In 2006, Yorkshire Terriers became the second most popular purebred dog in America. The year before, they had been number three. 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 seems poised to do just that. 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 in any way. They have pointed ears, a tiny pointed nose and a yappy voice. They are most commonly in blue and gold coats, although a there are slight variations in color the blue and gold dominate. These coats naturally grow long and silky, getting to be almost twice the length of the dog, requiring that tiny red bow in top so the dog can see.
The personality of a Yorkshire Terrier is pretty consistent, even though you will find some differences in individual dogs. There is a temperament goal in the Yorkshire breed standard that ethical breeders try to get their dogs to copy. Yorkshire Terriers are the benevolent Napoleons of the canine world, needing to be in charge of every little thing in their territory. They are bossy, vocal and need to be fussed over.

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 very good 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. Another fault is if they don’t have the right color.

You can find many books on dog care, including care of the Yorkshire Terrier. Go to the library to find books that contain extensive Yorkshire Terrier information.

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