You can Help Homeless Pets by donating one dollar!






Is the Yorkshire Terrier the Right Dog Breed for you?
By: Tippy & Alfred


The tiny Yorkshire Terrier is said to be the most popular of
the toy dog breeds in the United States, and it has been on
the American Kennel Club's Top Ten breeds list for years.
The breed is popular for its small size, its beauty, and its
large-dog-sized personality.

But with all its popularity, there are some serious issues
to consider before you decide that a Yorkshire Terrier is
the right breed for you. One of the first things to consider
is the coat. The long, silky, lustrous coat of a well-
groomed Yorkshire Terrier is a thing of beauty. But keeping
that long, fine hair in good condition is a constant job
unless you keep your pet Yorkshire's hair trimmed short.

The fur is very prone to developing mats, especially in
areas where the dog's movement creates friction, such as
under the legs and on the chest. Unless you have the want,
will, and funds to groom and pay for grooming for your dog,
don't choose a Yorkie. Even if you keep the dog in a puppy
cut, you will need to brush it daily.

Another consideration is the Yorkshire Terriers heritage.
Yorkshire Terriers descended from working ratters in the
factories, mines and mills of nineteenth century England,
and the breed hasn't lost the terrier instincts it was bred
to have. Small dog syndrome can be a major problem with this
breed if it is not properly socialized and trained.

Yorkshires may be small, but they don't know it. Like most
terriers, they are intelligent, playful, active and
energetic and need daily exercise and playtimes to prevent
damaging behaviors caused by boredom. Yorkshire Terriers
have even excelled at "big dog sports" like Flyball, flying
disk, tracking, and agility.

Yorkshire Terriers also follow the terrier law of being very
alert. A Yorkie will always let you know when any strangers
or hint of strangeness is around. This can be a great asset,
of course, as it was for those who created the breed. But if
you live in an apartment or other shared housing your dog's
barking may cause a problem with your neighbors.

Most Yorkshire Terriers will do fine with children that are
old enough to know how to properly handle a dog, but small
children may injure or be injured by a Yorkie due to the
dog's small size and active personality. And even well
trained Yorkshire Terriers should never be allowed alone
with very small animals of other species, or be let off the
leash in unsafe areas or they may go about their terrier
business to your dismay.


Library of all Dog Breed Info

Custom Search