View source for Yorkshire Terrier

{{Use dmy dates|date=January  2017}}{{EngvarB|date = July 2022}}

{{Infobox dog breed
| name           = Yorkshire Terrier 
| image          = (2 version) Grupp 3, YORKSHIRETERRIER, NO UCH SE UCH Oxzar Amazing Bel’s Toffy (24310212305).jpg
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| altname        = 
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| country        = [[Yorkshire]], England
| distribution   = 
| height         = 
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| weight         = {{right|not over {{convert|3.2|kg|abbr=on|0}}}}
| maleweight     = 
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| coat           = 
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| kc_name        = [[The Kennel Club]]
| kc_std         = https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=6165
| kc2_name       = 
| kc2_std        = 
| fcistd         = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/086g03-en.pdf
| notrecognised  = 
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}}

The '''Yorkshire Terrier''', also known as a '''Yorkie''', is a British [[dog breeds|breed]] of [[toy dog]] of [[terrier]] [[Dog type|type]]. It is among the smallest of the terriers and indeed of [[list of dog breeds|all dog breeds]], with a weight of no more than {{convert|3.2|kg|abbr=on|0}}.{{r|kc}} It originated in the nineteenth century in the English [[counties of England|county]] of [[Yorkshire]], after which it is named.<ref name="Get to Know the Yorkshire Terrier">[http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/#standard "Get to Know the Yorkshire]", 'The American Kennel Club', retrieved 19 May 2014</ref> The coat is tan on the head and dark steel-grey on the body; no other colour is accepted by either [[The Kennel Club]] or the [[Fédération Cynologique Internationale]].{{r|kc|fci2}}

It is a playful and energetic dog, usually kept as a [[companion dog]]. It has contributed to the development of other breeds including the [[Australian Silky Terrier|Silky Terrier]], and also to [[list of crossbred dogs|cross-breeds]] such as the [[Yorkipoo]].

==History==
[[File:Yorkshire Terrier from 1915.JPG|thumb|A Yorkshire Terrier from 1915]]
[[File:Huddersfield Ben.png|thumb|Two Yorkshire Terriers—Mrs. Foster's "Huddersfield Ben" and Lady Giffard's "Katie" ({{circa|1870}})]]
[[File:Ernest Gustave Girardot04.jpg|thumb|A painting from the 19th century depicting a Yorkshire-like terrier by [[Ernest Gustave Girardot]]]]
The Yorkshire Terrier originated in [[Yorkshire]]. In the mid-nineteenth century, workers from Scotland came to Yorkshire in search of work and brought with them several varieties of [[terrier]] dogs. Breeding of the Yorkshire terrier was "principally accomplished by the people – mostly operatives in cotton and woollen mills – in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire."<ref name="Shields">P. H. Combs in The American Book of the Dog, pg 443, edited by G. O. Shields, Rand, McNally & Company, Publishers, Chicago and New York 1891 no ISBN</ref>  In the 1800s, miners wanting to develop a ratting terrier, bred Black-and-Tan Terriers with the Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers.<ref>{{cite book |last=Fogle |first=Bruce |date=2000 |title=The New Encycyclopedia of Dog |location=USA |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |page=[https://archive.org/details/newencyclopediao00fogl/page/272 272] |isbn=0-7894-6130-7 |url=https://archive.org/details/newencyclopediao00fogl/page/272 }}</ref>

Details are scarce. Mrs A. Foster is quoted as saying in 1886,<ref name="Foster">Mrs A Foster of Bradford, England, quoted by James Watson in the Century Magazine in 1886; on page 441 of The American Book of the Dog, pg 454, edited by G. O. Shields, Rand, McNally & Company, Publishers, Chicago and New York 1891, no ISBN</ref>

{{blockquote |text=
If we consider that the mill operatives who originated the breed were nearly all ignorant men, unaccustomed to imparting information for public use, we may see some reason why reliable facts have not been easily attained.
}}

The breed originates from two distinct dogs, a male named Old Crab, a female named Kitty, and another female whose name is not known.<ref>1885 article by Ed. Bootman of Halifax, England was printed in The Stock-Keeper, detailing the breed's origins, discussed pg 441-442 The American Book of the Dog, edited by G. O. Shields, Rand, McNally & Company, Publishers, Chicago and New York 1891 no ISBN</ref> The [[Paisley Terrier]], a smaller version of the [[Skye Terrier]] that was bred for a beautiful long silky coat, also figured into the early dogs. Some authorities believed that the [[Maltese dog|Maltese]] was used as well.<ref>British dogs, their points, selection, and show preparation, by William D. Drury, pg 582 published 1903, L. Upcott Gill, London, and Charles Scribner's Sons, New York (no ISBN) Quote: "I think the Yorkshire gets the softness and length of coat due to Maltese blood".</ref> "They were all originally bred from Scotch Terriers (meaning dogs from Scotland, not today's [[Scottish Terrier]]) and shown as such the name Yorkshire Terrier was given to them on account of their being improved so much in Yorkshire."<ref name="Foster" />

Yorkshire Terriers were shown in a dog show category (class) at the time called "Rough and Broken-coated, Broken-haired Scotch and Yorkshire Terriers". Hugh Dalziel, writing in 1878, says that "the classification of these dogs at shows and in the Kennel Club Stud Book is confusing and absurd" in lumping together these different types.<ref name="British Islands 1878, pg 213">quoted in ''The dogs of the British Islands'', by John Henry Walsh, The Field, publisher, 1878, Third Edition, pg 213</ref> In the early days of the breed, "almost anything in the shape of a Terrier having a long coat with blue on the body and fawn or silver coloured head and legs, with tail [[Docking (dog)|docked]] and ears trimmed, was received and admired as a Yorkshire Terrier".<ref name="Shields" /> But in the late 1860s, a popular Paisley-type Yorkshire Terrier show dog named [[Huddersfield Ben]], owned by a woman living in Yorkshire, Mary Ann Foster, was seen at dog shows throughout Great Britain, and defined the breed type for the Yorkshire Terrier.<ref name="Clark/Brace">{{cite book| last1 = Clark| first1 = Anne Rogers| author-link = Anne Rogers Clark| title = The International Encyclopedia of Dogs |first2 = Andrew H. | last2 = Brace | publisher = Howell Book House| year = 1995| page = 484| isbn = 0-87605-624-9}}</ref>

