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14 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Yorkshire Terriers

Published: · Modified: by Anna Troyan · This post may contain affiliate links

If you love food, the first thing you think of when you hear the word "Yorkshire" is probably pudding. But if you're a lover of all-things-puppies, the first thing that pops into your mind is, without a doubt, the Yorkshire Terrier. Am I right?

In this article, we will share 14 facts you probably didn't know about them!

#1 Also Known As…

A Yorkshire Terrier lying on the grass behind a piece of stick
Yorkie. “The cutest little werewolf you’ve ever seen!”

#2 Yorkshire Terriers are tiny little dogs

A Yorkshire Terrier smiling with its tongue out on the side of its mouth
Typically, they only reach a height of between 7 and 8 inches.

#3 They can’t support a lot of extra weight

A Yorkshire Terrier lying on the couch
The ideal weight range for a Yorkshire Terrier is about 7 lbs.

#4 Yorkies are extremely intelligent, curious, and eager to please

 

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#5 They don’t need a ton of space

A Yorkshire Terrier in a cup
If your living space is on the smaller side, no problem! A Yorkie will have no problem making themselves at home in smaller quarters.

#6 Yorkies have an average lifespan of between 11 and 15 years

 

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#7 The first therapy dog was a Yorkie

#8 One Yorkie was used to start a new breed entirely

In 1984, a little Yorkie named Schneeflocken von Friedheck was born with unusual markings in blue, white, and gold. The breeders Werner and Gertrud Biewer decided to take this unique puppy and create a new breed. With careful and selective breeding, they established a distinct standard for the breed which would become known as the Biewer terrier. In 2014, the American Kennel Club provisionally accepted the new Yorkie as a registered breed.

#9 They make funny noises

A Yorkshire Terrier sitting on the pavement while tilting its head
Yorkshire terriers are especially prone to pharyngeal gag reflex, or reverse sneezing. Instead of pushing air out of the nose like a normal sneeze, dogs will gasp for air, making a honking sound like a goose.

#10 Yorkies were one of the first registered breeds

A Yorkshire Terrier wearing a sweater while lying on the floor
Although not a particularly old breed, these tiny dogs were one of the AKC'S original breeds. Yorkshire terriers became registered in 1885 along with classics such as the beagle, basset hound, and bull terrier.

#11 The Yorkie is the sixth most popular dog in America

A Yorkshire Terrier wearing a pink jacket while standing in snow
According to the American Kennel Club's registration statistics for 2013, Yorkie are the sixth most popular dog breed in the U.S. They trail only Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Beagles and Bulldogs.

#12 Yorkshire Terriers are as brave as they are small

A Yorkshire Terrier sitting on the carpet next to a potted plant
Judging by their bravery and boldness, Yorkies have no idea how small they are, or else they have the confidence not to let their diminutive size hold them back. Loyal to the bone, Yorkies have been known to protect their owners from any threat. Last year, a 6-pound Yorkie in New Jersey even chased off a hungry bear that wandered into the dog's home.

#13 A Yorkshire Terrier lived in the White House

A Yorkshire Terrier with a long silky hair and a red bow tie on top of its head
President Richard Nixon kept a Yorkshire Terrier as a pet during his tenure at the White House. Pasha was one of three canine companions, but Pasha was the favorite of Trisha, one of President Nixon’s daughters.

#14 Yorkshire Terriers are not fond of water

A Yorkshire Terrier being washed in the bathtub
The naturally long hair of a Yorkshire Terrier is not really conducive to being able swimmers. Still, their playful nature means that some Yorkshire Terriers might enjoy a dip in the family swimming pool, while others might prefer to watch, just like many people.
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