In 2022, Yorkshire Terriers were ranked number 13 as the most popular purebred dog in America. They have fallen a few points from earlier years but are still beloved favorites and wonderful dogs to have. Although it seems hard to think that any breed of dog would topple the long-reigning Labrador Retriever from the top spot, the tiny Yorkshire Terrier could do just that someday! Wondering if you have ever seen a Yorkshire Terrier (most commonly called Yorkies)? Chances are, you have seen a lot of them.
Yorkshire Terriers weigh only about six pounds, although they can get heavier or lighter without being ill. They have pointed ears, a tiny pointed nose, and a yappy voice.
A lot of Yorkshire Terriers are bought on impulse or as a gift that the receiver soon regrets. Although Yorkies are cute and need a bare minimum of exercise, they need money invested in their health and coat care. They also have very small bladders, making housetraining difficult. These dogs are also efficient bodyguards and will attack anyone they think is threatening. So, most Yorkies are abandoned through no fault of their own. By knowing basic Yorkshire Terrier information, you can avoid this tragedy.
The incredibly long show coat often identifies a Yorkshire Terrier. The show champions are usually the ones pictured in dog breed books and in magazines. If you are familiar with guinea pigs, the Yorkshire Terrier is the one who looks a lot like a Peruvian show guinea pig (and some Yorkies aren’t much heavier than a guinea pig!) However, this show coat is only seen on show dogs. The majority of Yorkies spend their lives in a closely clipped coats.
The breed standard lists Yorkies as alert, vivacious, and full of “self-importance”. (That’s putting it mildly). Yorkies are one of the few dog breeds that can be picky eaters. They make excellent watchdogs. They do not do well in a home with pet rodents, as they were bred to kill rats. However, they do well in homes with elderly or small children. In a home with other dogs, don’t be surprised if the Yorkie becomes the alpha dog very quickly.
Yorkshire Terriers pointed ears are more V-shaped than a tight point. Their noses are supposed to be always black. Their eyes are bright and alert. The Yorkshire Terrier should seem as if he thinks he’s better than everyone else and carry himself like he’s the biggest dog in the world. Their backs are level and they should stand squarely. They shouldn’t have an overbite or an undershot jaw like a bulldog.
Some common faults in a purebred Yorkshire Terrier include floppy ears as an adult, being just too big to be in the show ring, having an undocked tail (all show dogs have tails docked at two or three days of age) or dewclaws (which are removed from all show dogs).
Another fault is if they are over seven pounds, which happens often, even in purebreds, since the Yorkshire Terrier ancestor was well over seven pounds. And finally, if they don’t have the right color.
Let us know below in the comments section if you currently have a Yorkshire Terrier or have had one in the past. How did you like the dog please share any advice or tips for potential new Yorkie owners out there!