===Huddersfield Ben===
{{Main|Huddersfield Ben}}
Huddersfield Ben was a Yorkshire Terrier whose portrait was painted by [[George Earl (painter)|George Earl]]<ref>2006 art exhibition catalogue "Best in Show, the Dog in Art from the Renaissance to Today", notes by Edgar Peters Bowron, Yale University Press, {{ISBN|0-300-11588-1}}</ref> and in 1891 an authority on the breed wrote, "Huddersfield Ben was the best [[stud dog]] of his breed during his lifetime, and one of the most remarkable dogs of any pet breed that ever lived; and most of the show specimens of the present day have one or more crosses of his blood in their pedigree."<ref>P. H. Combs in ''The American Book of the Dog'', pg. 454, edited by G. O. Shields, Rand, McNally & Company, Publishers, Chicago and New York 1891 no ISBN</ref> A show winner, Huddersfield Ben, through his puppies, helped define the Yorkshire Terrier breed. He is still referred to as "father of the breed".<ref name="Clark/Brace" />

===In North America===
The Yorkshire Terrier was introduced in North America in 1872<ref name=Weston>{{cite web | last =Weston | first =Lee | title =Yorkshire Terrier History | work=wordofpoochs.blogspot.com| url =https://wordofpoochs.blogspot.com/2019/03/all-about-yorkshire-terrier-yorkie.html | access-date =1 October 2019}}</ref> and the first Yorkshire Terrier was registered with the [[American Kennel Club]] (AKC) in 1885.<ref name="Get to Know the Yorkshire Terrier"/><ref name=Coile5>{{cite book|last=Caroline Coile|first=D.|title=The Yorkshire Terrier Handbook|year=2003|publisher=Barron's Educational Series Inc.|location=Hauppauge, New York, USA|page=[https://archive.org/details/yorkshireterrier0000coil/page/5 5]|url=https://archive.org/details/yorkshireterrier0000coil|url-access=registration|quote=first Yorkshire Terrier was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885.|isbn=978-0-7641-2585-0}}</ref> During the [[Victorian era]], the Yorkshire Terrier was a popular pet, and show dog in England, and as Americans embraced Victorian customs, so too did they embrace the Yorkshire Terrier.<ref name="Yorkshire Terrier - Yahoo! Pets">{{cite web|url=http://pets.yahoo.com/pets/dogs/breed/yorkshire_terrier|title=Yorkshire Terrier|publisher=[[Yahoo!]] Pets|access-date=22 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329052239/http://pets.yahoo.com/pets/dogs/breed/yorkshire_terrier|archive-date=29 March 2007}}</ref> The breed's popularity dipped in the 1940s, when the percentage of small breed dogs registered fell to an all-time low of 18% of total registrations.<ref>{{cite news | title =Yorkies Have Their Year! Tiny Toy Overtakes Venerable Favorites - Golden Retriever and German Shepherd - as Second Most Popular Dog in America | publisher =AKC News | date =7 January 2007 | url =http://www.akc.org/press-center/press-releases/yorkies-have-their-year-tiny-toy-overtakes-venerable-favorites-golden/ | access-date =25 February 2007}}</ref> [[Smoky (war dog)|Smoky]], a Yorkshire Terrier and famous [[War Dog|war dog]] from World War II, is credited with beginning a renewal of interest in the breed.<ref>{{cite news | title =Special Issue: Yorkshire Terrier | publisher =Popular Dog Magazine | year =2001}}</ref> The AKC ranked the Yorkshire Terrier as the 6th most popular purebred in the United States in 2012 and 2013.<ref name="Get to Know the Yorkshire Terrier"/>

==Coat==
For adult Yorkshire Terriers, [[American Kennel Club|The American Kennel Club]] places importance on coat colour, quality, and texture.<ref name="AKCstandard">{{cite web|url=http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/#standard|title=Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) Dog Breed Information|website=akc.org|access-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> According to [[The Kennel Club]] (UK), the hair must be glossy, fine, straight, and silky. Traditionally the coat is grown out very long and is parted down the middle of the back, but "must never impede movement.".<ref name="KCstandard">{{Cite web|url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk:80/item/199|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211152201/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk:80/item/199|url-status=dead|title=Kennel Club Standard|archivedate=11 February 2007|accessdate=17 July 2022}}</ref> The hair of the Yorkshire Terrier can be used to determine content of metals in the dog organism.<ref>Kosla, T., & Skibniewska, E. M. (2010). The content of aluminum in the hair of Yorkshire terrier dogs from the Warsaw area depending on sex, age and keeping conditions. Trace Elements & Electrolytes, 27(4), 209–213.</ref>
 
