The Popular Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers are also called Yorkies and are well known as pets and lap dogs. Yorkies are originally from Scotland but are now common in England. In the olden days people used them to hunt rats - today they are more popular as pets. In the year 2005 Yorkies were recognized as one of the Top Dog Breeds.

Yorkies are small and light to hold and this is one major reason why they are called lap dogs as their owners do not mind keeping them on their lap for a long time. These dogs bond well with their owners, are very intelligent, loyal and playful companions.

Yorkies belong to the Toy or Terrier category and these dogs prefer to stay indoors but if they have to be kept outside then one must have a well protected and fenced yard. Their coat is long, fine, glossy and silky and they do not have an undercoat. A Yorkshire terrier pup is black in color and an adult dog may vary from tan to a bluish color. These dogs weigh between three to seven pounds and their average height is between eight to nine inches.

The natural temperament of Yorkshire terriers is that they are very confident and independent dogs, they do not get scared easily and are very intelligent. Their privacy is very important to them and this is one reason why they are territorial.

These dogs when trained well bear resemblance to children who are mature. They are full of fun, active and loving. They adjust well to other pets at home and their major concern and fondness is towards their owner.

However these dogs are prone to certain health issues that are a major concern to their breeders. Yorkies may suffer from alopecia which is hair loss. These dogs also develop cataract or lose the transparency of their lenses in either or both their eyes. They may suffer from dwarfism and even a condition called Cryptorchidism where the testicles fail to come into the scrotum. These dogs also suffer from disorders related to the eyes called Entropion, Glaucoma, Hydrocephalus and another condition called Keratoconjunctivitis sicca where the tear ducts produce less tears. Yorkies may suffer from low blood sugar and a disorder related to the kneecap called Patellar luxation. They may also be affected with an infection of the urinary tract called Urolithiasis and the collection of blood toxins in the liver called Portosystemic shunt.

Yorkies need to be groomed on an everyday basis. Their eyes and ears need to be cleaned to prevent any infection. Their teeth need to be taken care of and they must be taken only for short walks. They enjoy their play and recreation time and love chasing shadows and basking in the sun.

Scottish weavers migrated to England in the nineteenth century and brought these terriers to hunt rats. With the passage of time when these terriers were crossed "broken hairs" terriers were the result. A journalist in the year 1870 named a "broken-haired Scotch Terrier" as Yorkshire. These dogs were called so because they were mainly bred in Yorkshire.

Though Yorkies were initially bred as working dogs they became fashionable pets in England towards the end of the Victorian period. Yorkies became very popular in the United States in 1972.

Yorkies are rough dogs because their ancestors were rat hunters. Most pet owners get attracted by their small size, mischievous and intelligent temperament. A Yorkie is a best choice if you want a small, attractive and an affectionate companion when compared to other terriers.