Other Names- Yorkie

Height- average height for males and females (6-7 inches)

Weight- average weight for males and females (7 pounds)

Life Expectancy- 12 to 15 years

Group- Toy (AKC)

Recognized By- AKC(American Kennel Club), CKC(Canadian Kennel Club), FCI(Federation Cynologique Internationale), ANKC(Australian National Kennel Council), KCGB(Kennel Club of Great Britain), UKC(United Kennel Club), NKC(National Kennel Club), ACR(American Canine Registry), APRI(American Pet Registry Inc.), CKC(Continental Kennel Club), NZKC(New Zealand Kennel Club).

Yorkshire Terriers originated in Yorkshire England, and were used to hunt vermin in the mines and mills in the area. Records on the development of this breed were not well kept but it is thought by some that the Clydesdale, Skye, Waterside, and Paisley Terriers, all had contributed to the development of the Yorkshire Terrier.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed of dog, with a long silky coat that parts down the spine. They do not have an undercoat. Their tails are sometimes docked and ears a v-shaped and erect. They have a massive amount of hair on their head that usually will be trimmed or gathered at the top of head and tied with a ribbon. The coat is a dark steel blue and tan, with the steel blue color on the body and tail, and the tan covering the rest.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a brave, energetic, dog, very loyal and loving with their owner. They do best with a family who has older children, as they tend to snap if teased or frightened. They can also be agressive with other dogs or small animals. They are very independant and although they like to be near you, they are content to have their own little space and not on your lap constantly. Some Yorkies have a tendancy to be a bit stubborn and might be a challenge to train and housebreak. Suspicious of strangers, they make good watchdogs and like to bark.

Yorkies are well suited for apartment life, and do not need extensive exercise routines as some other breeds do. They will do fine with a daily walk or whatever your schedule allows.

Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to the following health problems:

• tracheal collapse
• sensitivity to anesthetic
• luxating patella
• Legg-Perthes disease
• Portosystemic shunt
• bronchitis

Grooming requirements will depend alot on whether you plan to show your dog or not. Show dogs require alot more attention than the companion dogs will. Because they have no undercoat they shed very little or no hair, and do not have a doggy odour. Daily brushing is recommended. Yorkies that are used for show are often seen with a topknot tied with a ribbon.