The favorite of many dog ​​breeders is the York Terrier. This breed of dog has a special character and devotion to the owners. But for a small animal, proper care is necessary, and this will be discussed in the article.

Origin history

How did this little miracle come about? The history of the origin of York is quite unusual and interesting. There are several versions.

According to the first of them, the breed appeared in the second half of the XIX century in northern England. At that time on its territory there were many coal mines in which rats and mice were found. The York Terrier had to catch rodents so that they would not breed. It is worth noting that the dog completely coped with its duties.

Later, Yorkers saw the court ladies. A small unusual little dog was so struck by them that many began to take them to social events and points.

According to the second version, the ancestors of the Yorkshire were introduced at the end of the XVIII century in the county of Yorkshire from Scotland. Dogs were larger than modern Yorks, weighed about 6 kg.

According to official figures, the Yorkshire Terrier was first registered in England in 1886. But the breed standard appeared later (after 12 years). The founder of the clan is still considered to be the Yorkshire Terrier Albert. It is inscribed in the UK Stud Book.

York was brought to America in 1872, but the breed was officially registered only in 1878. York appeared in Russia in 1971. The doggie was presented to the famous ballerina Olga Lepeshinsky.

Description of York Terrier

What does a Yorkshire Terrier dog look like? Her body is fragile, small. Weight an average of 2-3 kg (but there are miniature representatives of this breed).

Yorks have the same coat color:

  • in adults, the shade is dark, steel;
  • puppies are born completely black. Over time, their color changes.

There are several varieties of Yorkshire terriers:

  1. Standard York. They have the usual color, the coat is smooth, silky. The weight of an adult is 3-3.5 kg.
  2. Mini yorks. Differ in low body weight. Adults weigh from 1.5 to 2 kg.
  3. "Cup" York. Pretty specific dogs. Their weight is very small (from 900 g to 1.3 kg). If the breeder offers a dog with a lower weight, you need to beware. This is considered an abnormality, most likely the animal has a health problem.
  4. Beaver York. It features a colorful color. The breed was bred in Germany when crossing a bologna (Maltese) and a terrier. The dog is quite large, weighing up to 3 kg.
  5. Baby face. The most popular variety of York. It stands out with an unusual, pretty face. The structure of the skull is different from the classic version of the Yorkshire Terrier.

Remember, Yorkies are not "toy" animals. The dog requires training, special care, balanced nutrition. If you do not raise an animal, it will grow aggressive, it can cause harm to humans, despite its miniature size.

Life span

Despite their small size and apparent helplessness, Yorkshires live for a long time (13-15 years). There are few health problems.

The most vulnerable organs:

  1. The ears. They often become inflamed if the dog froze. There are otitis media (often purulent). Self-medication is dangerous, can lead to the death of a pet.
  2. Teeth. Experts advise taking care of the pet’s teeth from birth. There are special accessories for this. Yorkies may have tartar (even with proper nutrition). Eating will be difficult, gums will bleed. The stone is removed only by a specialist under general anesthesia, which negatively affects the heart.
  3. Paws Yorkers have rather short paws. That is why they can not always climb onto the sofa, chair. When you try to do this, fractures, torn ligaments occur. If you love your pet, it is better to purchase a special ladder along which the animal could get to its favorite place (as a rule, next to the sleeping owners).
  4. Overweight problems. Dogs are quite voracious, like to eat from the table. Excess weight leads to the formation of an umbilical hernia. Surgery is often required. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary that the pet's diet is balanced, the diet also does not hurt.

Diseases of York arise due to improper care and maintenance. If everything is done correctly, health problems will not arise, he will live a long and happy life, will delight you with affection and warmth.

The purpose and nature of the dog

At present, Yorkies are an indoor and decorative breed. The task of animals is to please and touch their owners.

The dog’s character is unique; the general features of the breed can be identified:

  1. Intelligence. The animal easily perceives commands, it lends itself well to training. York can easily get what he wants, for example, a favorite treat. They are curious, moderately attentive.
  2. Independence. Despite their miniature size, Yorkshire loves to be the main in the family. That is why experts offer to train the animal to show their power over them.
  3. Energy and ardor. Due to the purpose of the breed, after all, Yorkies were originally bred to chase small rodents. So, having met a mouse on a walk, the dog must chase after it, not seeing obstacles in the way. That is why the York leash should be short.
  4. Courage and masculinity. York Terriers cannot be called cowards. They easily engage in fights with dogs, which are several times larger than themselves. With people, aggression is not observed. They take a long look at strangers, can bark, but not bite. They will attack only if they feel a threat to themselves or the owner.
  5. Tenderness.Many dog ​​breeders love this breed for their love and devotion.
  6. Playfulness. If you spend most of the time at work, and York will be at home alone, it is better not to start such a breed. The animal will be bored, not find a place for itself. As a result, she can get sick (depression) and die.
  7. Stubbornness. In a cute, tiny dog ​​there is a real core. Yorkies are very stubborn. In this case, training is the best medicine.
  8. Cheerfulness. Yorkshire terriers are always cheerful and playful. They almost never have a bad mood.

