Yorksire Terrier FAQ 

Where do Yorkies originate from?

"The Yorkshire Terrier traces to the Waterside Terrier, a small longish-coated dog, bluish-gray in color, weighing between 6 and 20 pounds (most commonly 10 pounds). The Waterside Terrier was a breed formed by the crossing of the old rough-coated Black-and-Tan English Terrier (common in the Manchester area) and the Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers. It was brought to Yorkshire by weavers who migrated from Scotland to England in the mid-19th century.

The Yorkshire Terrier made its first appearance at a bench show in England in 1861 as a "broken-haired Scotch Terrier". It became known as a Yorkshire Terrier in 1870 when, after the Westmoreland show, Angus Sutherland reported in The Field magazine that "they ought no longer be called Scotch Terriers, but Yorkshire Terriers for having been so improved there.

 

Do Yorkies shed?

Yorkies are the only breed of dog that has hair and not fur. Their hair is very much like human hair. While they do not shed, they do lose some hair just as you do. This is evident most when brushing their coat, just like you will lose some hair in your brush when brushing your hair. Yorkies should be groomed every 6-8 weeks to ensure a healthy coat and skin.

 

What is a Teacup Yorkie?

There is no such breed as a Teacup Yorkie. Many breeders will advertise their Yorkies as Teacups because they are so small that they are the size of a teacup. Yorkies that are that small are usually not very healthy. The breed standard for a full-blooded Yorkie is to weigh between 4 lbs. and 7 lbs., however, many Yorkies weigh more than that. The very small Yorkies are often diagnosed with Liver Shunt. A liver shunt is a blood vessel that carries blood around the liver instead of through it. Liver Shunts are often hereditary, require costly surgery (running thousands of dollars), and is often fatal.

 

 

Yorkie Rescue

 

Where can I get a Yorkie?

Yorkie rescue organizations are a great place to adopt a Yorkie in need. Another place would be a reputable breeder. Consult with your vet if you wish to purchase from a breeder. He or she would know which of his or her clients breed healthy pups. Please do not purchase a Yorkie from a pet store. Pet stores often get their pups from puppymills. Puppymill breeders breed hundreds of dogs, often making the dogs live outside in crates, in filth, and with little or no medical care. The dogs are bred until they can breed no longer, at which point, they are discarded.

 

Why do Yorkies need rescuing? I can't believe anyone would want to give them up.

We hear this a lot! There are many reasons why Yorkies end up in a rescue program, such as Little Paws Yorkie Sanctuary.  Sometimes an owner passes away, and no one else in the family can care for the pet. Sometimes a family moves and cannot take their Yorkie with them, so they contact us. Other times people don't have the time to provide to their Yorkies, and feel they would be better off with a family that can provide more time and care. And many times people purchase Yorkies without fully researching the breed. Yorkies, like many small dogs, are notorious for being difficult to housetrain. If you want to buy or adopt a Yorkie, you will most likely have to deal with potty accidents in your home due to their small bladders. We feel it is a small price to pay for the years of unconditional love you will receive from your loving Yorkie!