Could That Rescue Dog Be A Yorkshire Terrier?

Could that little perky dog in the local animal shelter actually be a purebred Yorkshire Terrier? Most likely, yes. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that twenty-five percent of all animals given up to shelters are purebreds. One of the advantages of getting purebred dogs is that their physical and personality temperaments can (for the most part) be predicted. You will also be aware of the needs for the dog in order to happy and healthy.



Knowing the Yorkshire Terrier breed standard can help you determine if the dog in your shelter is indeed a Yorkshire Terrier. Keep in mind that no dog can live up to the breed standard. A breed standard is the written description of a perfect representation of the breed. Just see if your shelter dog compares for the most part to the breed description. Odds are it will likely be off in only a few physical features.

The personality of a Yorkshire Terrier is pretty consistent, even though you will find some differences in individual dogs. There is a temperament goal in the Yorkshire breed standard that ethical breeders try to get their dogs to copy. Yorkshire Terriers are the benevolent Napoleons of the canine world, needing to be in charge of every little thing in their territory. They are bossy, vocal and need to be fussed over.



The breed standard lists Yorkies as alert, vivacious and full of "self importance". (That's putting it mildly). Yorkies are one of the few dog breeds that can be picky eaters. They make very good watchdogs. They do not do well in a home with pet rodents, as they were bred to kill rats. However, they do well in homes with elderly or small children. In a home with other dogs, don't be surprised if the Yorkie becomes the alpha dog very quickly.

But the physical appearance is perhaps the only way you can tell a dog's breed at your local animal shelter. The Yorkshire Terrier is small, averaging just seven pounds. They have V-shaped ears which usually (but not always) stand straight up. Their noses are black and their muzzles pointed. They have big, bright eyes and their teeth should meet in a scissors or an even bite.



They are to be steel blue and tan, with black and tan in puppies only. However, there are a lot of purebred Yorkshire Terriers who are other colors. Also, some may have dewclaws and a full, long tail that resembles a purebred Poodle's (without the pom-pom). The coat is very soft and silky and fast growing. The Yorkshire Terrier needs to be groomed every day and needs his coat trimmed about once a month, otherwise he will be a muddy mess and miserable. Show dogs don't have dewclaws, but purebred Yorkies are still often born with them.





Susan Bailey has interviewed dozens of owners, trainers and vets about Yorkshire Terriers. A Yorkshire Terrier is best only for a specific type of person. Go to the library to find books that contain extensive Yorkshire Terrier information.