Yorkshire Terrier - breed description and dog character

A miniature dog with huge ambitions, a formidable animal in a small body - all this is about the Yorkshire Terrier. Despite their modest size, they are internally as large and formidable as large dog breeds. Yorks are independent and scandalous, at the same time they are distinguished by developed intelligence and industriousness.

It is impossible to believe that the breed of York was bred in order to hunt rodents. The purpose of their breeding was to get rid of rat plants in the UK. That is, these cute babies were intended to help workers in the fight against rodents. But soon they became interested in high society as pets. Despite the fact that these are terriers, they have proven themselves as small indoor dogs.

From the history of the breed

Connoisseurs claim that Yorkies are dogs of English origin. The authorities were afraid of encroachments on their lands and forbade local peasants to breed large dog breeds. For this reason, commoners had to be content with miniature pets.

Poor citizens and farmers had to improve the protective qualities of their miniature four-legged friends for many years. In the early 1700s, the first organizations of fans of this breed began to appear. Unfortunately, accurate information about the first ancestors of Yorkshire terriers was not recorded. The owners were interested exclusively in the hunting qualities of their dogs. This has become the reason that the origin of Yorks can not be reliably established. Presumably, the ancestors of the breed are such popular dog breeds in England:

• Dandy - Diamond Terriers;
• Scotch - terriers;
• Toy - terriers;
• Klaisdel - terriers;
• Paisley;
• Maltese lapdogs.

Compact Scottish dogs were widely used to protect homes from rats and mice, as well as to accompany shopping caravans. It turned out that they do not require whimsical care and have an immensely courageous character. However, the breed was officially recognized about 150 years ago.

When English industry began to develop rapidly, the villagers, trying to improve their material condition, gradually migrated to large cities. They took their favorites with them - Yorkshire terriers. They fit perfectly into the new living conditions.

Soon, the representatives of this breed began to use the British to rid their homes of rodents. Residents of Manchester and Yorkshire began to use them in textile factories, coal mines, warehouses and ports. There, among the soot and dirt of industrial buildings, these four-legged aristocrats were noticed by breeders. Despite the fact that the breed was bred by ordinary peasants, they were simply perfect. All that was needed was to make a little aesthetic adjustments to their appearance.

Thus, professional breeders began to improve the breed. Scottish babies began to be knitted with other breeds to make them as close as possible to their ideal. Employees of enterprises where Yorks were kept helped them in this difficult task. After some time, one of the simple workers got an elegant miniature dandy - Huddersfield Ben, who officially became the founder of this breed.

The main ancestor of all Yorks
This baby is called great today. His life was very short, only 6 years old. But his ancestors are modern Yorks. Huddersfield Ben was born in the 65th year of the 19th century, his master was W. Eastwood. The baby was weighing about 5 kg, so it was slightly different from its current descendants.But due to its appearance and character, it has earned popularity and respect among breeders.

About this baby became known to the breeder and revered judge of the canine championships M. Foster. In the 67th year of the 19th century, she bought Ben from her previous owner for fabulous money. After that, the dog became extremely popular thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Foster. In just a few years, he won 74 prizes at exhibition competitions. The dog has 25 cups. Ben also took part in dog battles with rats, popular in those years in England. And he always won them.

It is worth noting that the experts were simply delighted with Ben. He was included in the studbook of England and received from the dog beautiful offspring. Ben's descendants occupied the most venerable places at exhibitions. In the 86th year of the 19th century, Yorkies were singled out as a separate breed, then it got its current name.

The path from the peasant to the aristocrat
Even before the breed received its official recognition, it was appreciated by local aristocrats. The price for a little four-legged friend was simply fabulous. Representatives of the upper world were ready to give up a fortune to acquire such a charming baby. While Queen Victoria was seated on the throne, no self-respecting lady could afford to appear in high society without York.

This adorable kid does not require much support or advertising. His intellectual abilities, sociability and extraordinary visual appeal made Yorkshire terriers incredibly popular. Representatives of this breed were brought to the States, and then to all countries of Europe.

Breed standards

The first representatives of the Yorkie breed outwardly differed significantly from how they look now. The first standards were published in the 87th year of the 19th century and changed many times. Recent changes were made in the 98th year of the same century.

The first item was the size of the Yorks, their compactness. In this case, the size of adults was allowed about 3.2 kilograms. The same was true for the size of the ears and their position.

Some time later, they still decided on the ears. Standing triangular ears were recognized as a breed standard. To this was added a weight limit, the maximum allowable mark was 3 kilograms of 200 grams. Regarding the nature and other general characteristics, there were no changes.

As for wool, it requires close attention from the owners. The coat in dogs of this breed is quite long, falling down. There is a parting beginning at the back of the head, and then passes towards the tail. Silky and shiny, she emphasizes the good taste and sophistication of a little York hostess.

As for the colors, the standard of the classic representatives of the breed is strictly fixed. The coat on the body is of a siso-steel color, a dark blue tail, limbs, head and chest are golden hues.

It is worth noting that in recent years there have been few individuals that have a standard color of this type. Animals of dark colors most often do not have wavy hair, but light, more direct. A more important role is played by the texture of the wool, and not its color.

With their general appearance, Yorkshire terriers are somewhat similar to lapdogs. They have a confident gait, beautiful straight legs and bully nose.

Kids are champions
Yorkies repeatedly fell into the Guinness Book of Records, as the smallest representatives of the canine family on Earth. For example, a Thai baby with a height of only 12 centimeters at the withers and weighing 0, 481 kg. A dog from Blackburn is completely tiny, weighing 113 g.

