Yorkshire terriers, often abbreviated simply as "Yorkies," are dainty and small toy dogs who hail from northern England and Scotland. As fluffy lap dogs, Yorkies are some of the most beloved companion dogs in the planet. When it comes to pure personality, these sassy canines have it in droves.
Physical Traits
Yorkies are undeniably small pooches, whether they're male or female. They generally weigh no more than 7 pounds, with heights, beginning at their shoulders, of between 8 and 9 inches. Their lengthy coats are soft, shiny and lavish, and are a blend of beige and deep bluish-gray. At birth, however, their fur mostly is black. Some other common physical traits of Yorkies are tiny heads, mid-sized eyes, upright ears and dense overall physiques.
Temperament Traits
Yorkies are bright, self-sufficient, playful, animated, spry and often even cheeky animals. They love spending time with their owners, sometimes to the point that they can get rather exacting about it. In general, these terriers are extremely loving and faithful with their family members. When it comes to new people, however, they can be a little bit on the heedful side. If they are trained correctly, they usually flourish around children and fellow pets. Some Yorkies, however, might react fiercely around different dogs or even other tiny creatures, so always make a point to keep an eye on these interactions.
Lifestyle Traits
These wee cuties typically can transition smoothly from one situation to the next. Yorkies are tiny and can handle a variety of different living environments, from wide open rural farms all the way to urban apartments in tall buildings. As far as exercise demands go, Yorkies' aren't close to those of bigger breeds. However, they still are brimming with energy and need leashed walks each day, no matter what. If a Yorkie doesn't get regular walks, he just might act out due to the frustration, whether by chewing on your living room coffee table or racing up and down your staircase incessantly. Excessive barking is an issue with some Yorkies, although it usually can be turned around with some extra training.
Health Traits
Like the majority of tiny doggies, Yorkies often have lengthy lifespans, between 14 and 16 years. Although they often can be robust and hardy creatures, as a breed they sometimes are susceptible to certain health problems. These ailments include collapsed trachea, luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hypothyroidism, cataracts and bladder stones. Keep your precious pet healthy not only by making sure he gets plenty of exercise and eats a balanced doggie diet, but by also taking him to the veterinarian on a regular basis. With routine vet care, you can find out quickly whether or not your pet has one of these conditions, or any condition at all.