A Guide to Yorkshire Terriers

The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as a Yorkie, is a toy breed of dog. It is generally kept as a pet, or "lap dog", as they serve no work or hunting function. They are a popular breed of dog, especially amongst women and children. Weighing no more that 5 or 6 pounds in most cases, a Yorkie packs a lot of personality into a small package.

Yorkies hail from the United Kingdom. Though it is not known how the very first Yorkshire Terriers were bred, there are some educated theories. It is assumed that Yorkies are a mixture of English and Scottish terrier breeds. Scots, migrating to England, brought their dogs with them and created new breeds. Yorkshire Terriers get their name from Yorkshire, England, their birthplace.

In appearance, the small Yorkie has a distinct look. Its coat ranges from golden to grey and is characterized by long, sometimes wavy hair that hangs around its face. This coat is very high maintenance and unlike short-haired breeds, The Yorkshire Terrier must be groomed regularly to avoid messy tangles. Keeping the hair trimmed short helps to avoid this problem, although show Yorkies require more finesse.

Some people may unofficially call a Yorkie one of the "yapper" dog breeds. They are feisty, but not mean. Granted, each dog has its own personality, but Yorkies are often vocal little dogs. Although small in stature, it isn't uncommon for a Yorkshire Terrier to confront a much bigger dog. However, they make great companions due to their loyalty and intelligence. A Yorkie can be trained to do amazing things, but require a lot of patience to do so.

Yorkshire Terriers make great family pets. They are known for nipping if provoked or harmed, but that is the case with many dogs. They are loyal, fun-loving animals and women often adore them for their looks. As a show dog, they perform well and many people find success with their Yorkies in competitions. However, their main function remains that of a companion dog, content to lie on your lap while you watch television or play on the floor with a little game of tug-of-war.