Origin, external standard, characteristic features of the behavior of the Yorkshire Terrier, health, care, training, interesting facts. Purchasing a puppy. Yorkshire Terriers sailed on ships, worked in mines, but all this was a long time ago. Now they are ordinary, couch pussies. True, their fighting disposition, to this day, reminds of themselves, wanting to break out. They have the guts to fight dogs 50 times their size. The legacy of these dogs confirms their resilience. They are very fond of for their cheerful disposition and small size.
Origin of the Yorkshire Terrier breed
There are several versions of how these dogs were born. It was believed that the ancestors of these canines caught rats and mice. Once upon a time, miners from Yorkshire hid them up their sleeves. And also, they served as indicators for checking the presence of gas in deep tunnels of mines. After such testing, people could easily work underground without fear for their lives.
Since the Middle Ages, Yorkshire Terriers have been pets of English peasants. It's all about the law that the local feudal lords came up with. To avoid mass hunting on their lands, commoners were forbidden to have dogs over seven inches (18 cm). Measurements were made using a rope loop of a certain size, through which the dog had to pass unhindered.
The ancestors of these animals, terriers that fit in a handbag. In the beginning, their appearance was not particularly remarkable. They were brought by weavers from Scotland, to Yorkshire, in the middle of the 19th century, to rid the houses and streets of the city from rodents. Their numbers were not large until they caught the eye of local canine breeders. The new arrivals were introduced to divers, English black and gold, paisley and clydesdale terriers.
Crossbreeding has resulted in a small, graceful species called: Kadesfilben. Soon after, from the Scottish Terrier, they became known as Yorkshire, because it was in this city that sophistication was created. One of the most famous early Yorkies was the Hindersfield Ben stud dog, who is considered the father of the modern breed. He has had a huge impact on this canine species since the 60s.
Later, they ended up in the United States, where they gained immense popularity. Today, the breed ranks second in terms of its demand. The beautiful and well-groomed coat of Yorkshire Terriers has always been highly valued. Since the end of the XIX century, these dogs of unearthly beauty, sported in glamorous, shiny fur coats. They say there was a Yorkshire Terrier with a hair length of 60 cm, which is three times its size.
The Second World War had a devastating effect on the condition of the breed. In those difficult times, people did not care about the beauty of dog hair. True, after the end of the war, their livestock was restored fairly quickly. Today, Yorkies, little gentle creatures. They are combed, bows are tied, but behind all this fluffy beauty there is a big, devoted heart. And also a hot temperament and a fighting disposition.
Yorkshire terrier appearance
The minimum height and weight of the Yorkshire Terrier is not limited by the standard. Maximum weight 3 kg, 100 g. The standard also does not provide for the division of Yorkies by size.
- Head round, small, flat. Should not be convex and round. The muzzle is not long, narrowed. The nose is miniature, black pigmentation.
- Yorkshire Terrier eyes are of medium size. Very dark, shiny. The look is alive.
- Ears set high, w-shaped. Not large.
- Neck good length.
- Frame "Yorkshire" is compact, with moderately oval ribs. The topline is straight.
- Tail correct posture. Keeps slightly above the back line.
- Limbs - straight, parallel. The paws are round, in a ball, the nails on them are black.
- Coat - the property of the Yorkshire Terrier. The hair is completely straight, silky - not wavy or fluffy. There is no undercoat. The hairline is similar in structure to that of a human. It grows constantly and rarely falls out.
- Color. Cold steel blue cascading coat. In front of the body, it is tricolor, from gold to reddish brown. Brown should not be mixed with blue. York acquires its final color in two or three years, and sometimes later.
Characteristic features of the behavior of the Yorkshire Terrier
Bright, energetic animals, with their own behavior. These are lapdogs, but behind their small size, there is an innate tenacity. They behave very dignifiedly. Yorkshire Terriers are sociable creatures. Great pets for adults, but with children, you need to be careful. Children annoy Yorkies and they can bite them. The owner's mood is very subtle. They easily get used to any company. They need to be taught the rules of behavior in a team from childhood. Then their socialization will go smoothly.
