Smith - The Everything Yorkshire Terrier Book: A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, And Caring for Your Yorkie

Copyright 2005, F+W Media, Inc.
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An Everything Series Book.
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Published by Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
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ISBN 10: 1-59337-423-2
ISBN 13: 978-1-59337-423-5
eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-2347-2
Printed in the United States of America.

J I H G F E D

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Smith, Cheryl S.
The everything Yorkshire Terrier book : a complete guide to raising, training,
land caring for your yorkie / Cheryl S. Smith.
p. cm. (An everything series book)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 1-59337-423-2 (alk. paper)
1. Yorkshire terrier. I. Title. II. Series: Everything series.
SF429.Y6S65 2005
636.76 dc22

2005017400

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar
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Cover photo Kaelson, Carol J. / Animals Animals / Earth Scenes
Interior Photography: Cheryl A. Ertelt, Jean Fogle, Pamela Shelby

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Welcome to THE EVERYTHING DOG BREED GUIDES

AS THE OWNER of a particular type of dog or someone who is thinking about adopting one you probably have some questions about that dog breed that can't be answered anywhere else. In particular, you want to know what breed-specific health issues and behavioral traits might arise as you plan for the future with your beloved canine family member.

THE EVERYTHING DOG BREED GUIDES give you clear-cut answers to all your pressing questions. These authoritative books give you all you need to know about identifying common characteristics; choosing the right puppy or adult dog; coping with personality quirks; instilling obedience; and raising your pet in a healthy positive environment.

THE EVERYTHING DOG BREED GUIDES are an extension of the bestselling EVERYTHING series in the pets category which include The EverythingDog Book and The EverythingDog Training and Tricks Book. These authoritative, family-friendly books are specially designed to be one-stop guides for anyone looking to explore a specific breed in depth.

Visit the entire Everything series at www.everything.com

THE EVERYTHING Yorkshire Terrier Book

Dear Reader:

So, you're interested in the Yorkshire terrier? I'm not surprised! These compact dogs have it all great looks and plenty of personality. But the Yorkie is not for everyone. This dog needs an owner who will lay down the law and dish out lots of care and affection.

In my lifelong journey with dogs, I've experienced plenty of purebreds and mixed breeds. I can tell you that not everyone is suited to share life with a Yorkshire terrier. I've written this book to help you learn more about these smart, energetic, and sometimes stubborn dogs before you give your heart to one. In these pages, you'll find Yorkie-specific information on health, training, exercise and activities, travel, and more. Learn as much as you can, and you'll be prepared to enjoy a long, happy life with your own Yorkshire terrier.

Best of Luck,

To Bobby K and Ch. Cap'n Ebenezer of Woodridge, the two Yorkshire terriers I have known the best.

• Height: Not specified, but the average is 7 inches at the withers.

• Weight: No more than 7 pounds and as little as 2 pounds.

• Head: The top of the head should be flat rather than rounded. There is a definite drop from the head to the muzzle.

• Ears: Dark, upright, and well set apart.

• Feet: Compact and rounded. May be trimmed for show.

• Tail: Docked to leave only a few inches. Tail may be held upright, straight back from the body, or anywhere in between.

• Coat: Hair should be fine and silky, never wooly, and as straight as possible. Blue on the body is a dark steel-blue, not silver, and has no other color mixed with it. Tan is a rich, golden color, darker at the roots.

• Topline: Back is level, but it should not be long.

• Movement: Moves with a relatively straight front and good reach and drive.

• Temperament: Busy and inquisitive by nature.

Acknowledgments

My thanks go out to the Yorkshire terrier owners, breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts who shared with me their knowledge, stories, and passion for the breed: Janet Jackson, president of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America; Joan Gordon, founder of the breed in the United States; Darlene Arden for her toy-dog expertise; Pam Wengorovius and her agility Yorkies; Deb Gatchell and Raney; Pam Shelby and Desi; Beryl Hesketh and her Heskethane Yorkies; Tami Grinstead and Cleo; Joan Gallagher and Buttons; Arlene King and JP and Fergie; Paula Segnatelli and her Carnaby Yorkies; Bill Wynne and Smoky.

Introduction

ARCHEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE now shows that the human and canine species have developed together throughout most of their existence. The domesticated dog, Canis familiaris, now comes in more than 300 purebred varieties worldwide, plus countless mixes of those breeds. Dogs developed for specific purposes have largely moved beyond those original tasks to become simply loving household companions.

The Yorkshire terrier is one such companion beloved by many pet owners. This is not an ancient breed, but it is one of the most popular. Not many Yorkies still hunt down rats except occasionally as a sporting event but they do appear regularly in conformation, obedience, agility, and freestyle competitions. Because of their size and portability, you may encounter them on airplanes and in shops, marinas, apartments, and condominiums. However, don't misjudge this little dog as a bashful bundle of fur you can pop in and out of your purse and use as a fashion accessory. Yorkshire terriers are only small when it comes to size they have big personalities and require authoritative owners to keep them in check. In the right hands, however, the Yorkshire terrier can be a splendid companion for you, your family, and even your other pets.