You may have seen a Yorkshire terrier before – the adorable miniature dogs with long silky hair and big pointed ears. Owners of this tiny pup affectionately call them “Yorkies.” These dogs offer big personalities in a tiny package. They are members of the Toy Group but are only tiny in stature. Terriers by nature, they are brave, determined and energetic. According the American Kennel registration statistics, this portable pooch is one of the most popular breeds.
Yorkshire terriers were bred in 19th century England from a mixture of Scottish terriers and were used by miners near Yorkshire to catch rats that had infested the mines. They were handy as hunting dogs, able to chase foxes, badgers and other small animals into their burrows.
According the , these dogs are easily trained and have a keen ability to remember multiple commands. They are top-notch competitors when it comes to sports and agility. The breed is very independent. They need a certain amount of privacy to recharge but also crave activity and attention.
Scott Weiner’s dog Lucy was rescued from the county shelter. When he was looking for a dog, he had no idea what kind he wanted but it wasn’t a Yorkie – that was until he saw her at the pound. “She was so tiny and yet so full of personality,” he said. “I walked right by her cage. Apparently, she didn’t like that at all. She started jumping and barking to get my attention. As soon as I walked back to her cage, she calmed down and stuck her little snout through the bars to lick my hand. I was sold. I’ve started taking her to agility class. She can jump huge distances for being such a little dog and she can run super fast.”
No matter how many people or animals are in the house, Yorkies will assert themselves, entertaining with plenty of hijinks. This assertiveness usually comes across as self-confidence, not aggressiveness. They get along very well with other dogs and easily adapt to family life. Intensely protective, they have a fearlessness and relentless bark that make them great watchdogs.
Flora Hialeah has had four Yorkies and wouldn’t have any other dog. “Each one has a personality bigger than life and certainly bigger than they are,” she said. “Cleopatra, my newest, loves to sleep with me. She will cuddle in between my legs but she hates it when someone comes to wake me up. She’ll start barking madly. And if anyone ever tried to break into my house? Well, let’s just say they would never think the dog on the other side of the door was only seven pounds.”
The AKC says Yorkshire terriers can live as long as 15 years, but they must be handled with care. “Because of their small size, they can be troubled by a number of health problems including hip and joint issues, poor digestion, tooth decay and bone fractures. Yorkshire terriers are fragile dogs. Be careful when holding them or transporting them and be sure to regularly feed them solid foods,” the kennel club said.
These pups can get along very well with kids but they usually don’t have the patience for small children. They have a tendency to get annoyed with sudden moves and rough play. They can sometimes be demanding and stubborn if they don’t get their way, so it’s important to keep them in training activities like agility and obedience.
Yorkshire terriers have super-sized confidence, which can sometimes get in the way. They have been known to pick fights with much larger dogs. Keep them on a leash during walks and give them proper socialization with other animals.
Because of their long silky hair, they should be groomed regularly, including daily combing and brushing. The hair on their heads grows so long that it’s often necessary to tie it in a band so the dog can see and eat without any hassle. It certainly looks cute, but be aware of what having this long-haired breed entails.
These pups are clever, bold and independent animals with an energetic feistiness that makes itself known all around the house. If you do decide on a Yorkie, chances are they will change your life in all the right ways. Yorkshire terriers are worth every bit of effort and will reward you a hundredfold in enjoyment and unwavering companionship.
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com.