The  Yorkshire Terrier 

      If you like small dogs with big dog attitudes, you may want to consider a Yorkshire Terrier. These dogs are so sure that they are just as big and bad as the other guy, that they will not hesitate to take on a Great Dane. Of course, this doesn't mean that Yorkshire Terriers aren't lap dogs. The Yorkie can cuddle with the best of them.

       The Yorkshire Terrier is a member of the AKC's Toy Group. 

      Although Yorkies can be as small as one pound, most breeders do not recommend trying to breed dogs this tiny, and for good reason. When dogs are bred to be this tiny, health is often sacrificed for size and weight. The AKC calls for the Yorkie to be under seven pounds, but does not have a minimum required weight.

      Yorkshire Terriers have long flowing coats of silver, blue or black hair, with tan on their heads and legs. Yorkie puppies are all born with black and tan coloring. This breed has dark, intelligent eyes.

       The Yorkshire Terrier is an ideal apartment dog. Of course, your Yorkie would enjoy having a yard to romp in, but he can survive without it. In fact, some Yorkshire Terriers do not go out at all. These dogs are litter trained, instead. If you do not take your Yorkie for daily walks, you should look for ways to help him get some exercise, such as playing an indoor game of fetch. If you do have a yard, be sure that there are no gaps under the fence, as Yorkies love to explore. Since these dogs are so small and cute, a Yorkshire Terrier doesn't always have a chance to get back home before a passerby takes the little dog home, thinking it is lost or abandoned.

      Yorkshire Terriers are sociable little dogs and enjoy being in the middle of all the activity and  hustle and bustle of family life. However, these dogs are not a good choice for families with toddlers. This is not because Yorkies are untrustworthy with children, but because they are delicate little dogs and can be easily injured. A Yorkshire Terrier with a good temperament will allow children to squeeze, poke and pull on him, but it is unfair to subject a little dog to that treatment.

      Despite the fact that a Yorkie is small, you should still take your puppy to obedience classes. These little guys have a tendency to become stubborn and set in their ways without proper training. Also, obedience training may save your Yorkshire Terrier's life if you are able to call him back to you if he escapes out the front door.

      Yorkshire Terriers have few serious health problems. They do often have dental problems, such as retained baby teeth. Other problems these little guys can have are hernias and hypoglycemia. 

      Food for your Yorkshire Terrier will probably be your smallest expense. These little dogs don't eat much. However, you will have to be careful that you don't spoil your puppy with soft food or he may refuse to eat dry food, which will help you keep his teeth in better shape.   

       Most Yorkies should be groomed at least three times a week to keep their hair from matting. Dogs with silkier coats may only need to be groomed once a week. Also, since Yorkies are prone to dental problems, you should brush your dog's teeth several times a week.

    If you want a pocket sized dog with plenty of spunk, then a Yorkie may be the perfect breed for you.

 Quick Tips: 

Recommended As: Pet

     The Yorkshire Terrier dog breed, like all terriers, is independent and spunky. Yorkshire Terriers are territorial and have no concept of their vulnerabilities that stem from their small size. They will not hesitate to attack bigger dogs. They get along well with children and other animals at home but they must be protected from harm, both intentional and otherwise. Despite their small size, they have a powerful bite if continually provoked or attacked.

     Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

    Here are some of the characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier breed according to the AKC's  breed standard.

• Coat: glossy, fine, silky, moderately long for body, straight
• Color: dark steel-blue or tan
• Eyes: medium size, dark color
• Ears: small, V-shaped
• Nose: black 

Country Of Origin: England

Original purpose: Pet, Showdog

Name: Named for Yorkshire in England where it is thought that the breed originated.

      Historical notes: Very many people believe the breed is the result of the mingling between the Scottish and the English terriers when Scotsmen were displaced to England during the Industrial Revolution. On the Scottish side, the contributors are believed to be the Waterside, the Clydesdale, and Paisley Terriers.

      On the English side, they are the Manchester, the Maltese, and the Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The breed was originally known as the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier that weighed 12 to 14 pounds, a far cry from the modern standard of 5 to 6 pounds, and was meant to catch rodents. In 1870 it was officially renamed as the Yorkshire Terrier.