These cute dogs are often called sofa dogs. And their hairstyles - funny ponytails tied at the top of their heads - cannot but evoke affection. But contrary to popular belief, the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed was not bred at all in order to pamper society offspring, touch the ladies and ride in the pocket of gentlemen's coats.
York are real hunters, whom Scottish weavers trained to hunt mice and rats in the factory floors and who protected the peasants' fields from the invasion of rodents. Their character persistently reveals the nature of a terrier - an active, tireless, curious and often fearless companion.
Description and features
The homeland of this small but very cute dog is England, or rather one of its counties - Yorkshire. It is known for sure that it was born as a result of crossing several varieties of the Maltese, as well as miniature pinschers.
According to local legend, the dog’s ancestors were formidable rat-catchers, distinguished by their courage and bloodthirstiness. But is it true? Looking at a modern representative of the Yorkshire Terrier breed , it is difficult to believe that his ancestor was a dog with such a set of qualities. But we still will not completely reject this version.
Rodents have always annoyed people, so they fought them in all ways, and training small, nimble dogs was, perhaps, the best of them. One way or another, most of the dogs from the group under consideration have proven themselves to be friendly and not at all evil. So it’s difficult to believe that they were once aggressive towards rats and mice.
Yorkies are a very cheerful and good-natured breed.
The representative of the breed is of a decorative nature. He is not a security guard, and certainly not a bodyguard. The doggie represents an affectionate friend and companion. He is able to cheer up anyone, even a very sad person. In return, he will require tenderness and love. Very sensitive and vulnerable.
Interesting fact! We should thank the English sailors who took them on board with them for the wide distribution of Yorkies around the world. The Europeans and then the Americans liked the animals so much that they wanted to buy them. After this, breeders from around the world began to breed these dogs.
The first representative of the breed entered Russia only at the end of the 20th century. So Yorkies have been bred here relatively recently. At first, they were owned only by celebrities, which is why the dogs acquired great prestige, but nowadays they are adopted by people of different social status and income.
Most members of families who have such a pet consider it unique and almost ideal. This is understandable, because he has a huge number of positive qualities. It is suitable for an experienced hunter, an elderly person, a socialite and even a child.
It can serve as a companion, a home “toy”, a comforter-psychologist and just a loyal friend. The dog tolerates changes of environment well and is easy to carry. Thanks to this, you can take it with you anywhere, even on a sea holiday. The main thing is not to leave her alone for a long time.
Yorkshire Terrier haircuts
The fur of these dogs is often compared to human hair. But the similarity lies not in the structure of the hairs, but in the fact that wool grows, like hair, constantly and falls out only when combed or damaged. Yorkies have no undercoat, which means there is no shedding period. On the one hand, this is great, as it becomes a solution for people with allergies to animal fur. In addition, the pet will not leave fur everywhere in the apartment, on carpets and sofas, which means there will be less cleaning.
But on the other hand, this imposes certain responsibilities on the owners. Yorkies, unlike most other dogs, need to be trimmed, and do it regularly. Only dogs that participate in exhibitions are not cut. Their body turns out to be completely overgrown with fur, from head to toe. It flows down the body in soft cascades all the way to the floor, and the longest “curls” grow, as expected, on the head.
For most Yorkie owners, such beauty is not necessary. If a dog is bought simply as a pet with no claims to a show future, it needs to be trimmed. They do this once every two to three months. Haircuts are chosen at the discretion of the owner. Typically, less fur is left on the body, while funny “cheeks” are cut off on the face, and bangs are left on the head, which are tied into a cute ponytail.
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Breed standard
The Yorkshire Terrier dog is a miniature dog. The standard weight of an adult male is 3 kg, and an adult female is 2.5 kg. Error – 100-200 grams. The height at the withers of the first is up to 24 cm, and the second is up to 21 cm. The dog’s physique is proportional. He has a rectangular body, a well-defined lower back, and a flat belly without sagging.
The limbs are small. At the tips of the legs there are black and very soft pads. The claws are sharp and dark. Like all terriers, Yorkies are nimble and fast. They are able to run more than 5 km without getting tired at all. Their tail is set high. It is very thin and stays straight.