From the back of the neck to the base of the tail, the coat should be a dark grey to a black colour,<ref name="AKCstandard"/> and the hair on the tail should be a darker black.<ref name="KCstandard"/> On the head, high chest and legs, the hair should be a bright, rich tan, darker at the roots than in the middle, that shades into a lighter tan at the tips, but not for all dogs. Also, in adult dogs there should be no black hairs intermingled with any of the tan-coloured fur.<ref name="AKCstandard"/> The fine, straight, silky coat is considered [[hypoallergenic]].
<gallery>
File:Yorkshirenamedmeetwithsuccesofhappyblue.JPG|A silver-blue and pale cream Yorkshire Terrier, with characteristic long hair
File:Little tootie.JPG|A silver-blue and pale cream Yorkshire Terrier.
File:Holly the Yorkshire Terrier.jpg|A Yorkshire Terrier with a dark coat
File:Seidiges Fell.jpg|Golden Yorkie, judged as miscolour in normal Yorkshire breeding. The saddle is missing due to the [[recessive]] [[gene]] for red on the extension locus (see [[Dog coat genetics]]).
</gallery>

Adult Yorkshire Terriers whose coat colours deviate from the standard, or that have woolly or extra fine coats, are still Yorkshire Terriers. The only difference is that it is not recommended to intentionally breed atypical Yorkshire Terriers.<ref name="YTCAcolour">{{Cite web|url=http://www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org/faq.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318222408/http://www.ytca.org/faq.html#B|url-status=dead|title=Parti-Color Yorkshire Terriers?|archivedate=18 March 2009|website=www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org|accessdate=17 July 2022}}</ref> In addition, care may be more difficult for "woolly" or "cottony" textured coats, or coats that are overly fine.<ref name="AKCstandard" /> Coats may vary in colour. For example, a mature Yorkie may have a silver-blue with light brown, while another might have a black and creamy colour.

The long coat on the Yorkshire Terrier requires regular brushing.<ref name="Get to Know the Yorkshire Terrier"/>

===Hypoallergenic coats===

{{Main|Hypoallergenic dog breed}}
The typical fine, straight, and silky Yorkshire Terrier [[Coat (dog)|coat]] has also been listed by many popular dog information websites as being [[Hypoallergenic dog breed|hypoallergenic]]. In comparison with many other breeds, Yorkies do not shed to the same degree, losing small amounts when bathed or brushed.<ref>[http://www.entdocs.org/catallergy.htm Jeffrey Adelglass, M.D., ear, nose, throat and allergy information] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201130236/http://www.entdocs.org/catallergy.htm |date=1 December 2008 }} quote: "No dog is considered non-allergenic because all dogs produce dander, saliva and urine which are the offending allergens."</ref>  The dog's [[dander]] and saliva typically trigger allergic reactions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pet-allergy/DS00859/DSECTION=causes|title=Pet allergy - Symptoms and causes|website=mayoclinic.com|access-date=15 April 2018}}</ref> Allergists recognise that at times a particular allergy patient will be able to tolerate a particular dog, but they agree that "the luck of the few with their pets cannot be stretched to fit all allergic people and entire breeds of dogs."<ref name="NYTallergy">{{cite web | url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B07E0D61E3DF936A35751C0A961958260&n=Top/News/Science/Topics/Animals | title = Nonallergenic Dog? Not Really | first = Denise | last = Grady | work = [[The New York Times]] | date = 5 February 1997 | access-date = 1 February 2014}}</ref> The Yorkshire Terrier coat is said to fall out only when brushed or broken, or just said to not shed.<ref name=Wash>{{cite web | last =Wash | first =John | title =Yorkshire Terrier | publisher =NetPets | url=http://www.netpets.com/dogs/reference/breedinfo/submit/yorkie.html | access-date =21 February 2007}}</ref> Although neither of those statements agree with what biologists, veterinarians, and allergists know about [[dog fur]], allergists "think there really are differences in protein production between dogs that may help one patient and not another".<ref name="NYTallergy"/>

===Other colours===

The Yorkshire Terrier is a tan dog with a blue saddle. Particolours exist, although they are not correct for the breed standard. The particolour coat is white with black-blue and tan. The white is caused by the [[recessive]] [[piebald]] gene. It is very rare to get a particolour, and if one is found, it tends to be very expensive.<ref name="YTCAparti">{{Cite web|url=http://www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org/faq.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318222408/http://www.ytca.org/faq.html#C|url-status=dead|title=What Is A RESPONSIBLE BREEDER |author=Shirley Patterson Secretary of the YTCA |archivedate=18 March 2009|website=www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org|accessdate=17 July 2022}}</ref> Some Yorkshire Terriers are solid golden, they only produce [[Melanin#Pheomelanin|pheomelanin]], others are liver or chocolate, a brown colour; they produce brown [[Melanin#Eumelanin|eumelanin]] instead of black eumelanin.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bowling|first=Sue|title=Coat Color Genetics - Brown Locus|url=http://bowlingsite.mcf.com/Genetics/ColorGen.html#B|publisher=Sue Ann Bowling}}</ref><ref>Genomia: ''[https://www.genomia.cz/en/york/ Yorkshire Terrier coat colours]''</ref> The standard prescribes clearly defined fur-colours, and non-standard colours may indicate [[crossbreeding]] with other breeds or in rare cases even health problems.<ref name="YTCAcolour" /> The AKC registration form for Yorkshire Terriers allows for four choices: blue and tan, blue and gold, black and tan, black and gold. Colour alone will not affect whether or not a dog is a good companion and pet. Even though off-coloured Yorkshire Terriers are advertised at premium prices, being of an unusual or atypical colour is stated to be neither new, desirable, nor exotic.<ref name="YTCAparti" />

