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The breed is only 100 years old or so, but
its origins are not entirely certain - probably because the
working men of north England, who developed the Yorkshire
Terrier for catching the terrible rats that infested the mine
shafts and as a hunting dog that could penetrate into badger
and fox burrows, avoided divulging the secret of their success
to those who might have cashed in on a lucrative side line.
However, it seems likely that Scotsmen seeking work in the
woolen mills of Yorkshire brought with them various types of
terrier, including the Skye and the now extinct Clydesdale.
These were then crossed with local types, such as the long-
haired Leeds Terrier. The Maltese, Black & Tan Manchester,
and Dandie Dinmont Terriers may also have contributed blood
lines. At first, the Yorkie was a much bigger animal than the
one we see today, but by selectively breeding the smallest
individuals, the dog was gradually miniaturized over the years.
They were made into a fashion dog. Women carried these little
dogs in their bags and under their arms. The first Yorkshire,
with the characteristics demanded by its standard today,
appeared in a dog show in 1870.
The ultra long, fine, silky coat parts
along the spine and falls straight down on either side. It is
steal blue on the body and tail, and tan elsewhere. Puppies are
usually black & tan. The tail is usually docked to half its
length. If the dogs are not for showing, the owners usually go
for the shaggy look. The Yorkie has a flat head, medium-sized
length muzzle, a black nose, and regular teeth. The eyes are
extremely vivacious and the ears are v-shaped, erect or
semi-erect. The tail is docked to medium-length and is carried
level with its back. Its limbs are straight with round feet and
black nails. The hair on the head is so abundant that it is
almost always necessary to gather it in a band to keep from
going into the dog's food bowl and to give the animal maximum
visibility. Some owners choose to trim the hair on top of the
head.
Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier seems
oblivious of its small size. It is ever eager for adventure and
trouble. This little dog is highly energetic, brave, loyal and
clever. Affectionate with its master, but sometimes suspicious
of strangers. It can be aggressive to strange dogs and small
animals. In other words, it has true Terrier heritage. They do
best with older, considerate children. Yorkies are easy to
train, although they can sometimes be stubborn. The breed is
demanding and dependant and needs a lot of human attention. The
Yorkie is an excellent watchdog, defending its territory in no
uncertain manner. They can get snappish if surprised,
frightened or over-teased, but are usually very sweet and
loving. They can be difficult to housebreak. These little dogs
should not be over-protected, for they may become neurotic. The
Yorkie likes to bark, but it can easily be taught not to do so.
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