The Yorkshire Terriers - Origin, Characteristics And Diseases

By Abhishek Agarwal

Popularly known as Yorkies, the Yorkshire terriers bred in England and originated from Scotland. Initially they were made to hunt rats, but nowadays they have become one of the most sought after pets. As a matter of fact, they were listed as one among the Top Dog Breeds in 2005.

They are mostly a light and small variety and so, owners do not really mind keeping them on their laps most of the day. All the more, this form of bonding transforms the terrier into a playful, loyal and bright companion pet.

Here are a few things you might want to know as a breeder.

Category: Toy (terrier)

Coat: glossy, silky, no undercoat, fine and long

Colors: when young, black, but turns to blue or tan on maturity

Height: 8-9 inches

Weight: 3-7 pounds

Living environment: indoors is highly recommended, but if outdoor, should use fenced yard.

Temperament:

Naturally,

· Fearless and intelligent

· Independent and assertive

· Territorial. Like to have their privacy respected.

On proper training,

· Close affinity for older children

· Very lively and playful

· Extremely affectionate

· Do not mind sharing their space with other pets

· Shower a lot of affection and attention on owner.

Health issues:

· Hair loss or Alopecia.

· Losing transparency in the lenses of their eyes, or cataract.

· Cryptorchidism, when testicles do not return to scrotum

· Dwarfism

· A disorder concerning the eyelids, Entropion. The eyelashes might irritate eyeballs and cause complications.

· Increased pressure in eyes caused by Glaucoma

· Hydrocephalus

· Reductions in tear production- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

· Low blood sugar

· Kneecap disorder known as Patellar luxation

· Portosystemic shunt, when blood toxins accumulate in the liver.

· Urinary tract infection called Urolithiasis leading to the problem of bladder stones.

Exercise and care

· Daily grooming required

· Eyes and ears to be checked and cleaned regularly.

· Regular maintenance of dental hygiene.

· Should be made to exercise only in short strides.

· Should have regular playtimes like lying under sunbeams, joining tug of war or chasing shadows.

Origin/History:

Many Scottish weavers migrated to England in the nineteenth century and along with them they brought different terriers that could be bred to rat hunt. With time, crossing of these terriers lead to a breed with broken hairs.

In 1870, a reporter named the broken haired Scotch terrier as 'Yorkshire terrier'. He claimed that this name was apt as these terriers were first bred in Yorkshire, then a small town.

Though initially bred to be working dogs, the Yorkshire terrier very soon became a fashionable pet to have in England in the later half of the Victorian era. Come 1972, and the Yorkies were introduced in the USA and very soon became the favorite pet of the country.

Because of the rat hunting reputation of their ancestors, the Yorkshire terriers can be said to have developed into a very tough breed. Many pet owners, though, find their size and bright and playful character immensely charming and these dogs have attracted the affection and attention of many. Many owners claim that these dogs are great giants in small bodies. If you believe that big things come in small packages, settle for a Yorkie. But be sure to give them more companionship and affection than to anybody else.

Abhishek is an avid dog lover and he has got some great Dog Health Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, "How To Take Care Of Your Dog's Health" from his website http://www.Dog-Tale.com/192/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.