Known generally as Yorkies they are one of the most popular breeds around. Oblivious to their size they are afraid of nothing and make excellent watchdogs. Even the tiniest Yorkies have loud barks and if they sense danger they will soon let you know. They make devoted companions and only need one 10-15 minute walk per day although they have great stamina and can walk for longer periods despite their short legs.
Yorkies are intelligent and very good with children. They do well in both the town and the countryside and adapt well to an apartment. A perfect choice if you have a full time job as they soon get used to a routine and will amuse themselves indoors while you are at work.
If you choose a Yorkshire Terrier it will be your companion for a long time as their life span is 13-16 years. A puppy will arrive as a tiny bundle of black fur and its coat will lighten as it gets older. Most Yorkies are silver or black and tan. They stand approximately 9 inches high at the shoulders and weigh between 5-7 pounds.
Inexpensive to keep they only need one tin of dog food a day, usually divided into two meals morning and evening. They are inquisitive and they will always want to know what their owners are eating in the hope a morsel of human food will drop their way.
Temperament
They get on well with other dogs, especially big dogs like Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Alsations. They are not so happy with other Yorkies unless you get two puppies from the same mother and this breed is not very good with cats. Probably this is because the cats grow bigger than them and the Yorkie is very protective of its home territory. Because they were bred to hunt rodents they are definitely not the breed to choose if you keep rats or mice as pets.
History
Yorkshire Terriers were developed in the 1800s and made their first appearance in England in 1861 when they were known as the broken-haired Scotch Terrier. It was nine years later that their breed name was changed to the Yorkshire Terrier, after the English county where they were developed.
Finding a Yorshire Terrier
Yorkies are often advertised in local papers but make sure you go to a reputable breeder. Alternatively you can visit your nearest animal sanctuary and find a Yorkshire Terrier looking for a home. You can give a rescue dog a home by clicking on to the following websites yorkie&toyrescue.co.uk or adopt-a-yorkie.adoptapet.com
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