With their small build and charming personalities, Yorkshire Terriers have recently become one of the most popular breeds for families looking for a dog. Originally bred in Northern England in the early 1800's, Yorkies were brought to the United States in 1872 and became part of the American Kennel Club (AKC) only six years later. Today, the Yorkshire Terrier is second to the Labrador Retriever as the AKC's most registered dog.
Yorkies are generally playful and loving animals. They can be recognized by their black and tan coat and relatively small size. The following characteristics of Yorkshire Terriers will help animal lovers decide whether or not a Yorkie would make a good addition to their home:
· Build: The average Yorkie weighs in at 4 to 7 pounds and are 8 to 9 inches tall. Their small, flat heads are highlighted by especially dark eyes. Beware of a eyes: A deep stare into the eyes of a Yorkie can easily make you fall in love with the animal.
· Personality/Behavior: Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They have the uncanny ability of becoming attached to owners while asserting their independence. Their intelligence make Yorkies somewhat easy to train, but their sense of independence will sometimes make them difficult to work with. They will bark when presented with a surprising or dangerous situation, but generally tend to remain quiet otherwise. Yorkies are strong and energetic and require at least one playtime session a day.
· Care: Yorkies's thick coats forces owners to brush their hair regularly. Additionally, the hair should be kept out of the canine's eyes and ear passages. Most Yorkie owners choose to have their dog trimmed at least once a month. Finally, and as silly as it sounds, Yorkshire Terrier owners must keep an eye on their dog to make sure that people don't mistakenly step on their small and easily camouflaged bodies.
Many breeders and pet stores have Yorkies for sale, but it is important to do your homework about this unique breed before making it a member of your family.