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Toy Breed Dogs
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" Men cannot think like dogs.... [There exists] a sharp difference in the mental capacity of humans and canines. For example, a human who is given an intricate problem will spend all day trying to solve it, but a canine will have the sense to give up and do something else instead."
Corey Ford



Manufactured Dog Food VS Home Cooked Food
The food that you feed to your dog will have a direct impact on their health. Whether a young puppy who needs great nutrient to properly grow, an adult who needs to maintain weight and energy levels or a senior who can has a sensitive digestive system.

In addition, the choice you make can directly impact behavioral issues, such as eating grass or feces.

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What you MUST Know Before Getting a Puppy

Forget about the normal list that everyone writes about..."puppy proof your home", "choose the right breed".  The information you must know, goes MUCH deeper than that. This is insider information that no one talks about, the behind-the-scenes info you really must know before you make your choice...Read More
Average Weight: 4- 7 lbs. (1.81 - 3.17 kg) 
Average Height:  6-9 inches (15.24 – 22.86 cm)
Pronounced: York-Shur  
TEH-ree-er (York-ee)
Group:  AKC Toy, Terrier Group
Life Span: 15 Years
Average Litter:3
Origin: Northern England


Description

The Yorkshire Terrier, nicknamed Yorkie,  is one of the most popular and well known breeds and his appearance certainly has a lot to do with that!  This is a neat, compact small breed dog who just oozes with self confidence.  The head is small, flat on top, with a medium muzzle and dark sparkling eyes.  Small V-shaped ears stand up erect and are seem to be placed perfectly on the edge of the head.  The tail is customarily docked in countries which deem the practice to be legal (Many countries ban this).

One of the many wonderful elements about this breed is that it seems to be 2 different dogs!  If the coat allowed to grow long, this small breed dog will have an elegant, show dog look; the coat will touch the floor and the bangs will be put in a topknot and secured with a bow.

If an owner wishes for easier grooming, a "Puppy Cut" is given.  This is a medium clipping all over the body which causes the Yorkie to look forever like a little puppy. 

Color

Puppies are born black and tan.  Then, as they mature and grow into their adult coat, the black will become a gorgeous steel blue (this is a diluted black which has blue tinting that is most noticeable in the sunshine) and the tan will be darker at the roots and become lighter as you reach the tipping.


Personality

This is one very alert and intelligent pup.  Yorkshire Terrier dogs make excellent companions are always seem ready to protect their human family, no matter what their size.

They do like to dig and many owners find that giving them their own area to indulge this behavior works best.  An owner may wish to have a children's sandbox or other small area in which the Yorkie can dig away to his heart's content, burying bones and toys.

While staying independent, he is also very playful, curious and willing to please. Very athletic, this small dog does very well in agility events, Frisbee and even tracking.  Many are also used as therapy dogs, due to their good nature.

Origin & History

We must go back to the 19th century to the Waterside Terrier, a 6-20 pound dog who was the result of other dogs such as the Black and Tan English Terrier and the Clydesdale Terrier.  The Yorkie found its way from Scotland to England and used as a "ratter", chasing down and catching prey in homes and factories in an attempt to keep the rodent population under control.  Finally perfected, the Yorkshire Terrier that we all know of today was shown in England in 1861.  In America, the first litter was born in 1871 and size that time this has become one of the most popular household pets.

Health

This breed is susceptible to:
  • Campylobacteriosis - inflammation of the intestines
  • Coccidiotis - microscopic organisms called  Coccidia grow in the intestinal tract, usually passed on from dam to litter.
  • Collapsed Trachea - softening or the literal collapse of the dog's trachea; often prevented by using a harness when walking instead of a collar
  • Cushing's disease - a malfunction of the pituitary gland or adrenal gland
  • Liver Shunt -abnormal blood flow between the dog's liver and the body - often needing surgery for correction
Dental care is very important for this small dog as early tooth decay can happen if the teeth are not correctly brushed each day.  Since this breed can be sensitive to anesthesia, owners may wish to perform scrapings at home also, to avoid professionals "Dentals".

Exercise


This feisty, active little guy loves to jump around and play.  However, for those who live in small homes or apartments, they find the Yorkshire Terrier a perfect pet since he seems to adapt to his environment and will be happy with a daily walk to burn off energy.

Grooming

Grooming a Yorkie depends on whether you wish to have the "Show Dog" look or the "Puppy Cut".  With the long and graceful show dog look, tangles are a hazard!  The coat should be brushed while damp, each day and then combed to make sure that there are no hidden matts. A topknot is put in place to hold the bangs back so that they do not obsure vision and it gives this dog a tidy appearance.  Growing the coat takes some patience; often sections are "wrapped" to protect against split ends.


With a puppy cut, grooming is easier.  An owner must just give a sudsy bath every 2 or 3 weeks and a good brushings to make the coat fluffy and shiny.

Nails are always checked for trimming every 2 months and dewclaws are often removed at the young age of 3 weeks old.

Care & Training

Certain training may need to be done for behavior such as digging.  For the independent dog, command and behavioral training should be done.  (More information is below).  In regard to housebreaking, when implemented properly,  this dog usually catches on quickly.  Many do very well with doggie doors. 
Yorkie Owners - Click Here For More Detailed Information





                    
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