Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is descended from Clydesdale and/or Paisley Terriers and the Waterside Terriers which migrated to the area around Glasgow in the county of York in the early nineteenth century. They were later crossed with other breeds, including the Broken-Haired Terrier (now extinct), the Cairn Terrier, the Maltese Bichon, and others. In 1886, the breed was officially named by The Kennel Club, and its first standard was published in 1898. The Yorkie was originally used to keep mines clear of rats and as a hunting dog to unearth prey. The breed later became a fashionable pet. The breed was promoted in the United States and Europe where it was bred and gradually miniaturized from 1930 onwards. The first French Yorkshire Terrier Club was created in 1953. The Yorkie is now reputed to be the most popular miniature breed in the world.

This impulsive, lively, spunky dog is courageous, but strong-willed. This pampered dog does not do well with active children. The Yorkshire Terrier will bark at almost anything. With his dominant personality, the Yorkie will not hesitate to attack another dog, even larger ones. Very strict training is required to bring this dog under control.

The Yorkie is well suited to indoor living, but this sporting dog requires exercise. Daily brushing and combing is required. This breed should be professionally groomed monthly.

Head:Rather small and flat. Skull not too prominent or round. Muzzle not too long.
Ears:Small, V-shaped, not too wide set. Carried erect. Solid fawn color.
Eyes:Medium size. Dark color. Dark rims.
Body:Compact, stocky. Elegant neck. Ribs moderately sprung.
Tail:Typically docked to a moderate length. Carried slightly above the line of the back. Covered in long, thick hair of darker blue color than on the rest of the body.
Hair:Moderately long on the body. Perfectly straight, fine, silky texture. Long on the head and of rich golden fawn color. Hair falls perfectly straight on each side of the body and is parted in the middle from the nose to the tip of the tail. Feet are of a golden fawn color.
Coat:Dark steel blue (not silver blue) extending from the eyes to the base of the tail, never mixed with fawn, bronze, or darker hairs. Hair on the forechest is rich fawn. All fawn hairs are darker at the root and lighten along their length. Puppies are born with a black coat that changes to steel gray after several months.
Size:Approx. 20 cm.
Weight:Up to 3.1 kg.
Group:Terriers