Yorkshire Terrier
Owner's Guide
Because they're so tiny and have such splendid coats, many people think Yorkshire Terriers
are delicate dogs. Actually, it's better not to baby these dogs too much. Excessive pampering confuses them. Common sense care must be taken because of their size, but Yorkies are little terriers. That means they love to play and investigate. They are bundles of energy as puppies, though older Yorkies can be quiet and settled.
In nineteenth century Yorkshire, England, the dog caught rats for workers in clothing mills. The breed's coat was so beautiful that people said the mill workers must have spun their coats in the factories. Later in the nineteenth century, the Yorkie was discovered by high society, and he became the widely loved family companion he is today.
The Yorkie's coat is always blue and tan. The body is mostly blue, darker at the tail. The hair on the top of the head is called the "headfall." It should be a golden tan color. The tan is darker on the sides of the face, chest, and parts of legs. The Yorkie's long coat needs to be brushed every day so it won't get matted. It needs shampooing once a week and some trimming.
Excerpts from the Standard
General Appearance: A long-haired toy terrier, vigorous and confident.
Size, Proportion, and Substance: Weight--not to exceed 7 pounds.
Fun Facts
Yorkies are unafraid, independent, and love to travel with their people. One Yorkie took a month-long tour of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. She rode in a specially designed basket on a bicycle built for three (her owners and her). Of course, she had to wear her sweater on the chilly mountain mornings.
Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Articles

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- What Causes Seizures in Dogs?
- Q: I have a 4 year old toy Yorkie-toy Fox Terrier mix who has had 2 seizures since... More »
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- Should I be concerned about the lump on my dogs chest?
- Q: Our Yorkie has a soft mass on his chest. A doctor friend said it is probably a non-cancerous fatty tumor. More »
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- Can dogs get STDs?
- Q: Can dogs get STDs? More »
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- Dog Breeds in the Toy Group
- There are small dogs in most of the groups, but the dogs in the Toy Group are the smallest. With their baby size and charming expressions, they are appealing to everybody. More »
Videos
Breed Profile: Yorkshire Terrier
Overflowing with charm and personality, the pocket-sized Yorkie has no clue how small it is. Although a toy dog, Yorkies can¿t deny their Terrier roots. They¿re defensive, energetic, loyal, and adventurous.
Blogs
WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION: Baby Yorkie
… This little Yorkshire Terrier puppy named Chloe is this week's CUDDLE CHAMPION. How cute! Submitted by Patricia Villa Sarasty To submit a picture to "WEEKLY More…
Problems with Purebreeds? Say It Ain't So!
…Well--yes itâ s true. We love the squashed-in nose and wrinkles of the bulldog; the tiny pocketbook size of the Yorkshire terrier; the ridged back on the Rhodesian Ridgeback. How could these be bad? Caution--a slight rant follows. *s* A BBC... More…
Poker Playing Pooch Wins It All
…A few weeks ago I introduced Jilli Dog, the most adorable basketball playing Yorkshire terrier. So it became obvious to me that I am compelled to More…
He Gives “Poop Deck” New Meaning
…PopAye has a leg up (or more) on his human shipmates aboard their floating home, the One Aye. Rough seas arenâ t quite so rough when youâ re a surefooted Yorkshire Terrier. The year-old Yorkie lives on a 42-foot boat in... More…
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