Yorkshire terriers are one of the small dog breeds with the greatest magnetism there is. His particular appearance and empathetic temperament have made him an ideal companion dog, adaptable, extremely faithful, and affectionate. The bond that forms between pet and owner is strong and long-lasting.
The experience of having a Yorkshire as a pet is unmatched. These smart little companion dogs They are an aristocratic race of humble origin.
Features
Its most notable feature is its enviable coat and compact size. This has made him the model breed of dog fashion, inspiring a wide variety of clothing and accessories.
These pets are a real sight when they play. His playful temperament makes him have an incredible need for entertainment that makes him an interesting consumer of dog toys.
Its incredible expressiveness makes it have an intimate communication with their owners, creating the strongest and most lasting emotional ties.
Origin of the Yorkshire terrier
The origins of the Yorkshire terrier date back to the 1800th century. By the mid XNUMXs, Scottish immigrants settled in England, specifically in the Lancashire and Yorkshire regions.
The objective of these migrants was to work in the mines, mills and weaving mills in the area. They took with them some terrier breeds trained to hunt rodents.
Although the breeds that participated in the first crosses are unknown, it is known that the Skye, Paisley, Waterside and Clydesdale terrier were involved. Also it is believed that the Maltese intervened in the crossings.
The dogs that originated the breed were the male Old Crab and two females of which only the name of one, called Kitty, has been preserved.
It owes its name to the breed was perfected in the Yorkshire region. It was towards the end of the XNUMXth century that he began to participate in dog shows, winning innumerable awards thanks to his appearance and characteristic coat.
It was at this time that the characteristics of the breed were defined, this was largely thanks to Hudersfield Ben, an exceptional pet whose owner Mary Ann Foster immortalized him as a stallion, making him the father of the breed.
Originally, this dog weighed up to eight kilos. There are still some that retain these initial features.
Care
The characteristic fur is due to the fact that thanks to its loving temperament It was a dog very spoiled by its owners, who worked on looms in contact with lanolin from sheep.
They always impregnated their pets with this substance that stimulates hair growth and gives it a silkiness and very beautiful appearance.
They have been characterized as a small breed, but unscrupulous breeders have abused this condition by performing crosses harmful to the health of these dogs. Those known as "teacups" actually have a genetic malformation of dwarfism that brings complications to their health.
That is why it is advisable to know that within this breed this category should not exist, because the objective of the genetic crossing is generate healthy hybrids that define the characteristics of the breed.
The physical appearance of this pet has won countless admirers around the world. They are small in size, with a height of 30 centimeters approximately. His weight hardly exceeds four kilos.
The features of his head make him extremely charming. The cranial formation is not prominent, the muzzle is proportionate and the nose is black. His eyes are dark and very expressive. The always raised V-shaped ears are covered with short fur.
The body of the Yorkshire is small, strong and with straight limbs. Its small feet are round, the nails are black, and its tail is cut below half its length. The body is covered with hair and the fur is its most striking feature, which is smooth, silky and fast growing.
When they are puppies, all Yorkshire terriers are born with black fur. They have tan spots on some parts of the face such as the eyes, ears, muzzle and legs.
Stands out a beautiful white tuft of the chest that gives them an imposing bearing, very distinctive in a dog of his stature.
When they grow they progressively change color and after three years they already have the defined tone of the coat. They can be black, or dark gray. There should be no mixture of shades in the coat of the back and in the legs, ears and parts of the face, it will show a lighter shade.
The temperament of these pets is really charming, their expressiveness is so high that they achieve perfect communication with their owners. They are sweet, dependent and dominant.
They must be educated firmly from a young age, but always within a good deal. They can become nervous if they are mistreated.
They are excellent companions and due to their size they are ideal for urban environments and confined spaces. Their relationship with children is extraordinary but it is recommended that the little ones be educated very well to treat the dog with care and thus avoid injuries due to rough handling, since they are fragile due to their complexion.
"Salud"
Although Yorkies are a fairly healthy breed, the basic care that should be given to pets should be considered, plus others of the breed. They can live well cared for between 15 and 17 years. You should visit the vet at least once a year and have your vaccinations and dewormers up to date.
Diet is very important, This pet's diet should cover its nutritional needs. It is necessary to investigate very well about the foods that are allowed and those that are not, since they have a fairly sensitive digestive system.
In fact, are prone to stomach ailments, so the vet should be consulted about any change in diet. Due to their size, they should avoid obesity as it can cause diseases of the hip and spine.
Regarding hygiene the ideal is to bathe them once a month with the right coat care products. Once the bath is finished, it should be dried very well with a towel and then with a hand dryer at a not very high temperature and at a safe distance until it is completely dry.
Caring for the Yorkshire terrier is a special moment that generates strong bonds with its owner, the daily walks should not be forgotten and it is recommended not to succumb to the charms of this little pet, because they can relegate humans with great ease.
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