The Yorkshire Terrier was by no means a toy with an average size ranging from 12 to 14 pounds, although currently reduced via selective breeding. Unlike most breeds of its time, the Yorkie was the dog of the common man, as they were used to hunt rats and mice in small spaces. They were, also, used to chase out vermin in burrows.

The Yorkie originated in Manchester and Leeds counties in the northern part of England when Scottish merchants and trades people begane moving to England during the Industrial Revolution. With them they brought their Skye Terriers and Paisley Terriers (a now extinct breed). Breeding both terrier breeds with the Waterside Terrier, created the combination that is, today, known as the Yorkshire Terrier.

Around the 1880s, the breed was introduced to American breeders, but even still their weights were highly variable, ranging from 2 to 13 pounds.

In America, the Yorkie was not a popular breed until the 1960s when clubs and breeders started popping up around the country. This caused the breed to flourish among Americans, but it caused over breeding of the breed, which leads to behavior problems and health concerns.

The general appearance of a yorkie is that of a long haired, toy terrier, whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail. The head, chest, legs, and belly are tan, while the tip of the head to the root of the tail is a rich blue coloration.

The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's head is high and held in a confident mannar, giving off the appearance of vigor and self-importance.

The head is small and flat on the top. The muzzle it round and not too long with even jaws, neither overshot or undershot.

Yorkies have dark, medium sized eyes that hold a sharp and intelligent expression.

Usually the tail is docked to a medium length and is carried slightly higher than the level of the back.

With their fine, glossy hair, their coat is the most important part of a show Yorkie.

Being a toy breed, yorkies retain much of their terrier ancestry. Although, individual personalities will vary, in general the breed is intelligent, independent, and courageous. Yorkies are quick to determine their pack, and their behaviors to those outside the pack will vary. Often, they are inclined to bark at strangers. Some Yorkies are outgoing and friendly towards new people while others are withdrawn and aloof. Depending on how much socialization and training you are willing to put into your yorkshire terrier, proves the differences in your yorkie towards new people.

Where a few yorkies may be timid, most yorkies are more bold. In general, the breed is confident, vigorous, and self-important.

You will find the following characteristics in most yorkies, but all of the characteristics to some degree in all yorkies.

Boldness:
Yorkies are known to assert themselves with other dogs. In some cases, this can prove to be a bad thing, in which the yorkie may feel dominant over the other dog. Because they are inquisitive, self confident, and protective, yorkies tend not to be too fearful. Many yorkies suffer the "Napoleon Syndrome" or "Little man syndrome" in which he believes he is larger than he truly is.

Independence:
Yorkies are energetic, but do need their quiet time. The more you pamper your yorkie, the more clingy it will become. Although, they are very intelligent, they can prove difficult to train becuase of their independence. Yorkies have proved themselves the hardest breed to housetrain.

Intelligence:
Yorkshire terriers have been tested as one of the top working breeds. It has been proven that the average yorkie can understand a new command after about 15 repititions. The problem begins when the yorkie, being a terrier, gets bored of the same command and behavior after just a few repititions.

Health concerns that are common to Yorkshire Terriers include bronchitis, lymphangiectasia, hepatic lipidosis, cataracts, and keratitis sicca

In many cases, Yorkies can have injection reactions, showing signs of inflammation and/or hair loss at the site of the injection.

Due to their delicate digestive systems, they can suffer vomiting and/or diarrhea, being the result of consuming foods outside of its regular diet. And, on that note, yorkies can be picky eaters, so finding a food that they will eat can be tricky. In many cases, you may have to mix foods.

Average, healthy yorkies can have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Smaller yorkies tend to have a shorter lifespan, as they are prone to health concerns such as chronic vomiting and diarrhea, are more sensitive to anesthesia, and are easily injured.

As with many and most purebred dogs, Yorkies are prone to several genetic disorders. The most common congenital disorders include:

Distichiasis of the eyelashes is caused when an abnormal spot in the duct in the gland at the edge of the eyelid, which can irritate the eye, scratching it and even scarring it.

Hydroplasia of dens non-formation of the pivot point of the second cervical vertebra, which leads to spinal cord damage, causing signs ranging from neck pain to quariplegia.

Legg-Perthes disease is the result of the top of the femur (thigh bone) to degenerate due to insufficient circulation to the area around the hip joint.

Patellar luxation is caused by weak ligaments and tendons in the knee or malformed (too shallow) patellar grooves, which allow the patella to slip out of its groove sideways. (knee dislocation)

Portosystemic shunt causes some of the dog's blood to bypass the liver, and the "dirty" blood goes on to poison the heart, brain, lungs and other organs with toxins before it has been cleansed.

Tracheal collapse is caused by the progressive weakening of the trachea walls.

I have found that Yorkshire terriers are not the best dogs to have around small children. As this breed have be very boisterous, jealous, energetic, and sometimes possessive. If raised and socialized carefully, both small and young children can cohabitate well with yorkies, but you must watch all interactions, never leaving a yorkie and child to play unsupervised. (But this rule goes with any dog of any breed.)

Yorkies are prone to having bad apples in the breeds. You must watch carefully who you purchase the puppy from, as poor breeding can cause behavioral problems within dogs and puppies.

As a terrier, and a small one at that, yorkies can suffer "little man syndrome" in which the dog feels he is much larger than he truly is. I.E. the dog will have a great and large personality, most of the time not for the better side of the dog. Dogs who have this syndrome, tend to be more dominant, causing them to be more possessive and temperamental.

Personally, I like having dogs that are exciting to where you don't know which direction the dog will go. I like dogs with spunk, attitude, and personality. To me, this is the Yorkshire Terrier.

