Have you ever befriended a Yorkie? If so, it probably won’t be a huge surprise to learn that this cute, cheerful pup usually makes the top ten list of most popular dogs. As of last summer, Fido was sitting pretty in the number six spot. There are lots of reasons why these little dogs have become such beloved pets. A local Treasure Coast, FL vet discusses this charming pup below.

What Is The History Of The Yorkshire Terrier?

Fido’s history dates back to the mid-1800s. The breed got its name from Yorkshire, which is in the north of England. Rumor has it that the Yorkie was first developed by Scottish weavers, who brought several types of terriers with them when they migrated to England. Those terriers aren’t the only dogs on the Yorkie’s family tree. Other pups that contributed to the breed include the Skye Terrier and Dandie Dinmont. The Maltese may also be in the mix. These pups may have been cute, but they were also plucky little hunters that could chase rodents through small spaces. Fido’s first job was basically working as pest control in the area’s textile mills and coal mines. However, he soon charmed the locals, and before long made the jump to being a companion and lapdog. The breed soon became quite popular with the fashionable ladies of the time, who often dressed the pampered little pups up in ribbons.

The Yorkie emigrated to America in the 1870’s. They were officially welcomed into the ranks of the AKC back in 1885.

What Do Yorkies Look Like?

Fido is quite small: most Yorkies weigh less than seven pounds. They typically stand less than nine inches, which definitely makes them one of our smallest canine pals. The Yorkie’s most striking feature has to be their silky, glossy coats, which look more like human hair than typical fur.

What Is The Yorkie Personality?

Don’t let that small size fool you: Fido may be small, but he’s quite feisty. He’s also very loyal, loving, and affectionate.

Are Yorkies Healthy?

Yorkies are typically pretty sturdy. Like any small dogs, their care regimes will need to carefully match their size. You will need to take a few precautions, such as not letting Fido jump from tall couches or sofas. There are a few recommended tests, such as the Patella and Ophthalmologist evaluations. It’s also worth noting that the Yorkie can sometimes develop a condition called patellar luxation. This causes the kneecap to move out of place, resulting in a pronounced limp. Other common issues include tracheal collapse, dental disease, and liver shunts. They can also sometimes be prone to low blood sugar.

Of course, a good care regimen will go a long way in keeping Fido happy and healthy. Ask your Treasure Coast, FL veterinarian for specific advice, including tips on your four-legged friend’s diet and care needs.

Do Yorkies Need A Lot Of Grooming?

That pretty fur does require some upkeep. The Yorkie is not the most low-maintenance pup on our roster. You’ll need to brush your furry pal daily. You’ll also need to take care to keep your canine pal’s fur from growing into his eyes. Fido will also need to be bathed pretty frequently. On a brighter note: these guys do not shed much. Yorkies do not have undercoats, and that fine fur doesn’t repel dirt the way a more coarse coat would. There are some variations in fur types here: the Yorkie may sport a cotton, woolly or double coat. You can find more info on grooming a Yorkie on the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America’s page here. You can also get some specific advice on your cute pet’s care and grooming needs from your Treasure Coast, FL vet.

Do Yorkie Terriers Need A Lot Of Activity?

All of our canine pals need some form of activity. Yorkies are no exception. However, Fido can get a decent workout by just running around. He has to work to cover ground on those little legs. A few daily walks, with some fun play sessions added in, will probably do it. These are bright little dogs, and do also need some mental stimulation. Your cute pet may also enjoy obedience training. Just be sure to stick with toys and activities that are appropriate for a small dog. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

What Is The Yorkie Personality?

Yorkies are very smart and loyal, and they love to make their owners happy. There is some training needed here, though. You’ll need to take care to properly socialize your furry buddy. This is crucial with any dog, and is key to helping a puppy grow into a happy, healthy adult.

What Celebrities Own Yorkies?

Yorkies have made it into the hearts of quite a few famous people. Celebrities that have owned these cute pooches include Simon Cowell, Beatie Edney, Ariana Grande, Whitney Houston, Vince Neil, and Amy Tan.

What Are Some Fun Facts About The Yorkshire Terrier?

These little dogs pack a lot of personality into small bodies. They’ve certainly made their mark on the world in their own unique and adorable way.

Here are a few fun tidbits about them:

• The Yorkie is sometimes called ‘Tomboy Tom’ because of their plucky demeanors. That isn’t the only nickname Fido earned, though: he is also known as the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier.
• Fido also came pretty close to being America’s top dog. In 2007, he almost won the AKC’s annual list of most popular breeds.
• The Yorkie has two official days: January 22nd and August 1st.

Are There Any Famous Yorkies?

Quite a few of these dogs have earned the status of canine celebrities. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

Smoky: An American soldier stationed in New Guinea was startled to find a Yorkie in a foxhole in the jungle. He took care of the pup, whom he named Smoky. Smoky ended up surviving several air raids, and accompanied her human buddies on several missions. He became a canine hero by dragging a communication cable through a culvert, and is sometimes credited as being the world’s first therapy dog. The little dog’s remarkable acts helped spark interest in the breed. There are now several memorials to her.

Cinnamon: The Big Bang Theory’s pampered celebrepup, Cinnamon is even featured in a themed Lego set from the show!

Mignon: Named after the French word for cute, this charming pooch melted the most hearts starring on Green Acres, Petticoat Junction, and The Beverly Hillbillies.

Moses: Moses starred with Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, and Ben Stiller in the comedy Meet the Fockers. He may have been upstaged by Mink, the kitty that starred in the sequel, Meet The Parents.

Daisy: Daisy probably will never join the ranks of super famous dogs, but she did pop up on MTV’s reality show ‘Til Death Do Us Part, with her humans, Dave Navarro and Carmen Electra.

Boi: This little pooch was a fun addition to High School Musical 2.

Sylvia: Standing just 2.4 inches tall, this teeny-tiny pup had the distinct honor of being the smallest dog in recorded history.

Make An Appointment At Our Treasure Coast, FL Animal Clinic

Do you have a Yorkie that is due for an appointment? Please feel free to reach out to us for all of your cute canine’s veterinary care needs. As your Treasure Coast, FL veterinary clinic, we are dedicated to providing great care to pups of all sizes!