Seeing a sweet, kind, little York, many want to take him to a family with children. And this is a big mistake. Breeders try not to sell puppies to those buyers who have children under 7 years old.

A child can accidentally step on a dog, press him hard, abandon him. In the best case, the pet will get off with fractures.

Yorkies get along well with other pets, like cats. But rodents do not tolerate. Believe me, the rabbit and the Yorkshire Terrier will never get along in the same apartment.

Breed standard and puppy selection

The breed standard has the following characteristics:

  • height at the withers not less than 15 cm, but not more than 18 cm;
  • weight - 2.5-3.5 kg;
  • the coat is straight (there should be no hint of waviness), thick, soft;
  • the color is dark, steel (a bluish tint may be noticeable in the sun);
  • muzzle golden orange hue;
  • long straight bangs;
  • small button eyes.

With age, the color of York changes, becomes brighter, gray hairs appear.

York puppies are born completely black.

To choose a thoroughbred, healthy puppy, you need to listen to the following recommendations:

  1. To acquire a puppy is necessary only in the kennel. Carefully inspect the conditions in which the Yorkshire Terrier was kept. The dishes should be clean, in the enclosure cozy, warm, cleaned.
  2. After choosing the right puppy, conduct a visual inspection. According to the standard: the coat is black, soft, eyes are shiny (non-convex), ears sticking out, there should be no abrasions and wounds on the skin.
  3. Take an interest in the pedigree documents and the availability of a vaccination certificate. The exact dates of vaccination must be indicated.

York puppies are very difficult to tolerate separation, so try to create all the conditions so that the pet is comfortable living in new conditions.

Maintenance, care and feeding

Care and maintenance of York is not particularly difficult.

What do we have to do:

  1. Brush the dog’s coat daily.
  2. Bathe your pet several times a week.
  3. Cut the claws.
  4. Rinse eyes, keep ears and eyes clean.
  5. In order for the pet to see well, it is better to collect hairs from the top of the head with an elastic band.

Many owners prefer to take the dog for grooming. The master will make a haircut, hairstyle, wash the hair and dry it. And it has also become fashionable to twist the pet's hair. For this, special papillots are used.

Experts say that it is better to feed York with a specialized feed. The main thing is to choose good quality feed.

Food in a bowl should not be left. Feeding should be 2 times a day, otherwise the dog will get fat, there will be health problems.

In addition to feed, you can give natural foods. At 50%, the dog's diet should consist of proteins. This is meat, milk, fish.

And also do not forget about cereals. They contain a lot of fiber, which is necessary for pets. Buckwheat, rice, oatmeal are well suited. Porridge can be mixed with vegetables and legumes.

You cannot feed York only with natural food. Premium class feed must be present in the diet. They contain the necessary trace elements useful for the animal.

Yorkshire Terrier Training

Yorkshire Terrier puppies are very pretty, so the owners constantly keep them in their arms. And they make a big mistake. The pet will grow shy, timid.

You can educate York and teach elementary teams on your own. If the pet does not obey, do not beat it, it will be enough to raise the voice.

There are stubborn individuals, in this case the help of a trainer will be needed.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

The breed has its advantages and disadvantages.

Among the advantages can be identified:

  1. A miniature dog that you can carry with you everywhere.
  2. Friendly, playful character.
  3. Not picky in food.
  4. Easy to train.
  5. Get along well with other pets.

Cons are the following:

  1. Yorkies are fragile, they need protection.
  2. A stubborn character, if you do not show in time who is the boss in the house, become uncontrollable.
  3. Permanent hair care is required.
  4. Grooming services are quite expensive.

Yorkshire terriers are cute, miniature dogs. Many compare them with children, they are just as defenseless and cute. But in order to properly raise a pet, you need certain knowledge. We hope our tips will help you in this difficult process.

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