Shouldn't be wrapped in a ring! Usually, in the first week of birth, a representative of the breed has his tail docked in half. However, individuals who do not have a pedigree, that is, who will not participate in dog competitions, do not need to undergo such an operation.
The animal has a small head, flattened at the tip. The transition from forehead to mouth is well defined. The skull is rounded. The eyes are large, with a black, less often brown, iris. Eyelashes are very short. The nose is large and dark. The nostrils are wide. The ears are triangular, medium in length. They are in a standing position. A drooping or bent ear is considered a defect.
The main feature of the dog is its hypoallergenic coat. It does not have an unpleasant odor and is easy to clean and comb. The structure of the Yorkie's fur is soft and smooth. Interestingly, puppies are born with curly fur.
They somewhat resemble little sheep. After the first haircut, their coat straightens and then grows evenly. The most popular dog color is golden-silver or red-blue. It is important that the animal's fur shines in the sun.
Main types of colors
Beaver
It has a bright, white-black-red color and a black nose, while the proportional ratio of colors can be any: along with beavers, which have a white color with small spots, there are also individuals whose main color could be called, rather, black.
However, it is the light-colored dogs that are most popular..
Biro
It is colored white-brown-red, the location of the spots and their size may vary.
There are also almost brown biros that have a slight tan and small white markings (shown in the photo).
The nose of Biro Yorkies is brown in various shades.
Goldust
The main color of the coat is golden-fawn of various tones.
May be supplemented with small white markings.
Chocolate or choco
Its color can be any of the brown tones: from light brownish to dark chocolate.
There may be some small white markings and tan, but its color is not the deep red of the Biro, but rather a pale brown.
Black
The color of his coat should be intense black.
Small white markings are acceptable, such as a white “tie” or “socks”, as well as a narrow blaze on the forehead.
White
Such dogs are very rare (shown in the photo).
Ideally should be snow white.
The eyelids, nose and edges of the lips are only allowed to be black, and the eyes should be as dark a brown shade as possible.
Kinds
The standard type of Yorkshire Terrier was discussed above. Experts also identify less popular varieties, such as the Biewer Yorkie. It was developed by the Germans in the 80s. It is distinguished by larger dimensions, an elongated neck and a different coat color.
Biewer fur 3-color. There are black, white and light brown hairs on its body. There may be golden veins on the muzzle. A representative of this breed is distinguished by stronger bones and a developed musculoskeletal system.
The Biewer Yorkie is easily distinguished by its tricolor color.
There is another variety of Yorkie that differs from the standard - the Shoko-York. The main feature of this dog is its bright fur the color of melted chocolate. She is very beautiful and pleasant to the touch. An important requirement for a representative of the breed is that the color on its body must be uniform.
For gourmets, specialist breeders have bred the third representative of the breed - the Mini Yorkie. It differs from the standard one only in its smaller size. The weight of this dog should not exceed 2 kg. Very rarely, so-called super-mini Yorkshire terriers are born. Their weight is 1.5 kg.
Character
Almost all lap dogs are distinguished by a strong attachment to their owner, and the dog in question is no exception. He is incredibly gentle and affectionate. Always strives to accompany the owner, but if he is absent, he sleeps or is sad.
Raising and training a decorative dog is a great pleasure. She is flexible, flexible and well controlled. She dotes on the people who love her. The Yorkshire Terrier in the photo is interested, playful and loving. Many people consider it an ideal pet due to the presence of these and other positive traits in its character.
Among the main advantages of a representative of the breed are: a cheerful and good-natured disposition, an affectionate attitude towards people, good learning ability, goodwill, moderate curiosity, tenderness, and sociability.
She loves spending time with her owner, especially when he leaves the house. Due to natural curiosity, he strives to learn new things about the world: he digs in the ground, runs after insects, sniffs passing people and animals.
