Yorkshire Terriers

I have a Yorkshire Terrier that I have had for three years this April.  I had wanted a Yorkie for about two years, and searched and searched for the "perfect one" before I found "Taguchi."  He was just a four month old pup when I adopted him, I paid far too much for him, but he was everything I wanted.  He is by far, one of my very best of friends.  He is only five pounds, but he will fight the biggest of dogs out there.  He has been hit by a car, smoked by a football, attacked by our neighbors extremely huge dog (four times now), and he still goes strong.  He is a very dominate little guy, and probably one of the most jealous of creatures that I have ever known.  He has had quite an adjustment over the past eleven months, when he had to let a little baby come into his life, and be placed before him.  However, he has done extremely well for the most part.  I became very curious to see if all Yorkie's are like mine, and if not, what makes him have this "big dog" personality.  I also was interested in knowing if they are considered an "intelligent breed" or if they are just average.  Also, I was curious as to what features were "required" of them to be "show dog" material.  Although, I have no desire to put him in any dog shows, I was very proud to discover that he had all the qualities needed to be in a show.

These dogs are stated by the American Kennel Club to be dogs that offer "big personalities in a small package." http://www.akc.org/breeds/yorkshire_terrier/index.cfm.  These dogs are lively as well as physically and mentally quick.  We often say that our dog "trots" around everywhere, and he's always on top of his game.  As I researched, I found out that this is definitely one of the things that is true about them. http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/yorkshireterriers.html.  However, my dog is a barker.  If anyone or anything comes onto his property, he is sure to make a very shrill announcement of it.  This is because they must be socialized alot at a very young age, or they will not do well with new people or things.  My dog was not socialized until he was adopted because he was kept in a very small enclosed glass cage at a pet store.  The is also extremely bossy with other dogs, especially our Golden Retriever.  Another trait they have is that they can be very opinionated.  My dog has this trait without any doubt.  Housebreaking is known to be difficult with this breed due to the fact that they are so low to the ground, and very "prissy."  These dogs often do not like to go out when there is snow, rain, or dew on the ground.  This makes for difficult housetraining.  I have definitely found this to be true in my case.  Also, if we leave him at home when he wants to go somewhere with us, we are sure to come home to some nuggets somewhere in the house.  An awesome trait this dog has is that they are long haired, but shed very little.  They do need brushed and groomed regularly, but mine has never shed, which is an awesome thing if you have allergies.  I was also informed by the people that I adopted him from, that Yorkies come from a hunting background.  I can agree with that statement, because mine chases any living creature possible.  My dog is defintely high-strung due to being spoiled before our baby came along. 

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standard

Toy Group

General Appearance
That of a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of body. The body is neat, compact and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance.
Head
Small and rather flat on top, the skull not too prominent or round, the muzzle not too long, with the bite neither undershot nor overshot and teeth sound. Either scissors bite or level bite is acceptable. The nose is black. Eyes are medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark. Ears are small, V-shaped, carried erect and set not too far apart.
Body
Well proportioned and very compact. The back is rather short, the back line level, with height at shoulder the same as at the rump.
Legs and Feet
Forelegs should be straight, elbows neither in nor out. Hind legs straight when viewed from behind, but stifles are moderately bent when viewed from the sides. Feet are round with black toenails. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed from the hind legs. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.
Tail
Docked to a medium length and carried slightly higher than the level of the back.
Coat
Quality, texture and quantity of coat are of prime importance. Hair is glossy, fine and silky in texture. Coat on the body is moderately long and perfectly straight (not wavy). It may be trimmed to floor length to give ease of movement and a neater appearance, if desired. The fall on the head is long, tied with one bow in center of head or parted in the middle and tied with two bows. Hair on muzzle is very long. Hair should be trimmed short on tips of ears and may be trimmed on feet to give them a neat appearance.
Colors
Puppies are born black and tan and are normally darker in body color, showing an intermingling of black hair in the tan until they are matured. Color of hair on body and richness of tan on head and legs are of prime importance in adult dogs, to which the following color requirements apply: Blue: Is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue and not mingled with fawn, bronzy or black hairs. Tan: All tan hair is darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to still lighter tan at the tips. There should be no sooty or black hair intermingled with any of the tan.
Color on Body
The blue extends over the body from back of neck to root of tail. Hair on tail is a darker blue, especially at end of tail.
Headfall
A rich golden tan, deeper in color at sides of head, at ear roots and on the muzzle, with ears a deep rich tan. Tan color should not extend down on back of neck.
Chest and Legs
A bright, rich tan, not extending above the elbow on the forelegs nor above the stifle on the hind legs.
Weight
Must not exceed seven pounds.
Disqualifications:
Any solid color or combination of colors other than blue and tan as described above. Any white markings other than a small white spot on the forechest that does not exceed 1 inch at its longest dimension.
http://www.akc.org/breeds/yorkshire_terrier/index.cfm

As I read through the qualifications, I found that Taguchi did have all the physical qualifications needed, and that also made me proud to be his owner.  As you can tell, I am very proud of this dog, and I hope to be able to breed him someday, and pick out one of the puppies that has a personality like him.  These dogs are not for everyone, but ours definitely fits in well with our little family, and he is as much part of the family as any of us.