When considering opening your home to one of this breed, remember you must think about grooming concerns, and start early! If you do not handle the dog's feet, toes, mouth, etc. The dog may grow to not liking parts of their body touched, which creates a large problem when grooming. Introduce the dog to brushes, combs, and toenail clippers EARLY!

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Yorkie Faithful Friend Collectible Dog Figurine

Yorkshire Terrier Collectible Dog Figurine a Tribute to a Smart, Fearless, Glamorous and Loyal Friend! Limited Edition! - Your independent and inquisitive Yorkie has worked his way into your heart to stay! Pay tribute to your loving pal with this striking work of art, specially designed in honor of the devoted Yorkshire Terrier. Combining a clear crystalline profile with a fully-sculptural hand-painted Yorkshire Terrier figurine, this fine limited edition is a treasure befitting your best friend! This exclusive Bradford Exchange collectible Yorkie figurine is a special way to show everyone you love your Yorkie as much as he loves you - order now! *** Express Shipping Available ***

Keepsake Yorkie Dog Pendant

Yorkie Jewelry Keeps Your Best Friend Close! Exclusive Heart Shaped Pendant - Dog Themed Jewelry You'll Cherish! - From the first tail-wag, your Yorkie has wiggled his (or her) way straight into your home and heart - to stay! Now you can pay tribute to your special friend with this beautiful heart shaped pendant, crafted of fine sterling silver and finished in 24K gold. It features a fine porcelain inlay with a true-to-life portrait of your furry pal, plus two tiny engraved paw prints!On the back of this sweet sterling silver pendant jewelry, you'll find more tiny engraved paw prints, and the sentiment, "Yorkies leave paw prints on our hearts." This exclusive dog themed jewelry from The Bradford Exchange is the perfect way to keep your Yorkie close to your heart, and it makes a "doggone" terrific dog lover gift, too - order now!

Pollyanna Pickering Yorkies Leave Paw Prints On Our Hearts Collector Plate

Pollyanna Pickering's Yorkie Collector Plate. Natural "Stone" Texture Imprinted with Paw Prints, a Limited Edition! - The Yorkshire Terrier is an independent, inquisitive dog, and a devoted companion. Despite their small size they are also brave guardians for their masters. Now, acclaimed wildlife artist and friend to animals, Pollyanna Pickering, captures the spirit of the Yorkie to life with this touching tribute fit for this fine friend and playmate.The hand-cut, weathered stone-textured finish presentation with paw prints and sentiment remind us of the enduring impression this loving companion leaves on our lives. An exclusive Bradford Exchange collector plates limited edition. Demand is strong - order now!

Faithful Friend Collectible Music Box: Pet Dog Lover Gift Idea

Collectible Dog Music Box Pays Tribute to Your Pal - Choose Your Favorite Breed! Exclusive Pet Dog Lover Gift Idea - Your dog is a loyal companion, a playmate, even a trusted confidant. Now, Ardleigh Elliott is proud to present an exclusive tribute to our favorite dog breeds and their unique personalities with this exquisite collectible dog music box, inspired by Peter Carl Faberge collectible eggs. Handcrafted of fine Heirloom Porcelain(R), it shimmers with 22K gold accents and over 100 Swarovski(R) crystals, rhinestones and simulated gems.Best of all, seated inside the opened egg is an adorable sculptural portrait of your pal, gazing up at you with adoring eyes. Choose your favorite breed to create a Yorkie music box, Schnauzer music box, Pomeranian music box, Dachshund music box, Shih Tzu music box, or Pug music box. You'll treasure the golden paw prints and breed-specific inscription as well as the melody "You've Got a Friend." An impressive pet dog lover gift idea. This limited-edition treasure is sure to excite intense demand, so don't wait to own this royal tribute to your faithful friend. Order now!

Precious Paws Dog Angel Christmas Tree Ornament Collection: Unique Dog Lover Gift

Unique Dog Angel Christmas Tree Ornament Collection Shows Off the Heavenly Charms of Your Best Pal! Choose Your Breed Now! - You can pay a festive tribute to your best tail-wagging buddy with an adorable first-of-a-kind collection of dog angel ornaments, available exclusively from The Bradford Editions. Choose your favorite dog breed - from Yorkie to Dachshund, Pomeranian to Labrador and more - and each new ornament will feature your beloved breed in a different pose, complete with heavenly wings and floating halos. Begin the tail-wagging fun with Issue One, My Little Angel. Soon your collection will continue with Issue Two and subsequent issues of dog angel ornaments, each a separate issue, to follow.‡These unique Christmas tree ornaments are handcrafted in 3D and feature true-to-life sculptural fur, bright eyes and all the expressive charm that makes your favorite breed so lovable. A very special tribute to your best pal or a terrific dog-lover gift, but you'd better not wait! Strong demand is expected for these collectible little angels - order now!

Holiday Delight Yorkie Figurine: Yorkie Dog Lover Gift

Illuminated Yorkie Sculpture Joins You for the Holidays! Exclusive, Limited-edition Collectible Home Decor or Dog Lover Gift! - Santa has arrived, and he's looking jaunty in his red-and-white Santa hat and red bow. What's more, he's wearing colorful Christmas lights that add just the right festive touch! Your Christmas is sure to be merry and bright with a collectible holiday-themed Yorkie figurine with a strand of holiday lights that illuminates at the flip of a switch.Celebrate a tail-wagging Christmas with this lifelike Yorkie figurine,a handcrafted limited-edition sculpture, available only from The Bradford Exchange. This adorable pet lover holiday decoration boasts reflective eyes, a shiny nose and a textural coat. Makes a cherished holiday decoration or collectible Yorkie dog lover gift. Heavy demand is expected, and you won't want to miss out. Order now! *** Express Shipping Available ***