05/25/2006
The Yorkshire Terrier (first recognized as a breed by AKC in 1885) is a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the baseof the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of the body. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance. The Yorkie is one of the world's smallest dogs and should not exceed 7 lbs. in weight. Yorkies are born black in color with tan on the eyebrow, jaws, chest and feet. They are fully mature in two years. They are compact in size, sweet in nature and cheerful in character. The Yorkie is an independent dog, but a devoted companion. Despite his small size he is more than willing to act as a guardian for his master. However, the Yorkshire Terrier can easily be injured by small children; if you are considering a Yorkshire Terrier you must be able to supervise the dog around small children.
Appearance
The head is small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite of level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not to prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.
The body is well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with the height at the shoulder the same as at the rump.
The forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hindlegs. Declaws on the forelegs may or may not be removed. The tail is docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back.
The quality and texture of the coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. The coat on the back is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). If the hair is longer then floor length, it may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance. The fall of the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.
Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. The color of the hair on the body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: BLUE: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. TAN: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan. The blue extends over the body from back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is darker blue, especially at end of tail. The headfall is a rich golden tan, deeper in color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle, with ears a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of neck. Chest and legs are a bright, rich tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hindlegs.
(Approved by AKC April 12, 1966)
Height: 6 - 9 inches
Weight: 3 - 7 lbs
Colors: Dark steel blue from back of head to root of their tail. Face chest and feet are bright tan.
Coat: Glossy, fine and silky.
Temperament: Intelligent, confident, affectionate, lively, brave and spirited.
Care: Frequently daily brushing will keep the coat in beautiful condition. Does not need special exercise. Extra care must be taken in cold or bad weather.
Health Issues: Overall healthy. Eye irritations, patellas luxation, premature dental disease.
Litter size: 2 to 3
Country of Origin: Great Britain
History: The Yorkie became a fashionable pet in the late Victorian era in Yorkshire, England. It is said that he was bred from the Manchester Terrier, Skye Terrier, Maltese, Paisley and Clydesdale Terrier. He made his appearance in the United States in the early 1870's and today has become one of the most popular toy breeds.
First Registered by AKC: 1936
Registry: AKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC
deceased 11 Feb 2004
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Litle's Big Bertha Sue
in front
with
Eewok of Sunset
behind
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Litle Len
deceased 2 Feb 2005
and
Litle's Big
Bertha Sue