By the way, Mrs. Foster also managed to boast of a midget York. Her four-legged friend Bradford weighed about 600 grams.

Character Features

These animals, despite their miniature size, have a completely fearless and perky character. York will do everything possible to prove its canine essence and never complex about its own growth.

Unfortunately, their life in the style of "luxury" involves walking in bows and curlers. Wool is one of the main advantages of the Yorkshire Terrier. This is why lovely well-groomed young ladies love them so much. Before the exhibitions, Yorkies are subjected to executions in order to create the most effective appearance for them. It turns out that individuals whose owners do not like to go to exhibitions live more fully and happily. Despite the fact that representatives of this breed are very popular in terms of participation in exhibitions, this does not bring comfort to their lives.

It's hard to believe, but Yorkies have very strong personality traits that are not common to every person. Kids are the most faithful and devoted friends. They share with their owners any life troubles and happy moments.

Yorkshire terriers are hunters by nature. They are without the slightest sense of fear ready to fight with those who are obviously larger and stronger. Even the owners sometimes protect, risking their own skin. If this kid notices an encroachment on his own territory, he will be especially enthusiastic in defending his interests.

The main purpose of dogs of this breed is to be close to their owner and share his hobbies in life. Moreover, they require adoration and attention. They want to be near everywhere and always. They quickly find contact with strangers and can be extremely impatient with other animals. They like tenderness and hugs with their owners.

Due to its compactness, intelligence and attractive appearance, Yorkies are second in popularity among all dog breeds in the world.

Smokey - fighting girlfriend
After World War II, Yorkshire Terriers gained their present popularity. During the US war with Japan, the charming Smokey became a hero. Together with her owner, an air force pilot, she often participated in air battles. This small brave dog has repeatedly helped to save his comrade and his battle brothers.

Smokey was the first to notice the approach of enemies, made parachute jumps, helped nurses rescue wounded soldiers. As a result, she was awarded the rank of corporal and awarded eight medals. Her life was fourteen years old and in the postwar years she was often invited to talk shows.

Thanks to the efforts of professional breeders, Yorkies have become companion dogs. Outward charm is not the only advantage of these pets. They are very intelligent and smart. Yorkies are bold, curious, restless dogs. They adore their owners with all their hearts and loyal to him from ear to tip of tail. At the same time, they treat all people well and find language with other animals.

Yorkshire terriers do not like loneliness. This is not a cat walking on its own. They require constant attention and reciprocity in the form of their adoration. In order to deserve a little attention, they are ready for almost any pranks. There were stories when Yorks simply died, abandoned by the owner on other people, from longing.

If the baby is wrong, he guiltily lowers his head, looking into the eyes of the owner. He seems to be saying - look at me, I'm such a charm! Can't you forgive me? I love you so much!

Due to its extravagant temperament, on walks Yorkies simply adore getting into all sorts of troubles and unpleasant situations. Do not let your friend off the leash in crowded places, and in nature, extreme caution is necessary.

Health and Life Expectancy

The popularity of the dog speaks for itself. This cute compact friend is very comfortable and picky.Its coat is not very susceptible to molting and, with proper care, does not have a characteristic dog smell. In addition, this breed is considered hypoallergenic. To protect yourself as much as possible during molting periods, you should make your friend an elegant and practical haircut.

Representatives of this breed can go to the toilet on the tray like cats. Therefore, you don’t have to walk your pet in severe frost or rainy weather. It is enough to train to cope with his need for more comfortable conditions in the house. However, do not deny yourself walking with your baby when the weather is nice outside.

These babies often have good health and live long enough, about 20 years. To make a pet's life long and happy will help with proper care and good conditions. It goes without saying that the baby should regularly receive all the necessary vaccinations and be examined by a veterinarian.

Infection with parasites for such a baby can play a fatal role, so it simply needs to be regularly decontaminated. This should be done once a quarter with the help of special drugs in accordance with the instructions and dosage.

Food

Many owners are primarily concerned about the diet of their pets. This is not surprising, because the quality of food for a dog is no less important than for a person. There are three options for nutrition: special, natural and mixed.

Special food is called when the pet’s diet consists of special food, dry or wet. This is actually a very good option if the feed is really good quality. In this case, dry can be used in the absence of the owner, and wet immediately after the jar has been opened.

Natural nutrition requires more time to search and prepare products, but professional breeders say that it is much more useful and better absorbed by the animal’s body.

It is necessary to include such products:

• Meat. In heat-treated form.
• Cereal. Buckwheat, oatmeal, rice, corn porridge, semolina.
• Cottage cheese. Necessarily soft or diluted with liquid fermented milk products.
• Vegetables. In boiled form.
• The fish. Seedless. Preferably marine.

Attention! You can correctly calculate the nutrition of York by the formula - 1 tbsp. per 0.500 kg of dog weight.

Mixed food. Perhaps this is the most popular option. However, it is not recommended to mix feed and natural food in one feeding.

Particular attention should be paid to the list of prohibited (!) Products:

• sweets;
• fat meat;
• smoked meats and corned beef;
• bakery products;
• grapes;
• onion;
• alcoholic drinks.

Attention! The pet should always have access to drinking water.

How much does a Yorkshire Terrier puppy cost?

When it is firmly decided that this charming pet should live in the house, in life and in the heart, the future owner becomes interested in the cost of the dog.

The price of York is due to many factors. A dog without documents "for the soul" will cost about $ 100 and above. But the descendants of parents-champions can not afford everyone, for such a baby will have to pay from $ 1,000 and above.

Video: Yorkshire Terrier dog breed