Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier makes a perfect house pet. particularly for the elderly, as it eats only a tiny amount of food and takes up very little space. Its acute hearing picks up strangers in the vicinity and, although it's not a yappy dog, it will let you know they're there.

Even show dogs with their silky, glamorous coats are spirited.

In the early nineteenth century, coal mines were ridden with rats and some miners in northern England developed a terrier that was small enough to carry in their pockets when they went down the mines. Starving workers came south from Scotland, seeking work, with their rough terriers, the Skye and Clydesdale Terriers. These were subsequently inter-bred with the Old English Broken-haired and Manchester Terriers to produce the now familiar Yorkshire Terrier.

When dog showing began around 1850, the dog breeders realized that pretty little companion dogs were worth more money and therefore refined the terrier, producing today's dog.

When buying a puppy, always make sure that you see them with their mother and observe them closely to ascertain which has the best temperament.

This little dog will give you unlimited affection, but because it has a strong independent streak, its early socialization and training will need patience and kindness. Under the gentle looks and loving nature lurks some of the feistiness inherited from its rough working dog ancestry. It will still hunt mice and rats but at home is full of fun and mischief. Children need to be gentle as the Yorkie is very small and can easily get hurt in rough games.

must know

There are some rare cases of slipping patella and Perthes disease in this breed. Some eye problems are under investigation.

The Yorkshire Terrier is an elegant, tiny dog with a spectacular flowing coat, which is long and silky and of a distinctive steel blue colour with a rich golden tan on the head, chest and legs. Dogs are 25cm (10in) or less in height, and can weigh up to 3.1kg (7lb).

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the world's great show dog breeds and presentation, grooming and coat condition are of great importance if you are planning to show your dog one day. However, even pet Yorkies need regular grooming if you keep their coat long and natural.

The two most important steps for maintaining a superb show coat are daily oiling to soften the hair and prevent any splits, and putting it in special paper 'crackers' to keep the show coat straight. The crackers are applied gently to the topknot, mouth hair, beard and other parts of the body. They must be introduced gradually so that the dog gets used to wearing them. Be gentle or the dog may never accept the procedure. Of course, this takes a lot of time and patience for both the owner and the dog.

When grooming any Yorkie, it is important to comb the long hair on the dog's head gently teasing out any knots and tangles.

Gently comb and then trim the hair at the sides of the head as well as the beard under the chin.

Comb the coat all over to keep it silky and tangle-free. Then gently brush the long hair to keep the coat straight all over.

Strangers 3/5

Suspicious; will bark a warning

Temperament 5/5

Fun, mischievous, loving

Exercise 2/5

A little or a lot

Grooming 5/5

Very important: daily brushing and combing are essential

Other dogs 3/5

No great problems

Summary 5/5

A great pet for old and young alike

Yorkshire Terriers are inquisitive and sociable dogs and they love going out. They will need a long walk or at least a stroll once round the block twice daily. Sniffing around the garden and play hunting are an equal joy to them. Because of the length and texture of their coat, it does have a tendency to tangle and matt easily, so a daily gentle combing session is essential for this breed. If you don't have the time or the inclination to groom your dog every day. keep the coat cut short (as shown below).

Apply the paper crackers gently to show dogs. Get an experienced person to show you how to do this. You can go to special classes to learn how to prepare a dog.