, it can be avoided.
- Skin Issues: The Yorkshire Terrier has sensitive skin that is susceptible to infections, parasites, and allergies. Atopic dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, and bacterial skin infections are a few of the more prevalent ones. It can be stopped by maintaining a clean, well-groomed coat, utilizing hypoallergenic treatments, and avoiding allergen contact.
Pros and Cons of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a fantastic breed with both benefits and disadvantages. The followings are some benefits and drawbacks of owning a Yorkshire Terrier:
🟢 Pros:
- It is a devoted friend that will stand by your side no matter what.
- It is a clever and trainable dog that can pick up a lot of commands and tricks.
- This dynamic and vivacious dog will keep you engaged and busy.
- It is a little, portable dog that you can take everywhere.
- It is a hypoallergenic, low-shedding dog that is suitable for allergy sufferers.
🔴 Cons:
- It is a high-maintenance dog that needs routine upkeep and grooming.
- Its loud barking and vocalizations may irritate your neighbors or visitors.
- It is a weak and brittle canine that is easily hurt or injured by stronger animals or rowdy kids.
- It is a headstrong and independent dog that, if not properly socialized, can be challenging to train or control.
- If left alone for an extended period of time, this anxious and clingy dog may experience separation anxiety.
Conclusion
Everyone who enjoys tiny, vivacious, and intelligent canines would appreciate the Yorkshire Terrier as a pet. It is not a breed for everyone, though, as it also has significant difficulties and unique requirements. Make sure you do your homework and determine if the Yorkshire Terrier is the perfect breed for you before you decide to purchase one. If you do, you will have a devoted buddy for the rest of your life.
FAQ
The most frequent inquiries concerning the Yorkshire Terrier are listed below:
What is the price of a Yorkshire Terrier?
The breeder, pedigree, location, and demand all have an impact on the price of a Yorkshire Terrier. An authentic breeder would often charge you between $800 and $3000 for a purebred Yorkshire Terrier puppy. For less money, you can also get a Yorkshire Terrier from a shelter or rescue.
What size can a Yorkshire Terrier grow to?
One of the tiniest breeds in existence, the Yorkshire Terrier stands 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches) tall and weighs 2 to 3 kg on average (4 to 7 pounds). While some Yorkies may be larger or smaller than the average size.
How long is the lifespan of a Yorkshire Terrier?
In comparison to other breeds, this dog has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years on average. But, depending on their health, nutrition, and lifestyle, certain Yorkies may live longer or shorter than the norm.
What cuisine is ideal for Yorkshire Terriers?
This dog should eat food that satisfies both its dietary requirements and preferences. As long as the food is of high quality, is balanced, and is suitable for the animal’s age, size, and activity level, you can select between dry, wet, or raw options. Aside from components that could trigger allergies or sensitivities, you should also stay away from meals that include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
How frequently ought I to brush my Yorkshire Terrier?
These dog breeds needs frequent grooming to maintain a healthy, attractive coat. Its coat should be brushed every day to avoid mats and tangles, its nails should be cut every few weeks to avoid overgrowth or splitting, its ears should be cleaned every week to avoid infections or wax buildup, and it should be bathed every month or as often as necessary to keep it clean and odor-free. Every few months, you should also take it to a professional groomer for a haircut or styling.