Yorkshire Terrier - pros and cons of the breed

Non-standard Yorkie colors

For many subspecies of standard Yorkies, the classic color is officially recognized by the FCI and the American Kennel Club (AKC). This breed was approved in the 1970s.

Initially, dogs were not considered decorative. Terriers were used to catch rodents, as Yorkies did not get along well with mice and rats.

Dogs that differ from the recognized colors are not allowed to participate in exhibitions and competitions. However, Yorkies can make excellent companions. If a client chooses dogs in a showroom for show life, he should refrain from purchasing specimens of the following colors.

1. White and black terrier. As a result of a mutation in the gene that is responsible for color in Germany, black terriers with white fur were born. In 1988, a rare type of Yorkie was first introduced to the world, and was officially approved as a separate breed only in 2007. A standard was established for terriers, according to which white wool should be combined with colors:

• on the head - with a blue or golden sheen;
• on the body - with a black tint.

These individuals have good health and are not susceptible to diseases that standard terriers experience.

1. The Biro Yorkie is not considered a separate breed like the Biewer Yorkie. These dogs completely lack the gene responsible for black fur. Most often these are individuals of chocolate-white and golden color. The subspecies appeared not so long ago; the Yorkie size standard has not yet been established.

1. Chocolate York (Choco-York) - dog experts do not recognize the breed as ideal. Almost all of the terrier's fur is brown, shades from milk chocolate to dark bitter. The only condition is that the Yorkie's color is evenly distributed.

1. Golden York (Goldusty) - found in all sorts of golden, caramel shades. Sometimes there are individuals with a white breast. Dogs with light colors may be confused with Biewers.

1. Yorkie - Mermaid - a mixture of terrier with other species. They are otherwise called salon dogs. However, the appearance is very similar to Yorkies. Most often these are dogs with golden, red, and silver colors. There are individuals with white chocolate-colored fur. The coat of such terriers feels much harsher than that of the classics. Mermaids are larger in size than other dogs.

There are several more subspecies of terriers: mini-, micro-, baby Yorkies. They differ from the classic breed in size.

Education and training of the Yorkshire Terrier

Raising a dog should begin from a very early age, more precisely, exactly when you brought this little miracle home.

Although the Yorkie is small, it is still a dog. More than that, this is a terrier that will certainly show its character, demand attention and even try to dominate.

It often happens that the education of mini Yorkshire terriers is given the wrong meaning. A well-mannered Yorkie is not only trained to sit calmly in the arms of its owner. Education is toilet training, obedience during walks, close contact with the owner and unquestioning obedience to him.

The question often arises: is it worth raising a Yorkie at all? The answer is clear – it’s worth it! A cute little dog with charming, inquisitive eyes can grow into a real hooligan who spoils furniture, shoes, shits wherever he wants, sleeps wherever he wants, etc. Unfortunately, such dogs often become the cause of quarrels and disagreements in the family. A raised Yorkie is the pride of the owner and a prerequisite for comfortable coexistence with his owner.

Video of training and education

The first rule of training

First of all, you must show the little puppy who is boss. The baby Yorkie, as already mentioned, will try to win leadership in the family. This will show up on walks. Don't let your Yorkie drag you to walk only where he wants, remember, you walk the dog, and not vice versa! Further, the dog can show leadership when feeding. Never allow your dog to beg for food from your table and, especially, to climb its paws onto the table. The leader of the pack always eats first. A dog should accept you as this leader, even such a small one. Remember, if you allow your Yorkie to sleep in your bed once, he will sleep there forever. No amount of houses, soft bedding or beds can entice or retrain a Yorkie. The dominant position of the Yorkie is also evident here.

The owner should always be able to control the dog's behavior. Because any ill-mannered dog can provoke a conflict, be it just a passerby or another dog. By nature, Yorkies are cowardly dogs, but if there is possible danger, they can attack first. And it doesn’t matter at all what size the dog is in front of the Yorkie. He will defend himself, snap and bark, trying to prove his advantage.

