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Wellness — June 15, 2012 6:44 pm

Dog Breed Encyclopedia: Yorkshire Terrier

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Personality/characteristics: devoted to owner but can be reserved around strangers, prone to excited and excessive barking if not trained early to curb this behavior. Not the best addition to a family with young children and larger dogs.
Energy level: moderate to high.
Hypoallergenic vs. short-haired: the medium-length hair requires regular grooming but this breed sheds very little, making it a good choice for owners with allergies.
Most known for: being the ultimate lap or “toy dog.”
Size: small.
Color: dark steel blue on the main body and clear gold on the face, chest and legs.
Health Concerns: hypoglycemia, cataracts.
Trainability:  As intelligent, albeit somewhat stubborn, dogs, the Yorkie can do well in obedience training–as long as he thinks it’s his idea!
Fun fact: Yorkie’s have been seen as fashionable pets since the Victorian era.

Watch out, Queen Elizabeth! You may have some competition with these daring Yorkshire divas. Don’t let the Yorkie’s small size fool you. Their active, “yappy,” and brave personalities may require a little extra work for potential doggy parents, but their spunk is actually a blessing in disguise. With Yorkie’s, you’ll never have a shortage of fun, and their active and affectionate nature makes them the ideal best friend.

As all dog lovers know, good and bad habits developed at a young age can become lifelong habits, and since Yorkie’s are prone to excessive barking, it’s important for them to be properly trained when they’re young. In constant need of attention from caregivers, this breed does best in an uncrated, home environment where bonding and affection is given on an everyday basis. These pooches can be miserable during an extended absence from their owners, so giving them a loving home or doggy daycare pad to vacay in is the next best option. Live in a small space? No problem. This breed is perfect for those who live in an apartment because they don’t take up a lot of space. Also, Yorkie’s are notoriously difficult to house train. A specific area a minimal distance from the home should be designated as a bathroom area. Many Yorkies hate foul weather and would rather “go” inside than face wicked outdoor weather.

Developed in Yorkshire, England, as its name implies, this toy breed was developed from other terrier breeds that were commonly used there for rodent control. More than most breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier reflects the treatment it receives from its owner. Those that are spoiled will tend to be stubborn and will not hesitate to make their concerns voiced!

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