Yorkshire Terrier
Group: Toy
Size: Small
Coat length: Long
Grooming required: Every day
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Flat, Small or Large House
Garden size: Not required
Lifespan: Over 12 Years
Exercise: Up to 30 minutes per day
They are well-proportioned toy dogs. Their most noticeable feature is their coat. It is straight and silky and flows over their head (often held off the face in a top knot with a bow) and in a straight curtain to either side of their body. The coat on the body and tail is largely steel blue and the rest is tan.
They originate from the North of England where they were used to keep down the rat and mice population from mines and clothing factories.
Yorkies are intelligent and although a little wilful, are perfectly trainable. In the right hands, they are lively, courageous, loyal, playful and affectionate. They are only yappy, wary of strangers and unfriendly towards children and other animals if they are spoiled. However, they are not suitable for small children as the child may not take sufficient care to avoid hurting them. They are an active dog indoors but appreciate a daily walk outside too.
They need a good deal of brushing and combing to keep the coat looking at it's best and their teeth need to be checked regularly. Their little skeleton can be prone to a range of health issues such as problems with the spine and slipped stifle. They are also prone to bronchitis, eye infections, early tooth decay, poor tolerance of anesthetics, and digestive troubles. Dams often have trouble delivering puppies and sometimes need to have cesareans.