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Dogs

America’s Darling: The Yorkshire Terrier

History and Origin
As Scottish weavers migrated from Scotland to England in the mid 19th century, they brought along various terriers used to hunt rats. Over time, these terriers were bred together until the Yorkshire terrier was developed. Originally, the breed was called the “broken-haired scotch terrier.” In 1870, a reporter at a dog show stated that the breed should be renamed the Yorkshire terrier since most of the breed development occurred in the town of Yorkshire. The breed was originally used as a working dog but became a fashionable pet in England in the late Victorian era. In 1872, the Yorkie made his entrance into the United States and has since been a favorite.

Appearance and Size
The Yorkshire terrier is a member of the toy breed group. The ears are erect and the tail is docked. The best-known feature of the breed is the long flowing hair coat, which requires constant care. The long hair on the head is usually tied on top with a bow to prevent the hair from getting in the face and eyes. The hair coat is typically dark steel blue complemented with shades of tan. The Yorkshire terrier stands eight inches at the shoulder and weighs three to seven pounds. Although there are those who prefer dogs that are slightly larger (7-9 lbs), for people who do not have a lot of space around the house, Yorkies make very good pets.

Personality
Yorkshire terriers are excellent watchdogs, readily alerting their family when strangers approach. In comparison, females tend to be better watchdogs than males. They are primarily indoor dogs, but since they are terriers at heart, they can live a rugged outdoor terrier life. With proper care and attention, they can live anywhere. Like many terriers,   Yorkies are lively and have a delightful temperament. They are inquisitive, bright and playful.  They like to dash around and check things out. Yorkies also like good game of tug-of-war. They also like to play with toys and interact with people.

Not too many breeds of dogs like to be carried or cuddled, but Yorkies like nothing better than to be held in your arms or snuggle against a pillow. Surprisingly, they also like being groomed so you can have a great time brushing their long, silky hair or even putting them into cute outfits. If you’re the type of person who loves to shower their attention on their pet, a Yorkie is the dog for you. Yorkshire terriers thrive on human companionship and attention. Yorkies are extremely loyal to their owners. Your pet Yorkie will want nothing more than to keep you happy. Give your pet plenty of love and praise when they do something you like, and in return they will likely continue with that good behavior.

The Yorkie is generally not very tolerant of children but can do well if raised with them. They are affectionate and loyal to the family but can be aggressive towards strangers if not properly socialized.

Do Yorkies Shed?
Because of their long hair, many people are concerned that Yorkies might shed. In fact, Yorkies do not shed. They are the only breed of dog with hair and not fur. Their hair is just like humans and some strands fall off in the same manner as human hair does. Yorkies do not have an undercoat either, making them ideal for people who are allergic to animal fur. While Yorkies do not shed, Yorkie owners should prepare themselves to spend a little time grooming their pet’s hair to keep it healthy and shiny. Check out this grooming video LINK.

Is a Yorkie the Pet for You?
Yorkies make good pets but they are not for everyone. A Yorkie is a good pet for you if you want a small dog that you can carry around and does not take up a lot of space. A Yorkie will also make a good pet if you suffer from allergies and want a pet that does not shed much. The Yorkshire terrier is intelligent and easily trained in basic obedience. And if you want a watchdog that doesn’t hesitate to announce a stranger, a Yorkshire terrier is the dog for you.

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