YORKSHIRE TERRIER (AKC Toy Group) Height: averages 7 1/2 inches. Weight: up to 7 pounds. Size: Very Small. Availability: Very popular. History: There seem to be two different stories about the Yorkshire Terrier's origins. The first states that the breed was brought to Yorkshire, England by Scottish weavers emigrating to England in the mid-nineteenth century. The second states that the Yorkshire Terrier was developed by English miners in the 1800's to help control the rat population in mine shafts. According to the second story, the Yorkie probably resulted from crosses between the Dandie Dinmont, Skye Terrier, black and tan toy terrier and the Maltese. The new breed was originally called the Scotch Terrier. This game little dog was also pitted against rats for the miners' entertainment. Later he became a favorite companion of well- to-do women who carried the tiny dogs in their bags or under their arms. Though 19th century terrier aficionados thought the breed's future was dim, the Yorkie has become one of the most popular breeds. Today this spunky little dog is both a lively companion and a glamorous show dog. Description: A vigorous small dog with a long, profuse silky, steel blue and gold coat. Puppies are born black with tan points and generally come into their adult coat after about one year. The full adult coat is parted down the middle of the spine and hangs down long enough to touch the ground. The delicate head is flat, with a medium length muzzle topped by a cute black button nose. The eyes are bright and dark with dark rims. The ears are small, erect and triangular. Hair on the ears is dark. The tail is docked at 3 to 5 days to half its original length. Notes: Show dogs need constant and extensive grooming. Can be difficult to housebreak. Avoid puppy mill and pet shop Yorkies, as these animals may be misproportioned. Sensitive to cold. Bitches often have trouble delivering. Have a veterinarian on stand-by for each birth. Do not over-protect this little dog, or he can become neurotic. The very tiny "teacup" Yorkies often have serious health and behavior problems. Prone to slipped stifle and eye infections. The soft teeth tend to be prone to decay and weakness. Inspect and clean the teeth regularly. Be sure to feed Yorkies dry food (canned food may be added) to help keep their teeth strong and clean. Personality: Spirited and willful. Self-confident. Affectionate and very lovable. Highly energetic and bustling. Brave and clever. Doesn't get along well with other animals. Demanding and dependant. Needs companionship. Can be snappish if frightened, surprised or over-teased. Behavior: Children: Best with older, considerate children. Friendliness: Reserved with strangers. Trainability: Slightly difficult to train. Independence: Needs people a lot. Dominance: Moderate. Other Pets: Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets. Combativeness: Very dog-aggressive. Noise: Likes to bark. Grooming and Physical Needs: Grooming: Regular grooming needed. Trimming & Stripping: Some trimming or stripping (little skill required). Coat: Long coat. Shedding: Very light. Docking: The tail is customarily docked. Exercise: Very little exercise needed. Jogging: A fair jogging companion. Indoors: Very active indoors. Apartments: Good for apartment living. Outdoor Space: Does all right without a yard. Climate: Prefers warm climates. Owner: Good for novice owners. Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years). Talents: watchdog. For More Information: Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute. Photo Caption: YORKSHIRE TERRIER Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.