 Originally
developed to help control the rat population in mid-19th century
industrial Britain, the Yorkshire Terrier hails from an area in
Northern England after which the breed was named. Yorkshire
Terriers of the time weighed around 15 pounds, and were featured
participants in rat-killing contests - a rather unsavory pastime
of the age. Today's Yorkie is a much smaller, daintier and more
glamorous creature, seemingly put on Earth to be pampered!
Although the exact details are not
known, it is thought that the Yorkie of Old was cross-bred with
other terrier breeds as well as the
Maltese (from which
the Yorkshire Terrier inherited it's long, silky coat) to
produce the modern, more compact version.
The Yorkie is the most popular toy
breed in Britain, and is also very popular in North America and
world-wide. Yorkie puppies are born with an almost black
coat, which lightens and changes to silvery blue with tan head
and legs by the first year of life.
Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent (almost human at times!),
playful, loyal and affectionate. Yorkies make wonderful pets for
singles, couples, elderly and disabled people who are at home
much of the time.
Yorkies are not suitable as pets
for young children, as they are quite dainty and can easily be
injured. Daily brushing is essential to keep the Yorkie's
long, silky coat tangle-free. Exercise needs are minimal, and
this breed is best suited for city living - either in an
apartment or house. Despite it's tiny stature, the Yorkshire
Terrier makes a wonderful, alert watchdog!
Photo:
Book of the Yorkshire Terrier
by:
Joan Brearley |