It is worth noting that not all representatives of the fauna are treated kindly by the baby Yorkie. He likes to communicate with dogs, some birds, and turtles, but he openly despises rodents and cats. He never misses an opportunity to demonstrate his hatred to them.
He has excellent teamwork skills. Of course, it is useless to demand high-quality guard service from such a small dog. Due to his nature, he is practically devoid of suspicion and aggression. However, when keeping company with, for example, a German Shepherd or a Doberman, it can bark at people passing by, trying to scare them away.
Most owners are touched by how cute Yorkies are, imitating large guard dogs. They have a loud bark, but few can be truly frightened by it. However, among the representatives of the breed there are real aggressors who can even bite a person. But you should know that such individuals are considered low-breed.
This dog will never leave its owners in trouble. Despite her diminutive size, she is very brave! The animal will defend its loved one if someone threatens. But he definitely won’t rush into battle; he’ll rather start barking loudly at the potential aggressor from a safe distance.
Representatives of the breed are very active. Sometimes it seems that their bodies have small batteries that provide energy around the clock. Dogs love to play, run and bark. When the owner devotes time to them, they become happy, and when they ignore them, they become stressed. They prefer to always be close to people. Loneliness saddens and frightens them.
What do boys and girls look like and how do they differ?
Like other breeds, Yorkie boys look very impressive and impressive, while girls look more graceful and gentle, and are a pleasure to look at!
Also, their head may visually look somewhat smaller in proportion than that of males.
If in other breeds of dogs boys are usually larger, then in Yorkies this is ambiguous: even among individuals of standard size, a female can be larger than a male, which sometimes creates difficulties in breeding these dogs.
Care and maintenance
If you decide to purchase such a pet, then remember that he is kind and gentle, and also needs a lot of attention. You should not leave him alone at home for more than 2 hours. Since the Yorkie is perfect for apartment living, there is no need to bother creating special conditions for it.
The dog will be happy if you let it sleep at your feet. Usually, she prefers to share a bed with her owner. But, if he offended her with something the day before, he will go to the lounger or bed of another person. Loves to cover himself with a blanket. We recommend purchasing a separate blanket for her.
Prefers warmth to coolness. He also does not disdain colorful toys. The dog likes to fetch a rubber ball thrown by its owner. He also enjoys walks in the fresh air. Needs a long leash and collar. But that is not all.
It should be remembered that this animal does not tolerate frost, mostly due to the lack of undercoat. Therefore, he needs warm clothing. If you accustom your dog to it from childhood, it will not feel completely comfortable. An excellent option is a cotton overall with a hood.
The Yorkshire Terrier's coat requires regular brushing.
Now let's look in more detail at caring for such a pet. In this regard, it is quite problematic. Firstly, the dog’s fur regularly gets dirty, even if he spends little time outside. Secondly, food debris often sticks to its face, which over time begins to smell bad. All this indicates the need for frequent bathing.
It is better to use tar shampoo for dogs. It is ideal for the delicate fur of a decorative dog. After you have bathed your pet, wipe it dry with a towel. The last stage is combing. You should carefully comb all areas of his body so that the fur does not get tangled. It is recommended to resort to such procedures at least once every 3-4 months.
Advice! To make sure your pet smells good after a bath, we recommend spraying a special moisturizing scent for dogs on him. You can buy it at a pet store or order it online.
Mandatory care measures:
- Washing the face with warm water. This removes food particles stuck to the fur on the face, and also removes tear fluid.
- Haircut or sharpening of claws.
- Regular brushing of fur.
- A haircut. There are a huge number of options for cutting haircuts for representatives of this breed (we advise you to take into account that dogs are hot in the summer, so it is better to remove their fur as much as possible at this time of year).
- Flea treatment. It is recommended to buy your dog a special collar, the smell of which repels parasites.
- Antihelminthic therapy. Every year, your pet dog should be given medication containing an active substance that kills worms.
Is it worth getting a Yorkshire Terrier?
A dog of this breed will become a good companion for an elderly person, will brighten up his loneliness and allow him to go outside more often. But if regular walks are a burden, a trained baby can go to the litter box in the apartment.