Mismatched Yorkshire Terriers should not be crossed with the [[Biewer Terrier]], a new breed that originated in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=December 28, 2020|title=The Biewer Terrier Was Developed in Germany by Werner and Gertrude Biewer, Making Its Debut in Germany in 1986. The Biewer Terrier was introduced in America in 2003.|url=https://biewerterrierclubofamerica.org/biewer-terrier-history/|archive-date=|website=biewerterrierclubofamerica.org}}</ref> Although the AKC will not deny registration of a Yorkshire Terrier on colour alone, meaning that particolours are now registerable with the AKC, the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America has a directive that "any solid colour or combination of colours other than black and tan" for adult dogs is a disqualification, and "dogs of solid colour, unusual combination of colours, and particolours should be disqualified."<ref name="YTCA">{{Cite web|url=http://www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org/mainview.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328030803/http://www.ytca.org/mainview.htm|url-status=dead|title=Carl C. Yochum, President|archivedate=28 March 2009|website=www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org|accessdate=17 July 2022}}</ref>

===Puppy coats===
[[File:Winston, a Yorkshire Terrier puppy.jpg|thumb|A Yorkshire Terrier puppy, displaying a black and tan coat]]

It may take three or more years for the coat to reach its final colour. The final colour is usually a black or greyish colour.<ref name="YTCA" /> P. H. Combs, writing in 1891, complained about show wins awarded to puppies, when the dog's coat does not fully come in until three or four years old, "and the honour of winning such a prize (for a puppy) can therefore be of but little practical benefit to the owner" since the adult dog's colour cannot be exactly predicted.<ref>The American book of the Dog, edited by G. O. Shields, Rand, McNally & Company, Publishers, Chicago and New York, 1891, no ISBN. Section on the Yorkshire written by P. H. Combs</ref><ref name="ytca-standard">{{cite web | url=http://www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org/about-yorkies | title=Official Standard of the Yorkshire Terrier | publisher=Yorkshire Terrier Club of America | access-date=29 January 2015}}</ref>

=== Coat care ===
Owners may trim the hair short for easier care. For shows, the coat is left long, and may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance. Hair on the feet and the tips of ears can also be trimmed.<ref name="AKCstandard" /><ref name="KCstandard" /> The traditional long coat is extremely high maintenance. The coat might get knotted if not brushed daily (a bristle brush for short and shaved coat and a pin brush for long coat). In order to prevent breakage, the coat may be wrapped in [[rice paper]], [[tissue paper]] or plastic, after a light oiling with a coat oil. The oil has to be washed out once a month and the wraps must be fixed periodically during the week to prevent them from sliding down and breaking the hair. Elaborate coat care dates from the earliest days of the breed. In 1878, John Walsh described similar preparations: the coat is "well greased" with [[coconut oil]], the dog is bathed weekly, and the dog's feet are "carefully kept in stockings".<ref>The Dogs of the British Islands, pg 212, by John Henry Walsh, The Field publisher, 1878, Third Edition</ref>

==Temperament==
[[File:Henri the yorki from alabama .jpg|alt=|thumb|The Yorkshire Terrier character is described as "conveying an important air". According to the standard, the dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.]]
The ideal Yorkshire Terrier character or "personality" has been described by [[the Kennel Club]] as having a "carriage very upright conveying an important air".<ref name="KCstandard" />

Yorkshire Terriers are ranked 34th in [[Stanley Coren]]'s ''[[The Intelligence of Dogs]]''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Coren|first=Stanley|title=The Intelligence of Dogs |year=2006|publisher=Pocket Books|location=London, UK|isbn=978-1-4165-0287-6}}</ref>

==Health==
Health issues often seen in the Yorkshire Terrier include [[bronchitis]], [[lymphangiectasia]], [[portosystemic shunt]], [[cataract]]s, and [[Keratoconjunctivitis sicca|keratitis sicca]].<ref name=Lane>Lane, Marion (2001). ''The Yorkshire Terrier: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet'', Second Edition, Howell Book House - Wiley Publishing, Inc., {{ISBN|0-87605-477-7}}.</ref> Additionally, Yorkies often have a delicate [[digestive system]], with vomiting or diarrhoea resulting from consumption of foods outside of a regular diet.<ref name=Shultz>{{cite web|last=Schultz|first= Jacque Lynn |year=2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230234816/http://www.petfinder.com/journalindex.cgi?path=/public/breeds/dogbreeds/1.4.28.txt&template=templateprint.html|archive-date=30 December 2004|title=The Terrier Tyke With a Big Attitude|work=ASPCA|url= http://www.petfinder.com/journalindex.cgi?path=/public/breeds/dogbreeds/1.4.28.txt&template=templateprint.html |access-date= 10 March 2007}}</ref> The relatively small size of the Yorkshire Terrier means that it usually has a poor tolerance for [[anaesthesia]]. Additionally, a toy dog such as the Yorkie is more likely to be injured by falls, other dogs, and owner clumsiness.<ref name=Shultz/>

