Dog Breeds: Yorkshire Terrier

Dog Breeds: Yorkshire Terrier: Normally playful and affectionate the Yorkshire Terrier's personality unfortunately makes it stubborn and difficult to handle. It is a sensitive dog that doesn't do well without lots of attention and care. One of the most widespread breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier is a brave friendly andaffectionate dog. Looking very much like a wig this little dog was used for hunting and killing rats in times past and its high spirited nature makes it a good This breed does well living in the city or an apartment and it needs no more than its daily walks to stay fit and healthy.

Questions and Answers: Q: We want to breed our two year old Yorkshire Terrier bitch "Mona" but are concerned about her size. She is about five kilos over the accepted standard weight for her breed (but she isn't fat) and we aren't sure if it really is a good idea to breed her.
A: Because of the size and build of many pedigree Yorkshire Terrier bitches the only way they can give birth is by cesarean. However the larger females tend to have fewer problems with this. Also we recommend that you breed her with a very small male dog, that way when their puppies reach their adult size they will be well within the standard for this breed.

Unique Needs: The Yorkshire Terrier's hair is fragile but its coat needs daily brushing and combing to stay clean and nice looking. It is normal to dock the tail of this dog and because of its predisposition todental problemsneeds frequent checkups at the veterinarian.

Temperament: The Yorkshire Terrier is a true companion dog, affectionate, lively, friendly and easy going with other animals. Particularly playful and good with children, it is also very watchful and protective of them. Has the tendency to bite other dogs and strangers. Its coat requires a lot of time and attention.

Genetic Defects: Cataracts: The result of this common condition is an opaque crystallization in either one or both eyes of the affected dog. The eye takes on a gray to white appearance and once the condition becomes advance the eye resembles a pearl and the result is a severe impairment of the dog's ability to see. Very advanced cases can cause almost complete blindness. Though normally only appearing in older dogs this condition is believed to be hereditary.

Average Height:

• Males and Females: No taller than 23 centimeters and 3.5 kilos