Yorkies are often chosen by middle-aged women whose children are already grown up and have no grandchildren yet. The pet becomes another child requiring care and attention. And the opportunity to buy hairpins, elastic bands, beautiful overalls for the winter, do his hair and periodically take him for a haircut is captivating and addictive.
This cute baby is also suitable for families with children over six years old and teenagers. Yorkies' unpretentiousness and excellent health make them an almost problem-free first dog. But it is important to remember that these dogs would rather be in the company of an adult than a child. Therefore, it’s hardly worth expecting children to have fun playing with their pet.
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Nutrition
The issue of organizing a menu for such a pet should be approached very responsibly. The stomach is its weak point, therefore, from improper nutrition, the animal can get sick and even die. It is important that your Yorkshire Terrier puppy eats a balanced diet.
His food should be varied, fresh and of high quality. It should be fed 5, or preferably 6 times a day in very small portions (100-150 grams). When he turns 5 months old, he should be switched to 4 meals a day, and when he turns six months old - to 3 meals a day. He should eat protein products, mainly of animal origin:
- Meat.
- Eggs.
- Milk.
- Butter.
- Cottage cheese.
Also in its menu it is necessary to include boiled buckwheat, semolina porridge, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes the dog can be pampered with meat broth or fish, but without bones. What should not be given to a young or adult representative of the breed? Firstly, pork. This meat contains many parasites, moreover, it is difficult to digest and assimilate.
Secondly, sweets, any kind: cakes, pastries, biscuits, sweets, etc. Thirdly, some raw foods, especially eggs and potatoes. If you are afraid of making a mistake and giving your dog something that could harm it, we advise you to play it safe and completely switch it to a ready-made diet. Yorkies do well with dry food for small dogs.
Possible Causes of Trembling
Many small breed dogs sometimes shake. You should not immediately rush to the veterinarian; this condition can be caused by many factors. During the winter, the Yorkshire Terrier trembles quite often, since the dog is highly susceptible to the effects of low air temperatures due to its size. With such actions, the animal accelerates blood circulation in order to warm up.
Sometimes a pet shakes due to a feeling of fear or in stressful situations. Such a reaction causes intense excitement, pleasure or a feeling of happiness. For example, after a long separation at home you will meet a pet trembling with joy.
But the cause of trembling can be the following diseases: allergies, poisoning or hypoglycemia. The allergic reaction easily goes away after the irritant is eliminated. In addition to trembling, poisoning is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. The hallmarks of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are constant trembling, weakness and lethargy. If you recognize the cause in time and seek the help of a veterinarian, your pet’s health is not in danger.
Reproduction and lifespan
Small dogs often live longer than large ones. The Yorkshire Terrier faithfully serves its owner from 13 to 15 years. There are individuals that live up to 16 years. The breeder must be well aware of the standard of this breed. Dogs that meet the following requirements should be selected for mating:
- Their ears are V-shaped and stand erect.
- The coat is straight, very smooth (and if the dog has not been cut, then curly).
- Their weight should not exceed 3 kg.
- The male and female must be sexually mature - no younger than 1 year and no older than 7 years.
On the 3rd day of estrus, the bitch can be taken to the male. He will sniff her and begin to try to woo her. Sometimes, due to her health worsening during menstruation, the bitch can push him away. Then the breeder will have no choice but to postpone their mating.
The birth of a female Yorkie should be performed by a professional, as it is often problematic. The mother dog is very affectionate and caring. She must feed her offspring for at least 1.5 months.
Age
How to determine the age of a Yorkie that was picked up or found on the street? The most accurate way is to check the condition and number of teeth. A puppy's first teeth appear at the age of a month - these are the upper and lower incisors. In the period from 4 months to six months, an active change of teeth occurs. The first wear of tooth enamel is observed at 15 months.
A dog aged two to three years suffers from tartar formation. A five-year-old animal has worn out all its incisors, while a six-year-old animal has yellow teeth. At seven, the dog's fangs will be dulled, and after ten years, the teeth will wear down to the crowns, possibly losing them.