The Yorkshire Terrier has an above average life expectancy. A 2013 study in the UK of patient records found the breed to have a life expectancy of 13 years, higher than the average.<ref name="doi10.1016.2Fj.tvjl.2013.09.020">{{Cite journal | last1 = O’Neill | first1 = D. G. | last2 = Church | first2 = D. B. | last3 = McGreevy | first3 = P. D. | last4 = Thomson | first4 = P. C. | last5 = Brodbelt | first5 = D. C. | title = Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England | doi = 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.020 | journal = The Veterinary Journal | year = 2013 | pmid =  24206631| volume=198 | issue = 3 | pages=638–43| url = https://researchonline.rvc.ac.uk/id/eprint/7826/1/7826.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231022919/https://researchonline.rvc.ac.uk/id/eprint/7826/1/7826.pdf |archive-date=31 December 2019}}</ref> A similar 2022 study in the UK found the breed to have a life expectancy of 12 and a half years.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Teng | first1=Kendy Tzu-yun | last2=Brodbelt | first2=Dave C. | last3=Pegram | first3=Camilla | last4=Church | first4=David B. | last5=O’Neill | first5=Dan G. | title=Life tables of annual life expectancy and mortality for companion dogs in the United Kingdom | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=12 | issue=1 | date=2022-04-28 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-022-10341-6 | page=6415| pmid=35484374 | pmc=9050668 | bibcode=2022NatSR..12.6415T }}</ref> A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.3 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for [[Mongrel|crossbreeds]].<ref>{{cite journal | last=McMillan | first=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=| pmc=10834484 }}</ref> A study in Japan based on pet cemetery data found a life expectancy of 14.3 years, above the average life expectancy.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=INOUE | first1=Mai | last2=KWAN | first2=Nigel C. L. | last3=SUGIURA | first3=Katsuaki | title=Estimating the life expectancy of companion dogs in Japan using pet cemetery data | journal=Journal of Veterinary Medical Science | publisher=Japanese Society of Veterinary Science | volume=80 | issue=7 | year=2018 | issn=0916-7250 | doi=10.1292/jvms.17-0384 | pages=1153–1158| pmid=29798968 | pmc=6068313 }}</ref>{{ref|footnote}} A 2024 Italian study found a life expectancy of 13 years for the breed compared to 10 years overall.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Roccaro | first=Mariana | last2=Salini | first2=Romolo | last3=Pietra | first3=Marco | last4=Sgorbini | first4=Micaela | last5=Gori | first5=Eleonora | last6=Dondi | first6=Maurizio | last7=Crisi | first7=Paolo E. | last8=Conte | first8=Annamaria | last9=Dalla Villa | first9=Paolo | last10=Podaliri | first10=Michele | last11=Ciaramella | first11=Paolo | last12=Di Palma | first12=Cristina | last13=Passantino | first13=Annamaria | last14=Porciello | first14=Francesco | last15=Gianella | first15=Paola | last16=Guglielmini | first16=Carlo | last17=Alborali | first17=Giovanni L. | last18=Rota Nodari | first18=Sara | last19=Sabatelli | first19=Sonia | last20=Peli | first20=Angelo | title=Factors related to longevity and mortality of dogs in Italy | journal=Preventive Veterinary Medicine | volume=225 | date=2024 | doi=10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106155 | page=106155| doi-access=free | hdl=11585/961937 | hdl-access=free }}</ref>

[[Colour dilution alopecia]], a form of [[alopecia]] associated with blue colour coats  is common in the Yorkshire Terrier.<ref>{{cite book | last1=Rhodes | first1=Karen Helton | last2=Werner | first2=Alexander H. | title=Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion | publisher=Wiley-Blackwell | publication-place=Ames, Iowa | date=2011-01-25 | isbn=978-0-8138-1596-1 | page=58}}</ref>

[[File:Morkie puppy retained teeth.jpg|thumb|A Morkie (half Maltese, half Yorkshire Terrier) puppy with his deciduous teeth and adult teeth growing in]]
[[File:Yorkie's Retained Deciduous or Baby Fangs.jpg|thumb|A Yorkshire Terrier's retained deciduous or baby fangs]]

Health conditions that can be found in Yorkshire Terriers, include [[distichia]]sis, [[hydrocephalus]], [[hypoplasia of dens]], [[Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome]], [[luxating patella]], [[portosystemic shunt]], [[retinal dysplasia]], and [[Bladder stone (animal)|bladder stone]]s.<ref name=KSU>{{cite web|title=Hereditary and Congenital Diseases of Purebred Dogs |publisher=Kansas State University |url=http://www.vet.ksu.edu/studentorgs/Therio/pdf/Hereditary_Congenital.pdf |access-date=13 March 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221132319/http://www.vet.ksu.edu/studentorgs/Therio/pdf/Hereditary_Congenital.pdf |archive-date=21 February 2007 }}</ref> The following are other health conditions that affect the breed:

