Title: An Extremely Intelligent Dog, The Yorkshire Terrier
Author: Randy Taylor
An Extremely Intelligent Dog, The Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, (nicknamed Yorkie), is a breed of
small dog in the toy category. The long-haired terrier is
known for its playful demeanor and distinctive blue and tan
coat. Yorkies can be very small, usually weighing not more
than 7 pounds. The American Kennel Club does not specify
the minimum weight accepted nor does it specify a height.
Based on registrations of the American Kennel Club,
Yorkshire Terriers became the second most popular dog breed
in the United States in 2006, following the Labrador
Retriever.
Yorkies originated in Yorkshire and Lancaster, England in
the nineteenth century. The Yorkie was bred as a ratter,
used to kill mice and rats in small places. They may have
been used for hunting as well. Terriers specialize in
hunting animals (usually vermin) that live in dens or
burrows. Animals that are cornered and defending their
young will fight ferociously. Any dog that would willingly
pursue them must have a great degree of courage; terriers
are bred for that quality.
The Yorkie being a toy breed does not necessarily mean
fragile. Yorkies have an athletic build and are very
playful. As a working dog a Yorkies intelligence makes them
wonderful for agility and obedience. Yorkies are generally
easy to house train. But sometimes because of their
independence they can be hard to housebreak. For their own
safety it is better to crate train them and to leave them
in a crate when they are left alone, e.g. during the night
or if their owners are out of the home. Always leave them
some toys and fresh water, and be sure they have a cosy bed
inside the crate. Remember that as they do enjoy human
company they will not appreciate being left alone for long
periods.
They have long hair with no undercoat which means less
shedding. Their coat is alot like human hair which only
falls out when broken or brushed. Yorkies have little
dander, good for allergy sufferers. The coat is silky,
glossy, fine, and should be straight. The traditional coat
is extremely high maintenance and needs several hours of
brushing daily. For pets the coat is usually kept in a
shorter pet clip. Anyone obtaining a pet Yorkie must
remember that there will be additional grooming expenses to
take into consideration. A Yorkies ears stand erect and
it's tail should be docked medium length. The hair should
be plucked from inside the ears, and checked regularly for
excessive wax and for mites. The hair should also be kept
out of their eyes. Also the tarter from the teeth needs to
be removed regularly, especially because the Yorkie is a
Toy breed. Even though there is an extra expense for
grooming, Yorkies eat very little, thus the owner saves
money.
Yorkies are often very susceptible to hypoglycemia
especially in puppies, but often carrying over into
adulthood. Because of their small size they also are
sometimes intolerant to anesthesia. The lifespan of a
Yorkie is generally 12 to 15 years but can be shorter in
the smaller ones (three pounds or less).
The temperament of a Yorkie varies greatly depending on how
it's been socialized by its owner. Some are timid and shy,
while others are bold and confident. But most are
intelligent, inquisitive, and self assertive. Alot of
Yorkies have a big dog attitude not realizing their small
size, which can get them in serious trouble and danger.
This fact not always making them suitable pets for younger
children.
Before buying a Yorkie, find a reputable breeder. Learn all
you can about the breed. And make sure your reputable
breeder or yourself has the Yorkie vet checked to make sure
it is healthy. Also, Do not buy any puppy unless it has had
a bile acids test run before and after eating and you have
seen the results of the test. Liver Shunt is running
rampant in many breeds of dogs right now and especially in
Yorkshire Terriers. Any responsible breeder will be more
than happy to have their veterinarian run this very simple
blood test on their puppies. Breeders please start testing
your puppies before you sell them. Even with the extra
expense of grooming and the extra care they need the Yorkie
can make a wonderful pet and companion.
About the Author:
Randy and Penny Taylor - Expert Breeders and Owners
http://www.passionf
http://www.ourpetsu
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