Important commands

You must teach your dog the commands “near” and “fu”. This will allow you to control the dog's behavior. The dog must learn these commands so that you are not afraid to let your Yorkie off the leash. This will require a lot of time and effort, from the beginning lead the dog on a tight leash. The dog should go to your left. Repeat the command “near” constantly, and when the Yorkie tries to move away from you, sharply pull the leash and repeat the command loudly.

Then gradually switch to training with a loose leash, and then without it at all. Don't forget to reward your Yorkie. The “fu” command is also practiced for more than one day. To reinforce the command, you need to catch cases when the dog becomes interested in something on the street or at home, it doesn’t matter. As soon as the dog reaches out to the object of his interest, sharply pull the leash and say “ugh.” You can also use noise effects, the main thing is that it is louder and unexpected.

It is imperative to teach your dog to follow the command “come to me” and “stand.” Without this skill, it will be difficult to control a dog on the street. If suddenly the dog moves far away from you, or you are walking near the roadway, the dog must definitely come to you on the first command. It's not that hard to teach it. Try walking your dog on a very long rope and, after he has moved a sufficient distance away from you, repeating the command “come to me”, pull the dog up by the rope. You need to repeat the command until the dog is at your feet. After this, be sure to praise the dog, let it know that you are very pleased with its behavior and treat it with a treat. After the “walk” break, repeat the command. So alternate. Repeat 5 times, no more, the dog may get tired.

Many dog ​​handlers, dog breeders and trainers give different advice on raising a dog. But these principles are so monotonous, and all dogs are so individual, that your dog needs a strictly individual approach. Another, no less important, question in education remains the question of whether it is worth raising, and in particular training a dog, yourself or giving it to a dog handler. Of course, you will be attracted by the impeccable execution of commands and the dog’s every second response at work. And that’s why many people prefer to give their dogs to professional dog handlers, instructors, trainers, etc., in the hope that they will give you a ready-made, obedient Yorkie.

But don’t forget that raising a dog means close personal contact with it. This is communication, these are emotions, so don’t be surprised when, watching the instructor’s work, you see the impeccability and obedience of your Yorkie, and when they give him to you, the dog will not listen to you at all. The dog handler knows his job, and he will teach the dog commands, but whether the dog will obey you is not a fact!

Encouraging your Yorkie during training

Another equally important point in raising any dog ​​is reward for work done. If you ignore this point, the dog will never listen to you, only if it is afraid. The dog needs to be rewarded every time you are satisfied with it.

This can happen not only while learning commands, but also in the process of your daily communication. Show the dog that you are pleased with its obedience, because for a dog, especially one like a Yorkie, the owner’s approval is extremely important.

You can reward him with treats that your pet loves so much. This could be cookies, low-fat cheese, the main thing is that it is not your usual everyday food. If you are teaching your dog commands, remember that the dog should not be full in order for the treat to be a stimulus for the dog. You can also use industrially produced treats, these are usually vitamin-rich treats. Do not forget to encourage your Yorkie simply with words, do not skimp on praise, because the dog perceives training as a fun, interesting game with the owner. Believe me, in this case, training and training will bring joy and pleasure to both you and your Yorkie.

Recognized Yorkie colors

There is only one color of terriers allowed for exhibitions - classic.

Standard:

1. The fur on a Yorkie's face should not be white, black or brown. Colors allowed: golden, dark red
2. The terrier's head is small, proportionally small in comparison with the body. The nose is round and black. The eyes are not protruding.
3. The ears are erect, triangular in shape, and small in size.
4. The structure of the coat is straight, smooth, and silky to the touch. It is long on all parts of the Yorkie's body, flowing down.
5. The collar is a similar shade as the muzzle - dark red, golden brown.
6. The body and tail are exclusively with a blue steel tint.