* [[Distichia]]e, [[eyelash]]es arising from an abnormal spot (usually the duct of the [[meibomian gland]] at the edge of the eyelid), are often found in Yorkies.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news|last=Schultz |first=Jacque Lynn |title=The Terrier Tyke With a Big Attitude |publisher=ASPCA |year=2004 |url=http://www.petfinder.com/journalindex.cgi?path=/public/breeds/dogbreeds/1.4.28.txt&template=templateprint.html |access-date=10 March 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230234816/http://www.petfinder.com/journalindex.cgi?path=/public/breeds/dogbreeds/1.4.28.txt&template=templateprint.html |archive-date=30 December 2004 }}</ref>  Distichiae can irritate the eye and cause tearing, squinting, inflammation, [[corneal abrasion]]s or [[Corneal ulcers in animals|corneal ulcers]], and scarring. Treatment options may include manual removal, [[electrolysis]], or [[surgery]].<ref>{{citation | title =Distichiasis Can Damage Corneas in Cavaliers | publisher =Cavalier Health | year =2007 | url =http://cavalierhealth.net/distichiasis.htm | access-date =4 March 2007}}</ref>
* [[Hypoplasia of dens]] is a non-formation of the pivot point of the second [[cervical vertebrae|cervical vertebra]], which leads to [[spinal cord]] damage.<ref name=KSU/>  Onset of the condition may occur at any age, producing signs ranging from neck pain to [[quadriplegia]].<ref name=Bob>{{cite web | last =Linville | first =Robert L. | title =Breed Predisposition to Disease and Congenital Conditions | publisher =Dr. Bob's All Creatures Site | date =6 March 2006 | url =http://www.petdoc.ws/BreedPre.htm | access-date =13 March 2007}}</ref>
* [[Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome]], which causes the top of the [[femur]] (thigh bone) to [[Degeneration (medical)|degenerate]], occurs in Yorkies in certain lines.<ref name=Legg>{{cite web | last =Degner | first =Danial | title =Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (or Legg-Perthes disease) | publisher =Vet Surgery Central Inc. | year =2004 | url =http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/legg_calve.htm | access-date =4 March 2007}}</ref>  The condition appears to result from insufficient [[Circulatory system|circulation]] to the area around the [[Hip#Articulation|hip joint]]. As the blood supply is reduced, the bone in the head of the femur collapses and dies and the [[cartilage]] coating around it becomes cracked and deformed.<ref name=Legg/>  Usually the disease appears when the Yorkie is young (between five and eight months of age); signs are pain, limping or lameness.<ref name=Voit>{{cite web | last =Voit | first =Pam | title =Legg Perthe's Disease: What you Should Know | url =http://www.ahtluvr.com/ahtleggperthes.html | access-date =4 March 2007 | archive-date =1 July 2022 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20220701015204/http://www.ahtluvr.com/ahtleggperthes.html | url-status =dead }}</ref>  The standard treatment is surgery to remove the affected part of the bone.<ref name=Voit/>  Following surgery, muscles hold the femur in place and fibrous tissue forms in the area of removal to prevent bone rubbing on bone.<ref name=FHO>{{cite web | last =Degner | first =Danial | title =Femoral Head and Neck Excision | publisher =Vet Surgery Central Inc. | year =2004 | url =http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/fho.htm | access-date =4 March 2007}}</ref>  Although the affected leg will be slightly shorter than prior to surgery, the Yorkie may regain almost normal use.<ref name=Voit/>
* [[Luxating patella]]s (slipping [[Patella|kneecap]]s) are another common defect considered to be genetic in Yorkies, although it may also be caused by an accidental fall. Weak [[ligament]]s and [[tendon]]s in the [[knee]] or malformed (too shallow) patellar grooves, allow the patella to slip out of its groove sideways.<ref name=Luxating>{{cite web | last1 =Foster | first1 = Race | last2 =Smith | first2 =  Marty | title =Luxating Patella | publisher =PetEducation.com | year =2007 | url =http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1569&articleid=457 |access-date =5 March 2007}}</ref> This causes the leg to 'lock up' with the foot held off the ground.<ref name=Luxating/> A dog with this problem may experience frequent pain and lameness, or may be bothered by it only on occasion. Over time, the patellar ridges can become worn down, making the groove even more shallow and causing the dog to become increasingly lame.<ref name=Luxating/>  Surgery is the main treatment option available for luxating patellas, although it is not necessary for every dog with the condition. The severity of luxating patellas are on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe. Many dogs will not develop past a stage 1 or 2.
* [[Portosystemic shunt]], a congenital malformation of the [[Hepatic portal vein|portal vein]] (which brings blood to the [[liver]] for cleansing), is also common in Yorkies. In this condition some of the dog's blood bypasses the liver and the "dirty" blood goes on to poison the heart, brain, lungs and other [[Organ (anatomy)|organs]] with toxins. A Yorkie with this condition might exhibit a wide variety of symptoms, such as small stature, poor appetite, weak muscle development, decreased ability to learn, inferior coordination, occasional vomiting and diarrhoea, [[Abnormality (behavior)|behavioral abnormalities]], seizures (especially after a meal) and [[blindness]], which could lead to a coma and death. Often, the shunt can be treated with surgery.<ref name="UFAW website1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ufaw.org.uk/PORTOSYSTEMICSHUNTYORKSHIRETERRIER.php |title=Portosystemic Shunt |work=Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals |publisher=Universities Federation for Animal Welfare |location=ufaw.org.uk |access-date=10 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211131100/http://www.ufaw.org.uk/PORTOSYSTEMICSHUNTYORKSHIRETERRIER.php |archive-date=11 February 2015 }}</ref>
[[File:Trachealkollaps.png|thumb|Tracheal collapse]]
*[[Tracheal collapse]], caused by a progressive weakening of the walls of the [[Vertebrate trachea|trachea]], occurs in many toy breeds, especially very tiny Yorkies.<ref name=Degner>{{cite web | last =Degner | first =Danial | title =Tracheal Collapse | publisher =Vet Surgery Central Inc. | year =2004 | url =http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/tracheal_collapse.htm | access-date =4 March 2007}}</ref>  As a result of genetics, the walls of the trachea can be flaccid, a condition that becomes more severe with age. [[Cushing's syndrome (veterinary)|Cushing's syndrome]], a disorder that causes production of excess steroid hormone by the adrenal glands, can also weaken cartilage and lead to tracheal collapse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cavalierhealth.net/cushing.htm|title=Cushing's Disease & the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel|website=cavalierhealth.net|access-date=15 April 2018}}</ref>  There is a possibility that physical strain on the neck might cause or contribute to trachea collapse. Since this is usually caused by an energetic Yorkie pulling against his collar, many veterinarians recommend use of a harness for leashed walks.<ref name=Degner/>  An occasional "goose honking" cough, especially on exertion or excitement, is usually the first sign of this condition.<ref name=Degner/>  Over time, the cough may become almost constant in the Yorkie's later life. Breathing through the obstruction of a collapsed (or partially collapsed) trachea for many years can result in complications, including chronic lung disease. The coughing can be countered with [[Cough medicine|cough suppressant]]s and [[bronchodilator]]s.<ref name=Degner/>  If the collapse is advanced and unresponsive to medication, sometimes surgery can repair the trachea.<ref name=Degner/>

