YORKSHIRE TERRIER
Breed Group: Terrier/Toy
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 22 - 24 cms (8 - 10 in)
Average Weight: 3 - 5 kgs (6 - 11 lbs)
Coat Length: Long
Life Span: 13 - 16 years
Colours: black, tan, blue and gold (most Yorkies will settle into blue and gold with age)
HISTORY
Originally bred in Yorkshire, England during the 1800s by laborers to be small enough to carry in a pocket and let loose to exterminate rats in the cotton mills and mines. They were originally known and shown as the 'Broken Haired Scotch Terrier' or 'Toy Terrier'. They were subsequently adopted by Victorian Ladies as companion dogs.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR YORKSHIRE TERRIER
- Personality: A huge personality in a small and extremely cute body
- They are always ready and up for some training or exercise
- Manageable: One they've had play time and exercise, they'll be equally as happy snoozing on the sofa
- Easy to groom and maintain, low-shedding
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- You thought you'd bought a lap dog, but Yorkies need activity, can get easily frustrated and may resort to barking if bored
- Their independent nature can make them challenging to train, especially for first-time owners
- They tend to bark at unfamiliar sounds or people
YOUR YORKSHIRE TERRIER PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Yorkie puppies are bundles of energy, filled with curiosity and a zest for life. Socialization and basic training should start early to help them learn the skills they'll need as adults. Expect a lively and entertaining puppy phase!
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Excessive barking
- Frustration-related behaviors
- Chasing and killing vermin
- Jumping to greet
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- Don't be deceived by their cuteness! This 'toy' breed is still a terrier and may surprise you with their desire to kill 'vermin'
- Early socialisation is key to a well rounded, resilient dog, as is focusing on positive, reward-based training that will focus on impulse control along with enrichment that gives the dog an outlet to express 'terrier' like behaviours. Remember: they get frustrated quickly and this can lead to barking
UPBRINGING
Yorkies are intelligent but can be a bit 'stubborn' (independent thinkers). Socialisation is crucial from a young age to prevent them becoming too wary or aggressive toward strangers and other animals.
LIFESTYLE
While well-suited for apartment living due to their small size, they do require daily exercise to fulfill their needs. A couple of short walks and some indoor playtime are usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
- Digging: a sandbox can be a great outlet for this
- Fetch: they generally love to chase and retrieve
- Agility: many Yorkies excel in agility, showcasing both their intelligence and athleticism
EDUCATION
Consistency is key to helping these independent little dogs learn.
