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TEMPERAMENT TRAINING & HEALTH
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Temparament
The
Yorkie is without doubt one of the most appealing of all Toy breeds. It is charming and intelligent, and despite its
size, is full of courage, loyalty and affection. Although this breed is small, the Yorkie still retains the true Terrier temperament.
Yorkies are small enough to carry and are ideal for anyone with a small home or apartment. The Yorkie is happy to go on quite
long walks, but is equally happy to run around a small garden or home, providing it has enough toys and distractions to occupy
its lively mind. These are little dogs who think they are much bigger. They will defend their territory decisively. They have
an acute sense of hearing and will alert their owners to the slightest sign of intruders. They can be very noisy, so consideration
must be given to neighbours when considering this breed as a pet.
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Training
Yorkies are generally
easy to house train. For their own safety it is better to crate train them and to leave them in a crate when they are left
alone, e.g. during the night or if their owners are out of the home. Always leave them some toys and fresh water, and be sure
they have a cosy bed inside the crate. Remember that as they do enjoy human company they will not appreciate being left alone
for long periods. Obedience
training is highly recommended for Yorkies. Although few Yorkies compete in obedience in the UK today, a little dog called
"Shandy" did compete successfully, and was placed in the highly acclaimed obedience championships at Cruft's in 1973. All
breeds can and do benefit nevertheless from basic obedience training.
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Health
& Longevity |
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Yorkies are generally hardy and healthy and long-lived. Like many Toy breeds however, there is some incidence
of hereditary/congenital disease in the form of patella luxation, open fontanellas, Perthe's disease and a smaller incidence
of elongated soft palate and a tendency to collapsed trachea. * However, conscientious
breeders only breed from sound, selected stock, and do their best to eliminate these defects. Therefore, it is strongly recommended
that one buy only from a reputable breeder, and never purchase a puppy from a pet shop or 'puppy farm'. Wherever possible
one should see the puppy in the home where it was bred, and view its parents, or at least its mother. A reputable breeder
will offer constant support and assistance throughout the dog's life. To purchase a puppy from an unreliable source may invite
future heartbreak (and huge vet's bills).
* NB: The BVA/KC who conduct health screening schemes for inherited
are now advising that Yorkies should undergo eye tests for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and late onset
HC (Hereditary Cataract) . These conditions are under investigation in the UK for this breed. In the USA,
many breeders already have their breeding stock tested for PRA. |
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Training your Yorkie
Yorkies are generally easy to house train. For their
own safety it is better to crate train them and to leave them in a crate when they are left alone, e.g. during the night or
if their owners are out of the home. Always leave them some toys and fresh water, and be sure they have a cosy bed inside
the crate. Remember that as they do enjoy human company they will not appreciate being left alone for long periods, but if
you have to then leave on the radio or tv. Obedience training is highly recommended for Yorkies. Although few Yorkies compete
in obedience in the UK today, a little dog called "Shandy" did compete successfully, and was placed in the highly acclaimed
obedience championships at Cruft's in 1973. All breeds can and do benefit nevertheless from basic obedience training.
Health & Longevity
Yorkies are generally hardy and healthy and long-lived. Like many Toy breeds however, there is some incidence of hereditary/congenital
disease in the form of patella luxation, open fontanellas, Perthe's disease and a smaller incidence of elongated soft palate
and a tendency to collapsed trachea. * However, conscientious breeders only breed from sound, selected stock, and do their
best to eliminate these defects. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that one buy only from a reputable breeder, and never
purchase a puppy from a pet shop or 'puppy mill'. Wherever possible one should see the puppy in the home where it was bred,
and view its parents, or at least its mother. A reputable breeder will offer constant support and assistance throughout the
dog's life. To purchase a puppy from an unreliable source may invite future heartbreak (and huge vet's bills). * NB: The BVA/KC
who conduct health screening schemes for inherited are now advising that Yorkies should undergo eye tests for PRA and late
onset HC. These conditions are under investigation in the UK for this breed. In the USA, many breeders already have their
breeding stock tested for PRA.
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