A UK study found the Yorkshire Terrier to be 6.79 times more likely to acquire impaired hepatic perfusion compared to other dogs.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Bandara | first=Y. | last2=Bayton | first2=W. A. | last3=Williams | first3=T. L. | last4=Scase | first4=T. | last5=Bexfield | first5=N. H. | title=Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom | journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice | volume=62 | issue=9 | date=2021 | issn=0022-4510 | doi=10.1111/jsap.13354 | pages=730–736}}</ref>

===Hypoglycaemia===
[[Blood sugar#Low blood sugar|Low blood sugar]] in puppies, or [[Hypoglycemia|transient juvenile hypoglycaemia]], is caused by fasting (too much time between meals).<ref name=Hypoglycaemia>{{cite web | title =Hypoglycemia symptoms and treatment | publisher =Go Pets America | url =http://www.gopetsamerica.com/dog-health/hypoglycemia.aspx | access-date =10 March 2007}}</ref> In rare cases, hypoglycaemia may continue to be a problem in mature, usually very small, Yorkies. It is often seen in Yorkie puppies at 5 to 16 weeks of age.<ref name=Hypoglycaemia/>  Very tiny Yorkie puppies are especially predisposed to hypoglycaemia because a lack of muscle mass makes it difficult to store [[glucose]] and regulate blood sugar.<ref name=Hypoglycaemia/> Factors such as stress, fatigue, a cold environment, poor nutrition, and a change in diet or feeding schedule may bring on hypoglycaemia.<ref name=Chihuahua>{{cite web | last =O'Neil | first =Jacqueline | title =Dealing with Your Chihuahua's Health Issues (Adapted from ''Chihuahuas for Dummies'') | publisher =Dummies.com | year =2007 | url =http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-2062.html | access-date =10 March 2007}}</ref> Low blood sugar can also be the result of a [[Pathogenic bacteria|bacterial infection]], [[parasitism|parasite]] or portosystemic liver shunt.<ref>{{cite web | last =Brooks | first =Wendy C. | title =Toy Breed Hypoglycemia | publisher =VeterinaryPartner.com | date =31 July 2005 | url =http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2085 | access-date =10 March 2007}}</ref> Hypoglycaemia causes the puppy to become drowsy, listless (glassy-eyed), shaky, uncpoglycaemic attack, the puppy usually has very pale or grey gums.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.yorkiesllc.com/yorkieinfo/yorkiehypoglycemia.html|title=系统发生错误|website=www.yorkiesllc.com|accessdate=17 July 2022}}</ref> The puppy also may not eat unless force-fed.<ref name=Hypoglycaemia/> Hypoglycaemia and dehydration seem to go hand-in-hand, and force-feeding or injecting fluids may also be necessary. Additionally, a hypoglycaemic Yorkie may have a lower than [[Normal human body temperature|normal body temperature]] and, in extreme cases, may have a [[Epileptic seizure|seizure]] or go into a [[coma]].<ref name=Lee>{{cite web | last =Weston | first =Lee | title =Hypoglycemia | publisher =Pomeranian Club of Canada | url =http://www.pcoc.net/hypoglycemia.htm | access-date =10 March 2007}}</ref> A dog showing [[symptom]]s should be given sugar in the form of corn syrup or Nutri-Cal and be treated by a [[veterinarian]] immediately, as prolonged or recurring attacks of hypoglycaemia can permanently damage the dog's brain.<ref name=Lee/> In severe cases, it can be fatal.<ref name=Hypoglycaemia/>

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the more commonly affected breeds for [[progressive rod-cone degeneration]]. An [[autosomal recessive]] mutation in the [[PRCD]] gene is responsible for the condition in the breed.<ref>{{cite book |author1-first=James A.C. |author1-last=Oliver |author2-first=Cathryn S. |author2-last=Mellersh | editor1-first=Barbara | editor1-last=Cooper | editor2-first=Elizabeth |editor2-last=Mullineaux |editor3-first=Lynn | editor3-last=Turner |title=BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing |date=2020 |publisher=British Small Animal Veterinary Association |isbn=978-1-910-44339-2 |edition=Sixth|chapter=Genetics| page=131}}</ref>
===Docking and Cropping===
{{Main|Docking (dog)}}
Traditionally, the Yorkshire Terrier's tail is docked to a medium length.<ref>{{cite web|title=FCI-Standard |url=http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/086gb2009_en.doc |access-date=7 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831162939/http://www.fci.be/uploaded_files/086gb2009_en.doc |archive-date=31 August 2012 }}</ref> Opposition to this practice began very early in the history of the breed; Hugh Dalziel, writing about Yorkshire Terriers in 1878, declared that "There is no reason for mutilating pet dogs, and perfect ears and tails should be bred, not clipped into shape with scissors."<ref name="British Islands 1878, pg 213" /> AKC and [[Canadian Kennel Club]] still require the Yorkie's tail be docked in order to compete at its events.<ref name="AKCstandard" /> The majority of the rest of the world has adopted a "no docking/no [[Cropping (animal)|cropping]]" rule.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
File:Yorkie-71465 640.jpg|A Yorkshire Terrier, trimmed
File:SMOKEY1986SFphotobyNancyWong.jpg|A Yorkshire Terrier in need of brushing
File:Yorkshire Terrier kurz.jpg|A Yorkshire Terrier with a dark coat
File:YorkieEars.jpg|A Yorkshire Terrier with floppy ears
File:4 year old Yorkie, Leo.jpg|According to the standard, the ears must be small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart. If this is not the case, the dog should not be used for breeding
File:Two Yorkies From the Back.jpg|Two Yorkshire Terriers with short hair from the back
</gallery>

