9781422279410

Chapter 1 Introducing the Yorkshire Terrier T he key to understanding the Yorkshire Terrier is in his name. He is first and foremost a terrier, and has all the character- istics of that canine family. The Yorkie has been bred down from larger terriers, and is still fearless and tenacious, and can have a surprisingly strong hunting instinct. Always on the alert, he is full of curiosity and likes to be where the action is. He is small in size but he has a big heart and is loving and loyal with his family. He is also widely recognized as one of the most dramatic breeds to watch in the show ring. If his coat is allowed to grow to full length, it reaches down to the floor, and the beautiful combination of blue- black and rich golden tan coloring is truly stunning. The coat texture is a very special Yorkie characteristic; it is fine and silky and is more like human hair than conventional dog hair. Keeping a Yorkshire Terrier in full coat is hugely demanding, so the majority of owners opt for a chic pet trim, which is easy to main- tain and allows the dog far greater freedom.

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