Price
Yorkie lovers can rejoice, because today there are kennels where these dogs are bred in almost every post-Soviet capital, including Moscow. When going to the kennel for such a dog, be sure to take into account all future expenses, especially food and vaccinations.
The price of a Yorkshire terrier with a pedigree is from 25 to 35 thousand rubles. You can safely take such a pet to competitions and exhibitions. But be sure to study his veterinary passport before purchasing.
Yorkies are one of the smallest breeds, perfect for living in an apartment.
A more budget-friendly option for purchasing is from your own hands. A representative of the breed in question can be purchased cheaper, for 10-15 thousand rubles, from a private breeder. But by cooperating with him, you are unlikely to get a high-breed terrier.
Names for Yorkshire Terrier
The British origin of the dog gives it every right to bear a foreign name. But you shouldn’t focus on aristocratic and noble nicknames. After all, the Yorkshire is a hard worker, a hunter and a helper, and therefore simpler nicknames for Yorkshire terrier boys would be appropriate. Bard, Vince, Jason, Lucky, Mini, Poof, Roger, Smart, Tice, Chuck, Harvey - a set of options that correspond to the character and characteristics of the breed.
Nicknames for girls of the Yorkshire Terrier can be much sweeter and gentle. After all, these creatures do not have such a cool disposition as boys. Therefore, the nicknames Bonya, Busya, Zaya, Mila, Iriska, Lyalya, Fairy, Fifa, Chika, Lapka, Tiffany, Eva are suitable for them.
Education and training
Despite lacking the working potential of traditional service dogs, Yorkies are highly trainable. They are smart and obedient, and are not at all prone to destructive behavior. But, the owner of such a pet must organize play training for it.
A decorative dog will never follow a command if it is scared or upset about something. It is important to make sure that when she is at home, she feels comfortable and calm. Before you invite her to learn to sit or spin around her axis, invite her to play. When the animal becomes playful, start training.
It is recommended to teach such a dog to go to the toilet in the right place as early as possible. If you live with him in a private house, he himself will ask to leave when he feels a natural need. Well, apartment residents will have to purchase a tray for their pet.
Some tips for raising small dogs:
- Tell your puppy his name often so that he remembers his name and responds to it.
- Never call him by name during a verbal reprimand.
- Always reward efforts.
- Demonstrate your leadership skills whenever the opportunity arises. This will allow the animal to respect you.
Possible diseases and methods of treating them
Unfortunately, it is difficult to call these adorable dogs healthy. Even a weak virus can easily undermine their immune system. Therefore, it is very important to vaccinate dogs on time. Vaccination dates for them: at one and a half, two, two and a half months, at six months and at a year. Also, as a preventive measure, veterinarians recommend vaccinating dogs against rabies annually.
Your Yorkshire Terrier may get a stomach ache from improper feeding. Symptoms of gastric dysfunction in a dog: nausea, vomiting, loose stools, refusal to eat, severe thirst, weakness. If you notice any of the above in your pet, do not hesitate and take him to the hospital.
Sometimes, to remove the toxin, it is enough to rinse the animal’s stomach once. Also, a bone can easily get stuck in the thin esophagus of a decorative dog. It is extremely important to inspect any fish or meat product for bones before giving it to your dog.
Yorkie is a wonderful pet that will give joy to everyone who is imbued with tenderness and awe. He is very grateful for care and feeding, becomes very attached to his owners and needs their care.
Tips for choosing a puppy
Yorkies have quite a lot of genetic defects, so it is better to buy a puppy from breeders and kennels with a good reputation. Be sure to check the documents and ask about the health status of the parents.
It is better to buy puppies that have reached the age of 2.5-3 months. At this time, many defects will already be clearly visible. You should not settle for the first puppy you come across, offered by the breeder. It's worth watching the animals.
The dog should be strong, moderately dense and active. A healthy animal's eyes are shiny and its nose is slightly moist. In addition, you need to pay attention to your back.
It should be straight. Be sure to examine the dog's stomach. Bloating is unacceptable. The pet must have a passport and vaccination records.
