Yorkshire Terrier

About the Breed

The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy-sized dog breed that has become increasingly popular in recent years. As their popularity has grown, so has the need to understand the breed's temperament and care requirements. This article will explore everything you need to know about this charming little companion, from its unique history to its important health checks. History The Yorkshire Terrier was developed during the Victorian era in England. The original version of the breed was much larger than today's standard, weighing around 7 pounds (3 kg). They were bred as a working dog and used for hunting small game and rodents. Over time, their size decreased as they transitioned into more of a companion animal. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and remains one of the most popular breeds today. Temperament The Yorkshire Terrier is an alert and lively dog with an affectionate nature that makes it well-suited for families or individuals seeking companionship. They are intelligent dogs that can be easily trained, but they can also have a strong independent streak which requires consistent training and socialization from an early age. Yorkshire Terriers are known to be brave yet sensitive dogs with a tendency to bark when excited or feeling threatened, which may make them better suited for homes without young children or other animals. Health & Care Requirements Healthy Weight The average weight range for adult Yorkshire Terriers is 47 pounds (23 kg). They should be fed a balanced diet appropriate for their size and activity level to prevent obesity related health issues such as diabetes or joint problems. It's also important to monitor their weight regularly as rapid weight gain can signal underlying medical conditions like Cushings Disease or Hypothyroidism that may require veterinary attention. Important Health Checks Due to their size, Yorkshire Terriers are prone to certain health conditions such as eye problems like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy; heart problems; dental diseases; portosystemic shunt (liver shunt); patellar luxation; tracheal collapse; hypoglycemia; Luxating Patellas (slipping knee caps); Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (abnormal hip joint development); Cushings Disease; Hypothyroidism; Von Willebrands Disease (bleeding disorder); Deafness/Hearing Loss ; Skin Conditions ; Bladder Stones & Urinary Tract Infections ; Joint Dysplasia & Arthritis. Regular check ups with your vet will help identify any potential issues before they become serious problems so it's important that owners take responsibility for their pet's health care needs by scheduling regular visits with a veterinarian along with routine vaccinations and parasite control measures if necessary. Ideal Owner Type Despite its small size, the Yorkie is an active breed that thrives on companionship and attention from its owner(s). Therefore it would suit someone who lives an active lifestyle where they have plenty of time available to devote towards training, exercising, socialising, playing games, providing mental stimulation activities such as agility courses etc. As Yorkies love human interaction, living in an environment where there are constantly people around would suit them best eg single person households, families etc. Conclusion In conclusion, owning a Yorkshire terrier requires commitment time -wise but also financially due to all of the necessary check ups /preventative treatments required throughout its life span. However if you do have all these things available then you will be rewarded with having one of the most loyal companions money can buy full of energy yet sensitively devoted - making them perfect additions into any household!