Toy Yorkies
are an adorable breed recognized by the American Kennel Club in the toy
category. These dogs should not reach an adult weight of more than seven pounds
and they generally stand about six to seven inches high when fully grown. Their
small size and robust personality are the primary reasons why this is one of the
top breeds for dog lovers today. This article will cover the basics of toy Yorkies,
including where they came from, how to choose one and tips for caring for your
tiny dog.
History
The history of the toy Yorkies
is a bit hard to put together, probably because the breed was started by the
working class of Yorkshire, England who did not want to divulge the secrets of
their breed. It is thought that the Yorkie was the result of a combination of
terriers, including the Skye, Clydesdale and Leeds terriers. The dogs were first
bred to catch rats in factories and were also used in hunting fox and badgers.
As the upper classes began to show an interest in the dogs, they became a
fashionable breed that was frequently seen riding about in women's purses. The
American Kennel Club recognized the toy Yorkie breed in 1885 and today it is one
of the most popular breeds.
Appearance
Toy Yorkies
only grow to a weight of seven pounds, which is why they are classified as a toy
breed. There are some dogs that weigh in at less than five pounds when full
grown, and these are sometimes called teacup Yorkies. However, one should
exercise caution when selecting a smaller toy Yorkie, since the smaller size can
also put the dogs at a greater risk of health problems. The size of toy Yorkies
is one of the reasons this dog is so popular, because it is an easily
transportable pet that is just as happy resting in his owner's lap as he is
romping through a backyard.
The
coat of the Yorkie is scruffy during the puppy phase, but grows into a long,
beautiful mane when the dog reaches adulthood. Despite the rich coat, this dog
does not shed much. The coat does need to be groomed regularly, however; to
prevent mattes from forming. Coat colors might include blue and tan, blue and
gold, black and tan or black and gold. The AKC recognizes the blue and tan
combination, with all other color combinations considered grounds for
disqualification. One reason is that other color combinations might indicate
potential health problems in adult dogs.
Care
Toy Yorkies
are very small, so extreme caution must be used when caring for the dog. It is
easy to seriously injure these tiny pets by stepping or sitting on them. The
breed is not generally recommended for families with small children who are
unable to treat the dog gently. Toy
Yorkies that are not properly
socialized can become shy or even snappish around strangers. This dog requires
plenty of attention from his family and does not respond well to being left
alone for long periods of time. While this breed does not need a lot of
exercise, a daily walk will help prevent some less desirable and destructive
behaviors like chewing.
Training
Training toy Yorkies
can be a bit of a challenge, particularly in the housebreaking department. Some
Yorkie owners never successfully housebreak their pets completely. Part of the
challenge in training toy Yorkies
has to do with their size. Because the dog is small, many owners do not see the
importance of establishing authority over the pet and teaching it the rules of
the house right away. In these situations, a toy Yorkie can run the household,
becoming quite yappy and bossy as he gets older. It is important to establish
yourself as the leader of the Yorkie's pack quite early on, to ensure your dog
is well behaved and properly socialized.
Toy Yorkies
are a delightful breed of dog that entertains their families with their antics
and affection. These tiny animals are big on personality and don't usually allow
their small size to inhibit their big, courageous hearts. If you are in the
market for a Yorkie puppy, make sure you find a responsible breeder to purchase
your dog from. The right Yorkie can bring joy to his family for many, many
years.
Attention: To discover how
YOU can have the Happiest, Healthiest and Best Behaved Yorkshire Terrier,
get a copy of this Yorkshire Terrier Guide
NOW!
