Yorkshire Terrier: America’s No. 3 Choice for Best Puppy

Written by Senior Editor Peter Gehr

Yorkshire Terrier: America’s No. 3 choice for best puppy is an affectionate and loyal companion, and, don’t be fooled by their size, this little dog comes with a huge personality. In fact, the Yorkie is known to be fearless of dogs of any size, and will have qualms taking over your house if you let him/her take control.

This bundle of joy is full of energy and thrives on activity and challenges. The convenient size of this pet makes it ideal for a small situation, although this is not to limit its suitability to any size dwelling or circumstance.

Yorkshire Terrier: America’s No. 3 Choice for Best Puppy

Yorkshire Terrier: America’s No. 3 Choice for Best Puppy

Yorkshire Terrier: America’s No. 3 Choice for Best Puppy

Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as “Yorkies,” offer big personalities in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, they are terriers by nature and are brave, determined, investigative and energetic. They have long, luxurious blue and tan coats. This portable pooch is one of the most popular breeds according the AKC® Registration Statistics.

Named for the English city from which they originally hail, Yorkshire Terriers were used in the nineteenth century to catch rats in clothing mills. Surprisingly enough, in its beginnings, the Yorkie belonged to the working class, especially the weavers; in fact, facetious comments were often made about how the dogs’ fine, silky coats were the ultimate product of the looms. Eventually, the breed left the workforce and became a companion animal to families of European high society.

Yorkies are easily adaptable to all surroundings, travel well and make suitable pets for many homes. Due to their small size, they require limited exercise, but need daily interaction with other people. Their long coat requires regular brushing. (Original article here)

 

Yorkshire Terriers seem oblivious of their small size. They are very eager for adventure. This little dog is highly energetic, brave, loyal and clever. With owners who take the time to understand how to treat a small dog, the Yorkie is a wonderful companion! Affectionate with their master, but if humans are not this dog’s pack leader, they can become suspicious of strangers and aggressive to strange dogs and small animals. They can also become yappy, as the dog does their best to tell you what THEY want YOU to do. They have a true terrier heritage and need someone who understands how to be their leader. They are often only recommended for older, considerate children, simply because they are so small, most people allow them to get away with behaviors no dog should display. This changes the dogs temperament, as the dog starts to take over the house (Small Dog Syndrome).

The Yorkie is an excellent watchdog. When owners display pack leadership to the Yorkshire Terrier, they are very sweet and loving and can be trusted with children.

These are truly sweet little dogs who need owners who understand how to give them gentle leadership. If you own a Yorkie who does not display any of the negative behaviors, high five for being a good pack leader! (Full story here)

The Yorkshire Terrier: America’s No. 3 choice for best puppy is a great choice of breed, but it’s important to keep in mind that you need to provide it with boundaries and house rules—otherwise, it will make the rules for you, and will expect you to adhere to them. If you let cuteness rule the roost, you will find that developmental problems will soon turn into behavior that you may soon regret. This mini canine, as endearing and as charming as they seem, may turn into an ankle biting, stroppy little piece of work if you don’t train and socialize the dog regularly. Don’t get me wrong, this is an absolutely tremendous little puppy, and I’ve owned one myself, but you must be sure to maintain your authority and make it understood from puppydom to adulthood, that you are its leader. If you have this balance, you’ll have a great companion and loving little fur ball who is smart, trainable, and a surprisingly good guard dog (or more like an early warning system on four little legs).

6 thoughts on “Yorkshire Terrier: America’s No. 3 Choice for Best Puppy

  1. I had no idea yorkies were first favored by working class folks…interesting. They are a bundle of “energie”! 😉
    -Romy

  2. Even though there seems to be all this opinion about the different type of puppies and which are ranked the best, i find that sometimes it is just the luck of the draw and you end up with a really smart one regardless of the breed. this is a really cut pick you used in the car seat.

    • That’s one of my favorite puppy pics. Yes, it’s true that rankings are not always a sure-fire indicator of personality. Input can also play a major role in the outcome of a dog’s disposition.

    • Glad you like the Yorkie in that picture. Pretty cute–that’s for sure!

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