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Some of the following information on Yorkies were
obtained from the website below:
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/yorkies.html
Because they have a long coat, Yorkies are not suitable for anyone
who does not have the time or inclination to spend on the grooming
and bathing this breed requires.
Most pet Yorkies do in fact have their coats trimmed short or shaved
for convenience and hygiene. Therefore, anyone obtaining a pet
Yorkie must remember that there will be additional grooming expenses
to take into consideration.
The Yorkie coat does not shed, and does not have an undercoat,
making Yorkies desirable for some people with allergies, and those
who do not want a breed that has a messy moult. The correct texture
of the coat is described as long, straight and silky. It will
continue to grow unless trimmed. In fact, the Yorkie coat is very
similar to human hair.
Special care must be taken to ensure that the Yorkie's hair around
the anus of these dogs is kept clean. Because of their long hair, it
is common for these dogs to become matted in this area, and this can
lead to compacted faeces. Apart from making the dog very sore and
uncomfortable, this may, if left unattended, cause more serious
problems, such as fly strike, that would require veterinary
assistance.
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Training for Yorkies
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. |
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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.
Health and Longevity
Yorkies are generally hardy and healthy and long-lived. Like many
Toy breeds however, there is some incidence of heriditary/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 conditionas 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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