Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier(aka Yorkie) is a long-haired dog that originated in England. It is also a toy-sized dog, therefore it is in the Toy Group(even though it is a Yorkshire Terrier, it is in the toy group). The yorkie has a long coat which needs to be touching the ground, if it is going to be a show dog. Otherwise, most owners go with the "puppy cut" which is basically just a shorter coat which is much easier to comb! The yorkies ears are erect in a V-shape. They grow to be approx. 7 in at the shoulder, and approx. 7 lbs. Yorkies don't have and undercoat, so they rarely shed. Their coat is black and tan when they are born, then the coat changes slightly as the puppy grows. The coat tends to lighten up, too.

The yorkie gets along well with other pets, though it might chase smaller rodents, it was bred to chase mice out of clothing mills in England. Back then it was a working dog, though there was proof they used to hunt for smaller game. The Yorkshire Terrier was developed from the now extinct breeds: the Clydesdale Terrier, the Paisley Terrier, the Old English Terrier, and the Waterside Terrier(which is now the Airedale Terrier).

Interesting Facts:

• Usually in the top 14 dogs in America
• 40,000-50,000 Yorkshire Terriers registered in America every year
• Used to be called Scottish Terriers
• Became a fashionable pet in the late Victorian era and before
• Parent Club Yorkshire Terrier Club of America(ytca.org) was founded in 1951
• Was first shown in the Westminster show in 1877
• Spotted Yorkies are called Biewer Yorkshire Terriers
• Ranked 2nd most popular dog in 2007

Bibliography

www.dogbreedinfo.com/yorkshireterrier.htm
www.yorkieinfocenter.com
akc.org/yorkshire_terrier/index.cfm
Meet the Breeds The American Kennel Club
"Dogs" New Standard Encyclopedia Chicago IL
The Dog Howie Dewin