Toy Yorkies
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 oftoy 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 Yorkiesthat 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 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 trainingtoy 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.
