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Yorkshire Terrier is a relatively recent breed, having been
created in the county of York, in England, from the crossing of dogs of the
breeds Manchesters, Maltese, Skyes and Dandies Diamonts. It was developed by the
miners of the region who searched for a small dog that could go underneath the
land and hunt small rodents that infested the region. But the dog made so much
success that it called the attention of breeders who enthusiastically, started a
selection process, improving its standard and obtaining wonderful
dogs.
 The Yorkshire was
presented for the first time in England in 1861 and its first appearance in a
canine display occurred around of 1880. In 1898, the Kennel Club of England,
that had just been founded, recognized it with the name of Yorkshire Terrier and
its first standard, of 1898, foresaw 2 groups of sizes: up to 2.3 kg (preferred
for company dogs) and between 2.3 and 6 kg (preferred to face the great rats).
Its current standard determines the maximum weight of 3.150 g.
In end of Victorian Age it started its
social ascension, being a favorite of Queen Victoria and being chosen as its
dogs of esteem. Yorkies had become non-separable company dogs for ladies of the
aristocracy and of high bourgeoisie, who used to decorate them the dresses they
wore, therefore from hunter of rats the York became a luxury dog, more in
agreement with the picture that we have currently of them.
Especially for its size, it kept its popularity around
the world, being chosen mainly for people who live in apartments and/or small
houses without a yard. And due to its personality, even those that have enormous
spaces, such as Xuxa and Ana Maria Braga (Brazilian TV presenters) chose the
lovely Yorkies.
Personality
 Its affectionate and kind temperament makes it an excellent
friend, very amusing and devoted, however, because of its size it can live well
with children, but it does not appreciate the conviviality with other dogs and
will certainly dispute the domain of the territory.
Besides affectionate, the Yorkshire Terrier is very
vivacious and always alert. As a good hunter, it will give the alarm to the
smallest noise, which can bring some problems with the neighborhood. Due to this
remarkable feature, many use them as alarm dogs, a function that fulfills
perfectly.
 Despite the size, the Yorkshire is a very
active and independent dog and therefore the "lap" is not its favorite place.
Perhaps the best place for the Yorkshire is close to the owner, but not
necessarily on top of it. Exactly for being sufficiently "independent " the York
does not like to be alone for a long time and, if it can, it will follow the
steps of the owner wherever he goes.
The Yorkshire is not the most obedient breed. According
to the book the "Intelligence of the Dogs", of Stanley Coren, the York occupies
27th place and is the first one among the Terriers. As Stanley describes, breeds
with such position obey to an order 70% of the times or more. Despite this, it
is a dog that is capable of deciding by itself, analyzing cause and consequence
of the events.
 The Puppy
The Yorkies should not be bought before 10
weeks of age, but only from 12 weeks on. This is because in contrast to bigger
breeds, Yorkies still can be traumatized before 10 weeks of age and also can,
more easily, contract illnesses and not survive due to its small
frame.
The puppies are born black with golden, almost brown, and
not evenly distributed. With the passing of time, they suffer deep modifications
and only after 18 months they acquire its definitive fur and tonalities, with
the golden spreading and the colors becoming lighter. Due to this true
metamorphosis, some inexperienced breeders sacrificed entire offsprings for
thinking that they were crossbred.
 Colors
According to the standard of the breed,
the Yorkshire must have two colors: the dark blue-steel (almost black
ash-brilliant) and the tawny one (toasted yellow), and a color cannot invade
another nor mix. The difficulties of the breeders start in this definition, as
the blue-steel should not be excessively dark to the point is almost black, and
nor too light, seeming almost silver. Concerning the tawny coats, they are
slightly clearer in the tips than in the roots, and they produce an intense
golden coloring.
 Breeders frequently
obtain the blue-silver-plated coloration, even so forbidden for the
standard.
Its fur must be abundant and needs care to remain clean
and detangled. The brushing must be daily and baths twice a month with neutral
shampoo. The fur must be trimmed short in the tip of the ears. The brushing must
be made with a soft brush and the fur lightly moistened to prevent breaking. So
that can move better, the owner can clip the bangs over the forehead thus
liberating the vision of its eyes.
Common
Problems
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Special care must be taken by
the owners and futures owners of Yorkies: never acquire dogs of very small
parents, since these are considered more "agitated" and excessively excited
besides being more inclined to have health problems. Therefore, always consider
the standard of the breed that establishes as ideal weight 3 kg. Unfortunately,
the seek for small dogs created unofficially terms, as "micro" or "zero",
therefore, be extra cautious when acquiring a puppy.. |
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Delayed locking of the mill
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Hernia
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Double Teething
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Luxated to patelar - the dog leaves lame
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The crossing of dogs with the illness must be
prevented. Females can present difficulties when giving birth, demanding
constant monitoring of a veterinarian.
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