יורקשייר טרייר

Original rat-catcher

The Yorkshire Terrier's rich history and enduring popularity have solidified its place as one of the most beloved toy breeds in the world. They are sought after for their charming demeanor, loyalty to their owners, and their ability to adapt well to various living environments, making them cherished pets for many dog enthusiasts.

History & Origin
The Yorkshire Terrier, often referred to as the Yorkie is a small dog breed that originated in the 19th century in Yorkshire, England. While the exact origins of the breed are not entirely clear, it is believed to have been developed through the crossing of various terrier breeds, including the Waterside Terrier, Paisley Terrier, and Skye Terrier.

Originally, the Yorkshire Terrier was bred to catch rats in clothing mills and mines. The breed's small size and agility made them well-suited for this task. They were highly valued for their ability to control rodent populations and were often kept as working dogs.

During the mid-19th century, the Yorkshire Terrier gained popularity as a companion dog among the upper class in England. They were often seen accompanying their owners to social events and were bred for their elegant appearance and luxurious coat. The breed's striking beauty, playful nature and loyalty quickly endeared them to dog lovers.

In 1870, the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK), and the first Yorkshire Terrier breed standard was established. Over time, the breed's popularity spread beyond England, gaining recognition and appreciation worldwide.

General Structure & Appearance
The Yorkshire Terrier has an elegant and glamorous appearance despite its small size. They are known for their confident and self-assured demeanor. Their small stature and delicate features add to their charm and appeal.

It's important to note that the details of the Yorkshire Terrier's structure should conform to the breed standard set by kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Kennel Club (UK). These standards provide guidelines for breeders, judges, and enthusiasts to maintain the desired characteristics and overall look of the breed.

Size: The Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed, typically weighing between 1.8-3.2 kg. They stand approximately 20-23 cm tall at the shoulder.

Body: The body of the Yorkshire Terrier is compact and well-proportioned. They have a level topline, meaning their backline is straight and level from the withers to the tail.

Head: The head of a Yorkshire Terrier is small and in proportion to the body. They have a flat skull and a medium-length muzzle. Their eyes are medium-sized, dark, and sparkling with an intelligent and alert expression. The ears are small, V-shaped, and carried erect.

Coat: The Yorkshire Terrier is known for its long, silky coat. The hair is fine and glossy, flowing down to the floor on both sides of the body, parted from the nose to the tail. The coat is typically blue and tan, with a steel-blue body and rich tan markings on the head, chest, and legs.

Tail: The tail of a Yorkshire Terrier is traditionally docked to a medium length. When undocked, it is carried high and is covered with abundant hair.

Uses By Humans
It's important to note that while Yorkshire Terriers can excel in these roles, their primary and most significant contribution is as beloved companions. Their size, temperament, and adaptability make them well-suited for various living environments, including apartments and urban settings, where their presence brings joy, companionship, and a touch of elegance to their human companions.

  • Companion Dogs: Yorkshire Terriers are primarily kept as companion dogs. Their small size, charming personality, and affectionate nature make them excellent companions for individuals and families alike. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of the family, providing love, loyalty, and entertainment.

  • Therapy Dogs: Due to their friendly and sociable temperament, Yorkshire Terriers can be trained and certified as therapy dogs. They visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other institutions to provide comfort, emotional support, and companionship to individuals in need. Their small size makes them suitable for interacting with people of all ages, including children and the elderly.

  • Show Dogs: Yorkshire Terriers are often shown in dog shows and competitions. They are known for their elegant appearance, luxurious coat, and well-balanced structure. Competing in conformation shows allows Yorkshire Terriers to showcase their breed type and adherence to breed standards. Show dogs are evaluated by judges who assess their overall appearance, movement, and adherence to breed characteristics.

  • Agility and Obedience:  Yorkshire Terriers can participate in dog sports such as agility and obedience trials. Their intelligence, agility, and trainability make them well-suited for such activities. In agility, they navigate through a course of obstacles, showcasing their speed, coordination, and responsiveness. In obedience trials, they demonstrate their ability to follow commands and perform various tasks with precision.

  • Vermin Control: Although not as commonly utilized for this purpose today, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred for their hunting abilities, particularly for catching rats and other small vermin in mills and mines. Their small size, agility, and tenacity made them effective at keeping rodent populations in check.
     

Trainability
 Yorkshire Terriers are generally considered to be intelligent dogs. They can learn and understand commands, making them trainable in various aspects of obedience and behavior. Like most dogs, Yorkshire Terriers respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Reward-based training techniques, such as using treats, praise, and play, are effective in motivating and encouraging them to learn and follow commands.

Consistency is crucial in training a Yorkshire Terrier. They benefit from clear and consistent instructions, as well as a structured routine. Establishing a consistent training schedule and using consistent commands and cues will help them understand what is expected of them.

Yorkshire Terriers, like many small breeds, can sometimes be stubborn or independent. Trainers need to be patient and persistent during the training process. Keeping training sessions short and engaging, with plenty of breaks for play and relaxation, can help maintain their focus and motivation.