Yorkshire Terrier Information

  Country of Origin:  The Yorkshire Terrier (or  Yorkie) was bred in Yorkshire, Northern England in the 1800’s to hunt and kill rats and other vermin. It was carefully bred from a number of working terriers, some of which came to England alongside Scottish immigrants looking for factory work.  

  Yorkshire Terrier History:  Today's Yorkshire Terrier is very different from the early Yorkshire Terriers of the North of England.  These were primarily working dogs, much larger than today's Yorkies.  These terriers were inevitably crossed with other types of terrier, probably the English Black and Tan Toy Terrier, and the Skye Terrier; it is also thought that at some stage the Maltese Terrier was crossed with these breeds to help produce long coats. As the outline of the Maltese resembles that of many of today's Yorkies, this is very likely. We can see in today's Yorkies how strongly the terrier temperament has been retained.

  Size:  The Yorkshire Terrier is 8" - 9" tall and weighs approximately 4-8 lbs.  Some may even grow to 15 lbs or greater and some may be smaller.  Yorkshire Terriers have a small, flat head, level or scissors bite, dark, intelligent eyes, and small, highly set, V-shaped ears and tail carried high.  The AKC breed standard is 4-7#.

  Coat:  The Yorkshire Terrier has a very long, straight, silky coat which is golden-brown at the head, chest, and legs. The color and texture of the coat are perhaps the most important show trait. Puppy Yorkshire Terriers are born black and tan and gradually attain their natural color. Show dogs are groomed with the hair grown out long (sometimes trimmed to floor-length) and parted down the middle of the back. Most Yorkies have no undercoat and shed little.  They also have very little dander so are considered hypoallergenic.

  Character:  Yorkshire Terriers become attached to their families, but most maintain some measure of independence. They have a boisterous Terrier personality that far exceeds their small size.  Yorkies are lively, bold, and intelligent (scoring in the top third in dog intelligence tests). They bark when they sense danger. 

  Temperament:  The Yorkshire Terrier is tolerant of older children, provided they respect its personal space. Due to its small size and bold temperament (which arises from its working origins) the Yorkshire Terrier is not recommended for young children unless carefully supervised.

The Yorkshire Terrier can occasionally be a bit too brave when dealing with larger dogs, but usually gets along fine with cats and other household pets. Yorkies prefer life indoors, and are may be unsuited to cold climates.

 They should always wear a harness in lieu of a collar due to the small size of their trachea.   My personal preference is the Puppia brand, usually XS for under 4 1/2# and S for 5-8.  Also the Step-In Lupine Harness is safe for Yorkies.  See more under Grooming.  The best prices I have found were either on EBay or Amazon.

 Training:  The Yorkshire Terrier is intelligent and capable of learning quickly with consistent training.  As a breeder, I begin paper training the babies when they are about 3 weeks old and by 10-12 weeks they use the pads with some regularity.  This breed does NOT respond to yelling, hitting, and punishment.  Yorkies respond to praise, praise and more praise.  Golly, kind of like we humans.

The socialization process should begin at about 1-2 weeks with  gentle handling and by 4 weeks socialization with other Yorkies in the breeders home.  By 10-12 weeks they should be well socialized to other humans and to other dogs.  Yorkshire puppies should never leave their mother until at least 9 weeks of age and some smaller ones stay until after the 12th week.  Any Yorkie under 8 1/2 weeks of age should not be taken from its Mom.  

 Activity:  The Yorkshire Terrier can have most of their needs met through indoor play, but they love a daily walk or romp in a fenced-in yard. Yorkshire Terriers are well suited to apartment life and love walking on a leash.  They should never be unattended when out in the yard as unfortunately their size lends them to be prey to Hawks/Owls/Eagles/Coyotes.

Health & Longevity:  Life Expectancy is about 12-15 years.  Yorkies are generally hardy and healthy and long-lived. Conscientious breeders only breed from sound, selected stock, and do their best to eliminate genetic defects. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that one buy only from a reputable breeder, and never purchase a puppy from a pet shop, flea market or 'puppy mill'. 

A reputable breeder is happy to show the puppy in their home, allow you to view its' parents, and watch it interact with the family.  A reputable breeder will be available to offer support and education after the sale as well.  I am available 24/7 post sale and happy to help you at any time.

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