The Yorkshire Terrier is an intelligent, charming little dog which is a perfect example of the phrase “a big dog in a small body”.  In fact, it is thought that the smallest dog in recorded history was a Yorkie known as Sylvia, who was owned by an English gentleman by the name of Arthur Marples. 

The breed originated in Yorkshire, England in the 1800’s, and was bred to catch rats and mice in clothing factories. Depending on the country, the Yorkie is included in either the toy group or the terrier group. The breed has been an important part of developing other terrier breeds, such as the Australian Silky Terrier. 

If you’re looking for a small dog, the Yorkshire Terrier may just be the right dog for you. They are tiny, standing only 17cm tall and weighing no more than 3 ½ kg. Their coat is long and silky, and is traditionally a steel blue and tan in colour. These dogs need daily brushing to keep their coat in good condition, so if you have a busy lifestyle, think about having your Yorkie clipped. 

The long hair over the eyes can block their vision and fall into their food and water, so most Yorkshire Terrier owners put their hair up in a ribbon to keep it out of the way. 

These little dogs are very intelligent and learn quickly with positive reinforcement. They are brave and loyal, and because they let you know if anyone is approaching, they make an excellent watchdog. However, they can develop an annoying yapping habit if allowed to get away with it. They are active, and love to go for a walk, but are also very loving and happy to curl up on your lap.

Because of their small size, Yorkshire Terrier owners sometimes allow them to get away with unacceptable behaviour. Don’t make this mistake; these little dogs need as much training and consistent leadership as even the biggest dog. They are quick learners and if you teach them what is acceptable from puppyhood, you’re less likely to have any aggression or dominance problems. 

Being a small breed, Yorkshire Terriers have a long lifespan and have been known to live up to 15 years. There are some genetic problems reported in the breed that you should be aware of.

1. Portosystemic Shunt. This is an abnormality of the flow of blood through the liver. Because the liver is less able to deal with toxins, they build up in the blood and cause neurological signs. It can be treated with surgery.

2. Retinal Dysplasia. This is an abnormality of the retina at the back of the eye, and it can affect a dog’s vision.

3. Patellar Luxation – this occurs when the kneecap doesn’t stay in place, and pops out of its groove in the thigh bone. Dogs with this condition often hop with one back leg. It too can be corrected with surgery.

4. Tracheal Collapse. This narrowing of the trachea, or windpipe, occurs in many small breeds. It causes a persistent cough in middle aged dogs.

There’s often no need for these little dogs to do what they were bred for, but they still need exercise and mental stimulation. They need a daily walk, and if possible, they need the opportunity to chase and hunt. This may involve a game of ball, or even a game of hide and seek. Dogs that don’t get enough exercise for their mind and body can develop behavioural problems such as barking and digging.