| Could that little perky dog in the local animal shelter | | | | and full of "self importance". (That's putting it mildly). |
| actually be a purebred Yorkshire Terrier? Most likely, | | | | Yorkies are one of the few dog breeds that can be |
| yes. The Humane Society of the United States | | | | picky eaters. They make very good watchdogs. |
| estimates that twenty-five percent of all animals | | | | They do not do well in a home with pet rodents, as |
| given up to shelters are purebreds. One of the | | | | they were bred to kill rats. However, they do well in |
| advantages of getting purebred dogs is that their | | | | homes with elderly or small children. In a home with |
| physical and personality temperaments can (for the | | | | other dogs, don't be surprised if the Yorkie becomes |
| most part) be predicted. You will also be aware of | | | | the alpha dog very quickly. |
| the needs for the dog in order to happy and healthy. | | | | But the physical appearance is perhaps the only way |
| Knowing the Yorkshire Terrier breed standard can | | | | you can tell a dog's breed at your local animal shelter. |
| help you determine if the dog in your shelter is | | | | The Yorkshire Terrier is small, averaging just seven |
| indeed a Yorkshire Terrier. Keep in mind that no dog | | | | pounds. They have V-shaped ears which usually (but |
| can live up to the breed standard. A breed standard | | | | not always) stand straight up. Their noses are black |
| is the written description of a perfect representation | | | | and their muzzles pointed. They have big, bright eyes |
| of the breed. Just see if your shelter dog compares | | | | and their teeth should meet in a scissors or an even |
| for the most part to the breed description. Odds are | | | | bite. |
| it will likely be off in only a few physical features. | | | | They are to be steel blue and tan, with black and tan |
| The personality of a Yorkshire Terrier is pretty | | | | in puppies only. However, there are a lot of purebred |
| consistent, even though you will find some | | | | Yorkshire Terriers who are other colors. Also, some |
| differences in individual dogs. There is a temperament | | | | may have dewclaws and a full, long tail that |
| goal in the Yorkshire breed standard that ethical | | | | resembles a purebred Poodle's (without the |
| breeders try to get their dogs to copy. Yorkshire | | | | pom-pom). The coat is very soft and silky and fast |
| Terriers are the benevolent Napoleons of the canine | | | | growing. The Yorkshire Terrier needs to be groomed |
| world, needing to be in charge of every little thing in | | | | every day and needs his coat trimmed about once a |
| their territory. They are bossy, vocal and need to be | | | | month, otherwise he will be a muddy mess and |
| fussed over. | | | | miserable. Show dogs don't have dewclaws, but |
| The breed standard lists Yorkies as alert, vivacious | | | | purebred Yorkies are still often born with them. |