This is interesting: DIY clothes for Yorkies

The presence of white, gray or black hairs on the body of a Yorkie is considered a flaw. The tail can be either the same shade as the fur or darker, but always with a blue tint. It also happens that the roots are darker than the tips. This is not considered a deviation.

The weight of dogs ranges between 2000-3100 g. Dogs weighing 1.5-2 kg belong to the subspecies of York Terriers - mini-Yorks. Less than this value are micro-Yorks.

What color to choose a puppy

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a Yorkie puppy that meets the standards, first of all, you need to check all the relevant documents:

• certificates from exhibitions, if any;
• complete information about the puppy's pedigree;
• certificates from the veterinary clinic with all vaccinations.

Responsible breeders are required to provide a package with these documents. If they refuse to show them or say that there are no papers, you should think about the integrity of such a seller.

It is recommended to pay attention to the conditions in which puppies grow up:

1. It is worth avoiding houses where dogs are kept outside (Yorkies have poor health).
2. There must be order in a shelter or nursery.
3. Puppies are characterized by playfulness and liveliness, so it is advisable to look at their behavior: they should be active.

Newborn puppies slightly resemble Rottweilers. They are completely black except for small brown spots on the face. Dogs will be dark for up to 2 months, then they will begin to lighten. This is due to hormonal changes.

You can buy a puppy 4-6 months old; usually at this age it is already clear what color the mature dog will acquire. However, it will cost more, and changes can take place up to 2 years of age.

To make sure as much as possible about the future color of the puppy, you need to part the fur on its head and look: if the roots of the hairs turn golden, then, most likely, the dog will take on the correct color.

It is also advisable to pay attention to small details, such as:

• wet black nose (you can use it to determine whether the puppy is healthy);
• shiny eyes, not protruding;
• type of ears (at 3 months they should be standing).

The breeder is obliged to show how to properly trim dogs and how to care for them.

The pet is also examined for the following abnormalities:

• overly curved body;
• incorrect position of the ears;
• short or elongated muzzle;
• malocclusion, jaw problems;
• the tail is below the level of the back;
• light hairs in dark areas and vice versa;
• cryptorchidism.

And of course, it is worth examining your pet for standard deficiencies, such as deafness or blindness, or breathing problems.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Vaccinated terriers with good pedigree cannot be cheap.

Personality of the Yorkshire Terrier

This compact little guy has forever won the hearts of many dog ​​owners. This is a 100% domestic dog.

They are very obedient and won't cause much trouble. Their docile and easy-going nature, their abundance of love, goodwill and charm make Yorkies an ideal pet for almost any owner.

This is a very smart dog, it is easy to train and gladly fulfills the owner’s requests. Yorkies are very obedient, unlike many of their terrier cousins, such as, for example, the West Highland White Terrier, which every now and then show their stubborn and wayward character. Yorkies are very hardy, thanks to their working ancestors, they not only tolerate long and sometimes tiring walks, but also love to jump, run and frolic in the fresh air. Under one condition, of course, if it is not very cold. Don't forget about York's miniature size; the baby may simply freeze.

For all its gentle and graceful appearance, the Yorkie is a real dog, and should not be underestimated just because of its small size. A real “lion’s” heart beats in this small body. This brave little guy will never let himself or you be offended, especially if it concerns any other dog, and no matter what size it is. According to York, the owner is his and no one else's.

But at the same time, York is a very sociable dog. She will become not only your favorite, but the favorite of all your friends and neighbors. You won’t hear empty, meaningless barking from him. They easily get along with people of the older generation, for whom the docile little terrier is sometimes the only real outlet.

But with children the situation is a bit ambiguous: if you bought a Yorkie into a family in which there is a small child who will pester the dog every now and then, then the Yorkie will certainly fight for his right to immunity, and sometimes even snap back. Of course, it is unlikely to bite, but you will have to keep an eye on the child. For older children, he will become the best friend.