On average, they weigh about three kilograms, but such a modest size does not interfere with the courage of these animals. Indeed, the blood of a real terrier flows in their veins, which will never give the owner an offense. More recently, there was a case when such a doggie protected its owner from a bear attack. When a huge giant pounced on a man, the tiny creature clung to the heel of the beast, and did not let him go until the owner ran away. Then, of course, York ran away, in general, everyone survived.
Dogs are very mobile. They love to chase pigeons, and everything that moves. They love their toys, balls, etc. Ideal family companions. They will love to travel with you everywhere. As long as you are with him, the Yorkshire Terrier is absolutely happy. Another advantage is that these dogs do not shed. After all, few people like wool throughout the house and no unpleasant smell comes from them either.
Yorkshire Terrier health
Yorkies, despite their diminutiveness, are not as gentle creatures as we think. But each breed has its own health nuances. For example, hydrocephalus affects indoor breeds. Attacks make trouble. Medication should be given regularly because if this is not done, the next attack can be fatal. These babies also have fragile bones. A very great tendency to dislocate the patella. Their teeth are often decayed and the gums become inflamed.
Dog Grooming Tips
First, the puppy must be taught from childhood to grooming procedures. With them you need to behave like children with patience, love and perseverance. To do this, you need to temper his psyche. Do not isolate your puppy from the sounds of the surrounding world. During the procedures, you need to talk to your pet in a calm, affectionate voice. Try not to make your dog uncomfortable. For good behavior, reward with a treat, so that manipulation is associated with something pleasant.
Their fur coats need constant care, because the Yorkshire Terrier's hair is constantly growing. They reach into the eyes and interfere with the animal. Grass and thorns are confused in them. Therefore, regular brushing and haircuts are essential for them. The fur of those pets, which are exhibited at competitions, requires more attention. Their breed standard says that coat type can get 90% of all points. It's hard work.
Casual option: daring look, with a short haircut for a schnauzer. This hairstyle is easier to maintain in harsher climates. For hygienic reasons, the pet dog is recommended to shave the belly up to the sternum and lower leg. The hair is also cut between the pads of the paws. Every two to three weeks, olive or almond oil should be applied to the coat. It will preserve the correct structure of the Yorkshire Terrier's hair and make it silky. After greasing the wool, strand by strand, they are wound onto strips of vellum paper.
It is removed before bathing, brushing, and is put on again daily. When all the curlers are laid, silk or nylon clothes are put on the dog, and the paws are protected with shoes. "Packed" in this way, the Yorkie can run and play without any problems.
Before the exhibition, the wool is combed strand by strand and smoothed using an electric special nozzle - an iron. In order not to burn the hair, this work must be done by a professional. Now it remains to collect the bangs in a ponytail and secure it with a bow. This must be done carefully, in no case pulling the wool.
The mustache and beard of a Yorkie deserve special attention. If you do not pay enough attention to them, then over time they acquire an unpleasant brown tint, and the tips will begin to split. Each breeder has his own preferences in the choice of dog care products. The shampoo is diluted with water because it is concentrated. After washing, a conditioner balm must be used to restore the fatty layer of the skin and improve the odor.
Their coat requires careful drying. Comb them only after they are completely dry. Before combing, be sure to use a spray so that the coat is soft, moisturized and the hair does not break during manipulation. Gentle grooming requires the right tools.
- Ears York must be checked and cleaned. For this, one drop of a special agent is instilled into each auricle, and massaged for better action. Gently, without going deeply, with cotton swabs, we clean all the "nooks" of the ear. The best way to improve ventilation of the auricle is to trim the hair that grows inside it. Many people think the procedure is painful and unpleasant, but this is completely wrong. Yorkshire Terriers tolerate such manipulations calmly. Moreover, it will save him from unnecessary problems with his ears.
- Eyes tend to watery, so they need to be wiped with cotton pads soaked in anti-inflammatory lotions.
- Teeth Yorkies are susceptible to destruction, and the gums are periodontal disease, so from an early age it is extremely important to pay attention to this area. First, they are regularly cleaned. Second, various preventive edible and non-edible toys.
- Claws these dogs do not grind, because the pets are sofa and they do not walk a lot. Therefore, in order not to deform the gait, they need to cut their claws as they grow back. If you do not like to visit the vet once again, learn how to carry out the procedure yourself. To do this, you need to purchase claw scissors. They come in different configurations: gelatin or wire cutters. It is very important not to touch the living layer of the claw, otherwise your dog will be hurt. In this case, in the future, your pet may be afraid of such manipulations.
