Breed Spotlight: Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier Facts

Popularity

The Yorkshire Terrier was the ninth most popular dog breed in the United States in 2016, according to the American Kennel Club. Yorkshire Terriers, also known as the Yorkie, are an energetic, friendly and determined companion. Although Yorkies now belong to the Toy Group, they are a Terrier by nature. They were originally used for catching rats in clothing mills in the 19th century. Yorkshire Terriers are well-known for their big personality in a small-package attitude.

History

The Yorkshire Terrier was named after the city of Yorkshire, England, where the breed originated. In the dog breed’s early years, the Yorkie belonged to the Working Dog Group. Eventually, the breed left the workforce and became a popular companion to families in European high society. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1885, and is now recognized as being in the Toy Group.

Yorkshire Terrier Grooming

Yorkies are most known for their long silky coat. It was oftentimes said their coat was a product of the looms since they worked in the clothing mills during the 19th century.

To keep your Yorkshire Terrier’s coat in good condition, it needs to be brushed regularly to avoid matting. You may even want to trim his hair if it drags on the floor to avoid any foreign items getting tangled in the coat. A Yorkie’s coat should be fine and silky, and it should be straight and not wavy. He should be black and tan in color, but blue and tan is also acceptable.

Yorkshire Terrier Training Tips

A dog trainer may express the Yorkshire Terrier can be both difficult and easy to train. Due to the dog’s small size, many owners let their Yorkies get away with bad behaviors other dogs would never be allowed to do. Some Yorkies will become demanding and overly confident. Oftentimes, they develop jealous or possessive behaviors with toys and food. They will even become overly protective of their owners. Some refer to this as small dog syndrome.

If you don’t give your dog boundaries and limitations, he can become very stubborn, making it difficult to train in the long run. It’s important, especially with a small breed, to keep up with regular dog training to ensure a happy life for you and your Yorkie.

Yorkshire Terriers as Pets

If you’re looking for a small dog with a big attitude and lots of heart, the Yorkshire Terrier is the dog for you. He requires minimal exercise and daily grooming. The Yorkie is well suited to many different living quarters because of his small size. The Yorkshire Terrier is a favored companion and will continue to be for years to come.

Last updated April 25, 2017