Yorkie Characteristics & Care

The Coat

• The coat color of a Yorkie is considered to be the most distinguishing and unique feature of this breed. The hair located on the body to the tail of the puppy should be steel blue in color, gradually getting darker toward the roots with no other variations. The hair located on the face and legs should be a vivid tan color. As a puppy matures into adulthood, the hair will lighten considerably over the entire body. Texturally, the coat should be glossy, silky and feel fine to the touch. Their long, straight coat is evenly distributed over the entire body and should lack kinks, curls and waves.

The Face

• The face of a Yorkshire Terrier should have two clear, brightly glittering medium-sized eyes that are dark brown in color and not too prominent. The inner rims of their eyelids are dark as well. The muzzle of this breed should not be too long or short. it should be capped off with a small, dark black nose. The mouth of the Yorkie should contain a straight set of small white teeth that are able to create a perfect scissor bite.

The Ears

• The ears of any Yorkie should be small and V-shaped, pointing perfectly erect and not spaced too far apart. Both ears are covered with short, deep tan-colored hair that continues to the face, chest and legs. When examining the ears of this breed, you should discover that the head is small, flat and proportioned to the body.

The Body

• The stature of a Yorkie should be small, neat and compact with a level back. The Yorkie body extends into the usually docked tail. The tail is docked to be medium in length and is covered in silky dark blue hair, positioned slightly higher than the level of the back. An undocked tail should contain these characteristics as well, but be a longer version. Both a docked and undocked tail should give the body a look of balance.

Legs and Feet

• The forelegs of the Yorkie breed are straight, elbows neither in or out, and covered with long golden hair. The hind legs are deep tan in color and straight, but display moderate turn of stifle. Extending beyond the legs, the feet should round with black nails.

Temperament

• The Yorkshire terrier is considered to be a sociable breed. These animals may be small, weighing only 5 to 7 pounds, but they are bold and not afraid of much. Yorkies are loyal animals that are considered to be quite protective and quick to loudly bark if they sense danger, making them ideal watch dogs. Yorkies are very intelligent animals that train quickly and enjoy learning. Because of the obedient nature of this dog, many find the Yorkie breed to be a great companion for small children. The energetic dogs, like a child, are constantly seeking adventure, attention and love.

Care of a Yorkshire Terrier

• Yorkies are considered to be an easily manageable breed, but do need specific care. Exercise is a necessity for tgis toy breed. Though small, Yorkies need to be taken for 10 to 15 minutes of exercise each day to maximize their 14 to 16-year life span. Because of their long, fine coat, terriers need frequent bathing and brushing. Daily brushings can decrease matting and add to the comfort of the animal. Creating good grooming habits at birth will make this process easier on both owner and dog. Removing excess inner-ear hair and clipping the toenails will make for a happier animal. The Yorkshire terrier breed is known to be a great match for a first-time dog owner only if the owner is willing to commit to the daily attention and care this breed requires.