- Feeding these dogs can be both natural and ready-made food. If we give preference to products that we prepare ourselves, we need to select them carefully and in a balanced way. Food should always be warm and fresh. Buy dry food for small dogs, better known manufacturers. Their composition is well chosen. It contains vitamins and minerals. Their granules are not large, which is good for thorough chewing. After all, their jaws and teeth are not large. Yorkies love a lot of very strange dog-like foods: raw potatoes, apples, cucumbers, carrots.
- Walking. Some Yorkshire Terriers don't walk at all. They are accustomed to peeing at home on a litter box. But there are those who like to walk like full-fledged dogs. As we already know, these pets do not have an undercoat. Therefore, in cold and wet weather, they need to be dressed.
Dog fashion, provides a great variety of different clothes. When choosing clothes, you should be guided not by beauty, but first of all by convenience, heat resistance and waterproofness. Clothes should be easy to put on and take off with comfortable fasteners. It is not made of dense, but waterproof fabric. After walking, be sure to wipe the dog's paws and belly dry. If the coat is wet, then this is a direct road to dermatitis.
Yorkshire terrier training
Many owners note that Yorkshire Terriers are not careful. Therefore, for their safety, they must know the basic commands. It is fun to teach them, they try to repeat everything after the owner, clearly follow the commands and learn quickly. They enjoy this process.
The psyche of a dog greatly influences its character. Bad behavior may well be the result of problems with the nervous system. If the pet is alone for a long time, and is not engaged in it, he may develop chronic anxiety. He can start to spoil furniture, bark whine.
Interesting facts about the Yorkshire Terrier
There is one heroic story of a dog named "Smokki" and its owner, an American military man named Bill Wynn. Legends were made about this couple during the Second World War. It is reliably known that once Smokki warned with his loud barking about a Japanese kamikaze raid, thanks to which Bill and his eight colleagues survived.
In addition, the Yorkshire Terrier took part in twelve combat operations. For him, a parachute was specially designed. He helped in the laying of underground communications. And also, he amused the wounded with his tricks. After the war, a monument was erected to the dog. What times are such dogs. And now, spoiled pets, at the sound of a coffee grinder, can make a puddle.
A British terrier named "Lola" is considered the most pampered dog in the world. Its owner, Louise Harris, spends fabulous money on decorating and dressing her beloved doggie. For example, instead of a collar, the pet wears a diamond necklace worth £ 25,000. The generous hostess ordered two copies for herself and the dog. And also, the British arranged a wedding for her beloved baby with a Chinese crested dog. The "young" were dressed in haute couture. The ceremony was attended by ten people, and the hostess this wedding, cost twenty thousand pounds.
The first accessories for dogs appeared in the 18th century in England. It all started with cloaks and capes. The reason for this was the dank and cold climate of the country. Later, aristocrats began to decorate the collars of their favorites with precious stones. This fashion was introduced by Queen Victoria, an avid dog lover. The French took the initiative, and in 1892, the first dog fashion catalog was published. Now this industry has made great strides. In the United States, dog fashion parades are held annually, which attracts thousands of four-legged dandies.
Yorkshire Terriers hold the record for the smallest dog in its history. Try to imagine a mature Yorkie who is less than a 12 week old puppy. The record holder was only 6.5 cm high, and his length was only 10.5 cm.
They have an interesting feature - they are talking about the pharyngeal reflex. Air enters the terrier's nose too quickly and a reverse sneeze occurs. As a result, the Yorkie makes a sound like a goose cackle. But it passes as quickly as it appears.
Purchasing a Yorkshire Terrier puppy
A healthy baby can be seen in childhood, knowing how to choose him. Do not take the smallest one shaking in the corner. A healthy puppy is well-fed and cheerful. You should only cooperate with professional breeders if you do not want to increase spending on a veterinarian.
You will be able to look at the puppy's parents, check all relevant documents on health and breed data. Breeders will advise you on issues related to various areas throughout the puppy's life. Better not to stint and buy a healthy Yorkshire Terrier than spend money on treating sores and watch the dog suffer. The average price for a pedigree puppy will be in the range of $ 500 - $ 1500.
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