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Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed with a long, beautiful, silky coat. They do require regular grooming but make excellent companions and watchdogs.


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Breed Facts
Active:
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Affectionate:
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Friendly:
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Pet Friendly:
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Protective:
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Physical Characteristics
  • Coat: Long, silky hair
  • Medium sized, dark eyes
  • Color is blue and tan
  • Height: 7-9 inches
  • Weight: 5-7 pounds
  • Average lifespan: 12-15 years
Temperament
  • Energetic, adventurous, brave, loyal, clever, affectionate
  • Interaction with people: Good with mature children; wary of strangers
  • Interaction with animals: May be aggressive toward other animals
  • Level of attention needed: Requires lots of attention and love
  • Training: Easily trained
  • Bark: Can be highly vocal
  • Protection: Good watchdog
Medical Conditions
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
Grooming
  • Light shedder
  • Needs frequent bathing; daily brushing is needed to keep mats and tangles from forming
  • Never brush a dry coat
  • Usually has a topknot (long fall of hair collected into a ribbon or bow to keep hair out of the dog's eyes)
  • Clean teeth regularly
  • Can clip hair short for ease in coat care
Other Facts
  • Originally the dog of the working class
  • Nicknamed the "Yorkie"
  • During the Victorian era, women carried them in their bags and under their arms
Breed History
  • Initially bred to hunt rats in cotton mills and mines in Yorkshire, England
  • Original breed was much larger
  • This breed became a fashion accessory during the Victorian era
  • First brought to the U.S. in the 1870s
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit YTCA Rescue