==Related breeds and derived breeds==
The Yorkshire Terrier breed descends from larger but similar Scottish breeds, such as the [[Skye Terrier]] and the now-extinct [[Paisley Terrier]]. In its turn, other breeds have been created from the Yorkshire Terrier, such as the [[Australian Silky Terrier|Silky Terrier]]. Demand for unusual pets has resulted in high prices being paid for Yorkshire Terriers crossed with various other breeds, which are described with a [[Portmanteau|portmanteau word]] made up of [[syllable]]s (or sounds) from Yorkshire Terrier and the breed name of the other parent. Some of these such portmanteau-named [[Crossbreed|crosses]] can be found on the [[list of dog crossbreeds]].
<!--Editors: Do not add names or photographs of crosses/hybrids here, check the 'List of dog crossbreeds' page; if your cross isn't listed there, please add a note to the Talk tab for that page asking whether it's notable enough to be added. .-->

The Biewer Terrier, bred from blue, white and gold puppies named Schneeflocke and Schneeflöckchen von Friedheck,<ref>Pedigree Online: ''[https://dogs.pedigreeonline.com/schneeflocke-von-friedheck-g546Fbe8/pedigree Schneeflocke von Friedheck]''</ref><ref>Pedigree Online: ''[https://dogs.pedigreeonline.com/schneeflockchen-von-friedheck-TmqASJRE/pedigree Schneeflöckchen von Friedheck]''</ref><ref>Club for Terrier 1984: ''[https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/dog/images/BiewerSchneeflockchenRegistration.jpg Schneeflöckchen Registration at VDH/KFT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922071011/https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/dog/images/BiewerSchneeflockchenRegistration.jpg |date=22 September 2019 }}''</ref> owned by Mr. and Mrs. Biewer in Germany,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://biewer-btca.com/breedstandard.html|title=Biewer Terrier Standard|publisher=Biewer Terrier Club of America|access-date=21 December 2009}}</ref> was once considered a variation of the Yorkshire Terrier but has since been recognised as a separate breed by many kennel clubs, including the AKC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/biewer-terrier/|title=Biewer Terrier Dog Breed Information|website=American Kennel Club}}</ref>

==Notable Yorkshire Terriers==
[[File:Yorkshire terrier at show.jpg|thumb|right|upright|A Yorkshire terrier being exhibited at a show in October 2009]]
* In 1997, Champion Ozmilion Mystification became the first Yorkie to win Best in Show at [[Crufts]], the world's largest annual dog show.<ref>{{cite web | title =Crufts Best in Show Roll of Honour 1990 - 1999 | publisher =The Kennel Club | date =7 August 2006 | url =http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=491&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=244&f=0 |access-date =7 March 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181435/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=491&d=pg_dtl_art_news&h=244&f=0 |archive-date = 30 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last =Linzy | first =Jan | title =Yorkshire Terrier Champions, 1994-2001 | publisher =Camino E E & Book Co | year =2003 | isbn =1-55893-108-2}}</ref>
* Sylvia, a matchbox-sized Yorkshire Terrier owned by Arthur Marples of [[Blackburn]], England, was the smallest dog in recorded history. The dog died in 1945 when she was two years old, at which point she stood {{cvt|2+1/2|in|cm}} tall at the shoulder, measured {{cvt|3+1/2|in|cm}} from nose tip to tail, and weighed {{cvt|4|oz|g}}.<ref>{{cite book | last1 =Choron | first1 =Sandra | last2 =Choron | first2 =Harry | title =Planet Dog: A Doglopedia | publisher =Houghton Mifflin | year =2005 | page =[https://archive.org/details/planetdog00sand/page/92 92] | isbn =0-618-51752-9 | url =https://archive.org/details/planetdog00sand/page/92 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last1 =Barr | first1 =Tracy | last2 =Veling | first2 =Peter F. | title =Yorkshire Terriers for Dummies | publisher =For Dummies | date =20 August 2004 | isbn =0-7645-6880-9 |page=289| url =https://archive.org/details/yorkshireterrier00barr }}</ref>
* [[Smoky (war dog)|Smoky]], a war dog and hero of World War II, was owned by [[Bill Wynne|William Wynne]] of [[Cleveland]], [[Ohio]]. Wynne adopted Smoky while he was serving with the 5th Air Force in the Pacific.<ref>{{cite web | last =Wynne | first =Bill | author-link =Bill Wynne | title =Smoky 'Corporal Smoky' United States Army/Air Corps | publisher =PatsyAnn.com | url =http://www.patsyann.com/smoky.htm | access-date =15 February 2007 | archive-date =27 July 2014 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140727005736/http://www.patsyann.com/smoky.htm | url-status =dead }}</ref>
* Pasha, [[Tricia Nixon Cox]]'s pet Yorkie, lived in the [[White House]] during [[Richard Nixon]]'s presidency.<ref>
{{cite news | title =Time & Again: White House Pets | publisher =MSNBC | year =1998 | url =http://www.msnbc.com/onair/msnbc/TimeAndAgain/archive/WHpets/whitehouse.asp | access-date =25 February 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061021022642/http://www.msnbc.com/onair/msnbc/TimeAndAgain/archive/WHpets/whitehouse.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 21 October 2006}}</ref>

==Notes==
:1.{{note|footnote}}The Japanese study reviewed cemetery data which is unlikely to have any records of still-births and altricial deaths whilst a veterinary clinic likely would have data on these.

==References==
{{commons category}}
{{Reflist|45em|refs=

<ref name=fci2>[http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/086g03-en.pdf FCI-Standard N° 86: Yorkshire Terrier]. Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed January 2023.</ref>

<ref name=kc>[http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=6165 Yorkshire Terrier]. The Kennel Club. Accessed January 2023.</ref>

}}

{{Terriers}}
{{Toy dogs}}
{{English dogs}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:FCI breeds]]
[[Category:Terriers]]
[[Category:Companion dogs]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in England]]
[[Category:Toy terriers]]