While the answer to the question of “Why do people love the Yorkshire Terrier so much?” may seem obvious to those who enjoy the cuteness and look of these small size animals, also known as “Yorkies”, there is so much more to this lovable Yorkshire Terrier than meets the eye.
Yorkies have been popular throughout history and their allure helps make them one of the most popular small dog breeds and a natural choice for anyone, including current and past celebrities who have embraced the breed time and again.
A Brief History:
Originally the Terrier was bred for the control of foxes, rats, and rabbits. The Terrier breed distinctions have evolved from two groups – either long or short-legged – and are now differentiated into size or function groups. The groups are Working Terriers (the Westhighland Terrier is a great example), Toy Terriers (where the Yorkshire Terrier falls) and Bull Terriers. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrier)
Having been bred for hunting and tracking fast animals, the Yorkie was required to have a quick mind and agile body, which are abilities that helped it to thrive into modern times as a family companion.
Why Choose a Yorkie:
Indeed, the diminutive Yorkshire Terrier is often chosen over larger breed dogs not just because of their size, but for more practical reasons. They are easy to transport, require minimal exercise compared to much larger working dog breeds, and they can be potty trained to use pee-pee pads, which makes them ideal for urban dwellers. Also, with no undercoat, there’s little shedding other than normal hair loss, much like a human’s. They require extra warmth in winter and cold climates, however, because they lack an undercoat.
How to Choose A Yorkie:
Because not all breeders offer the same quality of the animal, it’s important to make sure you choose a breeder with a good reputation for breeding healthy animals.
And when choosing your Yorkie, know there is such a thing as too small. Michelle Welton, of www.yourpurebredpuppy.com, does not recommend adopting a Yorkie under 4 lbs. This size Yorkie can have significant health risks. Their bones are extremely fragile. There is not enough room in their mouth for healthy teeth. Their internal organs are often weak and can fail suddenly. They tend to have great difficulty regulating their blood sugar and can suddenly fall into hypoglycemic comas.
Breeder sites suggest choosing a puppy that is alert and outgoing. Shyness or slowness might indicate neurological and physical ailments, respectively.
Your Yorkie and Your Vet: A Healthy Combination
The following is a list of common Yorkie health conditions to be aware of that may or may not occur to your Yorkie Terrier. If you notice a change in behavior, eating habits, or activity levels, your veterinarian can help you determine the cause and solution.
- Retained deciduous teeth – Both adult and baby teeth crowd their small mouths
- Portosystemic shunt – a congenital condition whereby the blood bypasses the liver allowing toxins to pass directly into the body without being filtered out
- Juvenile hypoglycemia – These small animals can suffer from low blood sugar caused by long delays between meals
- Tracheal collapse – Indicated by shortness of breath and honking coughing, the windpipe closes on itself
- Patella luxation – kneecaps slip out of place
- Bladder stones – Abnormal secretion of minerals
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas
- Legg-Perthes disease – A degeneration of the dog’s hip joint
- Cushing’s syndrome – Caused by excessive cortisol secreted by the adrenal gland
- Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive visual impairment leading to blindness. (Source: www.healthypet.com)
Remember that your veterinarian can help educate you on the best care and food for your small breed dog. Also, they can assist your selection process by determining for you if your pet is healthy and exhibiting the signs of a well-bred, healthy dog.
Other People Who Love Yorkies:
The Yorkshire Terrier ranks second in popularity behind the Labrador Retriever, according to the American Kennel Club’s registration lists. Its rapid ascent up the registration lists over the past 40+ years are marked by what some experts and authors describe as the breed’s charming way it integrates into family life, its princess airs, and loveable quirkiness, which is to say these animals are all personality! If you’re not convinced yet of the greatness of the Yorkie, here’s a short list of famous Yorkie owners who enjoy the breed:
Audrey Hepburn
Britney Spears
Natalie Portman
Paris Hilton
Vanessa Williams
Donald Trump
Gisele Bundchen
Orlando Bloom
Missy Elliott
Hilary Duff
Miley Cyrus
Venus Williams
Heather Locklear
There’s even a famous Yorkie who had a starring role in the original Wizard of Oz movie, like Dorothy’s dog Toto.
So no matter which part of the United States you live in or what kind of life you live, it’s easy to see why this dog has been chosen time and time again for the fun and satisfying practicality this small breed dog provides any owner.