The Yorkshire Terrier: A Dainty And Very Popular Toy Dog

The Dainty little Yorkshire terrier ranks high in the top ten of American’s favorite toy dogs. It might be a bit difficult to find a more intelligent, bright and generally attractive little guy in the doggie world. The Yorkshire terrier well deserves its rank among the American pet owners.

When we trace the origins of this famous toy dog we will have to go back to the days when he was a broken-haired terrier killing rats around and about his home. There are different opinions about how he first got to Yorkshire and Lancashire. Some say he was by Paisley weavers. Others say the broken-haired terriers known sixty years ago or more in the West of Yorkshire at Bradford and Huddersfield were the ancestors of our present breed. These were bright little guys weighing from to 10 to 20 pounds. They had black-and-tans, with long rough hair and strong jaws which they used in their occupation of rat killing and of which they did become famous. Even today it is reported they retain their rat killing instincts. In looking at some of our Yorkshire Terriers of today it is quite hard to believe they could actually kill a rat. Even so, it is said, some do, maybe not the very tiny versions. Some are no bigger than rat themselves. Looks like the rat could put up quite a battle against some of the smaller Yorkies of today. That might be an interesting site to see from behind closed doors of course.

The coat of the Yorkshire terrier has been improved over the years of breeding and his size gradually reduced. Colors also have improved. He is a most beautiful toy dog with long silken tresses of hair, a bright tiny face and small eye. The Yorkshire terrier is always on the watch for a fun time and makes a delightful pet and companion. It is said of Yorkshire Terrier fanciers that a good Yorkshire does not the meaning of the word “fear,” and it is not uncommon to see one of these small creatures tackle an enemy four times his size, thus, retaining many of its ancestors sporting instincts. Many are still great “ratters,” even the daintiest of specimens. Some are reported to have been badly bitten but still continue without the least bit of loss of courage.

Yorkshire Terriers are unusually healthy little dogs easily reared and not very difficult to get into nice coat. The grooming of a Yorkshire is a very important matter and much of his general appearance depends upon how well this is done. The hair should be divided from the nose to the tip of the tail in an even parting, and be brushed straight down on each side. If the “fall” is very long, it is best plaited and tied on top of the dog’s head.

The eyes of a Yorkshire terrier should be small and expressive.

In regard to breeding the Yorkshire terrier, as with any toy breed, do not use the smallest of specimens. Rather choose a typical, well-bred and sound-colored matron capable of growing plenty of hair. A matron about 8 pounds is probably the best choice. Of peculiar note is that the Yorkshire terrier puppies are usually born black with short hair. As they grow the color of their hair changes.

The general appearance of a Yorkshire terrier should be a long-coated dog with the coat hanging quite straight and evenly down each side. The part extends from the nose to the end of the tail. The Yorkie should be very compact and neat. Hair should not be wavy. The hair of a Yorkshire terrier should be long, straight, and glossy like silk. Among the colors are beautiful bright steel blues, extending from the back of the head to the root of the tail. The tail should have plenty of hair on it cut to a medium length.

Because of their small size the Yorkie dwells very well in small spaces such as apartments and make very good companions for adults and the elderly.

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