Yorkshire Terrier Picture Gallery

Yorkshire Terrier Breeders

Yorkshire Terrier Clubs/Associations

The Full Yorkshire Terrier Description

Because they're so tiny and have such splendid coats, many people think Yorkshire Terriers are delicate dogs. Actually, it's better not to baby these dogs too much. Excessive pampering confuses them. Common sense care must be taken because of their size, but Yorkies are little terriers. That means they love to play and investigate. They are bundles of energy as puppies, though older Yorkies can be quiet and settled.

Did you know?

The Yorkshire Terrier made its first appearance at a bench show in England in 1861 as a "broken-haired Scotch Terrier."

So you want to own a Yorkshire Terrier?

Grooming must be done on a regular basis. Although the coat is easy to care for it is time consuming and necessary in order to keep your dog in healthy condition.

The Yorkshire Terrier can easily be injured by small children; if you are considering a Yorkshire Terrier you must be able to supervise the dog around small children.

The Yorkshire Terrier is an independent dog, but a devoted companion. Despite his small size he is more than willing to act as a guardian for his master.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Long-coated, coat hanging quite straight and evenly down each side, a parting extending from nose to end of tail. Very compact and neat, carriage very upright conveying an important air. General outline conveying impression of vigorous and well proportioned body.

Characteristics

Alert, intelligent toy terrier.

Temperament

Spirited with even disposition.

Head and Skull

Rather small and flat, not too prominent or round in skull, nor too long in muzzle; black nose.

Eyes

Medium, dark, sparkling, with sharp intelligent expression and placed to look directly forward. Not prominent. Edge of eyelids dark.

Ears

Small, V-shaped, carried erect, not too far apart, covered with short hair, colour very deep, rich tan.

Mouth

Perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth well placed with even jaws.

Neck

Good reach.

Forequarters

Well laid shoulders, legs straight, well covered with hair of rich golden tan a few shades lighter at ends than at roots, not extending higher on forelegs than elbow.

Body

Compact with moderate spring of rib, good loin. Level back.

Hindquarters

Legs quite straight when viewed from behind, moderate turn of stifle. Well covered with hair of rich golden tan a few shades lighter at ends than at roots, not extending higher on hindlegs than stifles.

Tail

Customarily docked
Docked: Medium length with plenty of hair, darker blue in colour than rest of body, especially at end of tail. Carried a little higher than level of back.
Undocked: Plenty of hair, darker blue in colour than rest of body, especially at end of tail. Carried a little higher than level of back. As straight as possible. Length to give a well balanced appearance.

Gait/Movement

Free with drive; straight action front and behind, retaining level topline.

Coat

Hair on body moderately long, perfectly straight (not wavy), glossy; fine silky texture, not woolly. Fall on head long, rich golden tan, deeper in colour at sides of head, about ear roots and on muzzle where it should be very long. Tan on head not to extend on to neck, nor must any sooty or dark hair intermingle with any of tan.

Colour

Dark steel blue (not silver blue), extending from occiput to root of tail, never mingled with fawn, bronze or dark hairs. Hair on chest rich, bright tan. All tan hair darker at the roots than in middle, shading to still lighter at tips.

Size

Weight up to 3.2 kgs (7 lbs).