Dog class - Toy
Average height - 7 - 9 inches
Average weight - 2 to 5.5 pounds
Size - Small
Average life span - 12 to 14 years

The Yorkshire Terrier is a vigorous and hardy dog, standing around 8 inches tall and weighing about 6 pounds. These dogs have a straight, silky coat that is dark steel blue with tan markings. They also have a profuse "head fall" of hair. Their ears prick up, and they have dark eyes, a black nose, and a docked tail.

This dog was originally called the Scottish Terrier, but was brought to Yorkshire, England, by Scottish weavers. The smaller Yorkshire Terrier was, in part, a result of the Industrial Revolution. As families moved from larger rural spaces into smaller urban ones, the Scottie was bred down to a smaller, more suitable sized dog. When these dogs were originally registered with the British Kennel Club in 1874 they were also known as the "Broken Haired Scottish Terrier."

These dogs love attention, and should be included in almost all of your family activities. However, too much attention will spoil your dog and cause severe behavioral problems

These dogs can be extremely vigorous and hardy, or completely genteel and an ideal lap dog. They love attention, and must participate in all family activities. They do not require extensive outdoor exercise, and get along fairly well with strangers. They make excellent little watchdogs because of their keen sense of hearing. In addition, these dogs bond well to one person.

These dogs are susceptible to slipped stifle, eye infections, and gum and teeth weaknesses. In addition, they should be fed at least some dry food and should never be given a diet consisting solely of canned food. They should also be kept out of the cold as much as possible.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a demanding dog, and will snap to protect its food or toys. However, these dogs can also be timid with strangers. They can be noisy, difficult to housebreak and rather aggressive. In addition, too much pampering will create a dog with numerous behavioral problems.

If spoiled too much, your Yorkshire Terrier could become a behavioral nightmare!

Further Yorkshire Terrier Dog Resources