York, again thanks to its size, will always find a place in any, even the smallest, apartment. They are calm, unpretentious and sometimes do not require walks on the street. Yorkies can easily get used to the litter box, so when there is bad weather or rain, severe frost or wind, or when you just don’t want to wake up in the morning and take your baby for a walk, you don’t have to worry that the dog will have to endure it for a long time. Yorkies get along well with other dogs, cats, and many other animals in general.

This is the best companion for walks, thanks to its miniature size and light weight, you can always take the Yorkie with you anywhere. The Yorkie feels very comfortable both on a leash and in the arms of his owner. This is a very beautiful dog, she is beautiful by nature, and at the same time, any owner can show his individuality and the individuality of his baby, with the help of a wide variety of hairstyles for Yorkies, outfits and bows.

Yorkies have rightfully won and made millions of hearts fall in love at first sight. This small and incredibly beautiful dog will become your and your family’s best friend, a true protector and a faithful companion.

Grooming to enhance color

If a dog does not develop a permanent silver color on its back before 10 months and remains black, you should not hope for the appearance of a steel tint. However, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause the fur to burn out and fade.

The unexpected appearance of gray hair in a grown individual does not mean that the Yorkie's colors are taking on the desired color. Instead of entering your pet into competitions, you should immediately contact a veterinarian, as this could be the beginning of a serious illness or a lack of zinc in the body.

This does not mean that the coat does not need to be looked after - Yorkies need constant care. Terriers need frequent bathing and haircuts every 2-3 months.

If the dog does not participate in exhibitions, it is not recommended to keep a long coat, as it can get tangled and dirty. Particularly in need of a short haircut are the belly, tail, back and genitals.

Show dogs are usually not trimmed in the specified places, however, they need more supervision: when walking, you should dress your Yorkie in overalls, and wrap their hair in curlers between shows.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Because of the long locks, debris gets into your Yorkie's eyes. To avoid diseases, the hair from the muzzle is removed in curlers and the eyes are wiped with a clean swab every day.

What is the best way to feed a Yorkshire Terrier?

Probably nothing affects the development, health and vitality of our dogs more than proper feeding.

Nutrition is essentially your pet's quality of life, so for healthy skin, a beautiful coat, and overall energy, choose your Yorkie's diet carefully.

First of all, nutrition should be rational, that is, contain all the necessary nutrients, micro- and macroelements. Secondly, the diet must be balanced, that is, the amount of these same nutrients must be correctly calculated so that your Yorkie consumes proteins, fats and carbohydrates in optimal doses. And, of course, food should be varied.

But, to begin with, in any case, the question will be what exactly to feed the dog. Will it be dry food or natural. Calculate the serving volume according to the principle of 1 tablespoon of food per 0.5 kg of dog weight. If your Yorkie weighs, say, 2 kg, then, accordingly, the Yorkie should eat 4 tablespoons of food. It is enough to feed an adult dog 2 times a day, but sometimes the dog may ignore feeding. From 2 to 5 months, puppies are fed 3-4 times a day, by 7 months they are accustomed to 2-3 meals a day, and by 10 months they are transferred to 2 meals a day. On average, a Yorkie eats 50-60 grams. dry food per day.

Conclusion

Before you decide to get a Yorkshire Terrier, it is advisable to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros:

• York Terriers are loyal, intelligent creatures. They are active, playful, determined, and do not require daily walking, as they can be trained to use a litter box at home;
• the breed is considered hypoallergenic;
• dogs do not shed and do not have an unpleasant odor.

The disadvantages include:

• need for special care;
• additional expenses for purchasing clothes (shoes are even recommended in winter);
• high price;
• poor health. Terriers are prone to colds and have fragile bones.

The owners note that these dogs make excellent household members. They get along well with other animals and do not take up much space. Sometimes Yorkies can be capricious, but they have a good-natured character.

Useful video

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video and photos to clearly recognize and see the lovely Yorkshire terriers.