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Table of Contents
A Yorkshire Terrier is a toy-sized breed of terrier dogs that originated in England. Also known as a Yorkie, it is often considered one of the most popular dog breeds in America because it is hypoallergenic and house-trained. Despite having a compact body, Yorkies are intelligent, aggressive, alert, and independent.
See the fact file below for more information on the Yorkshire Terrier or alternatively, you can download our 24-page Yorkshire Terrier worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
Origins
- Yorkies are named after the county in northern England where it came from.
- During the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1800’s, migrants coming from Scotland travelled with small terrier dogs, known as Broken Haired Scotch Terriers, while searching for work in England.
- Scottish workers in the coal mines, textile mills, and factories used Yorkshire Terriers as Ratters, dogs that catch rats, to minimize the amount of rats in their workplace.
- They are also used in hunting small to mid-sized wild animals such as foxes and badgers.
- Yorkshire Terrier is a breed of several types of terrier dogs.
- These small dogs also became popular among royals and upper class societies because of its unique appearance.
Physical Features
- Yorkshire Terriers standard weight is no more than seven pounds.
- It stands about 8 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Miniature yorkies weigh under 3 pounds.
- Its coat is high maintenance as it should always be silky, straight, and smooth. Show dogs have a floor-length coat that is parted in the middle of the back.
- Yorkies are born black with tan and blueish saddles. Their fur then changes gradually after they turn a year old.
- Yorkies’ coat become lighter with age.
- The coat of female yorkies gets lighter in the heat because of hormonal changes.
- Hair shedding is very minimal to unlikely because it does not have an undercoat like most other dogs.
- The hair of Yorkies is very similar to humans, making it a hypoallergenic dog.
Personality
- This breed of terrier is intelligent and can be trained easily making it an ideal companion dog.
- Yorkshire Terriers are also excellent watchdogs because of excessive barking.
- Yorkies are naturally confident, adventurous, energetic, and cuddly.
- They are unassertive around other dogs and prefer to be with humans as they need affection and comfort.
- Yorkies love to dig because they used to dig burrows to chase rats. But with proper training, it can be prevented.
Health
- Yorkshire Terriers are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures.
- They are also prone to respiratory infections.
- They have a fragile digestive system that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- It is important to keep them well exercised because they are naturally active.
- Undersized yorkies are sensitive to anesthesia.
- Yorkies usually live for 13 to 20 years.
- Undersized yorkies are more prone to injuries thus, have a shorter life span.
Pharyngeal Gag Reflex
- Pharyngeal gag reflex, also known as reverse sneezing, is commonly associated with Yorkshire Terriers.
- It is a condition where instead of sneezing, Yorkies make a snorting sound.
- It happens when air is inhaled through their noses like a reverse sneeze.
- It is harmless and will usually last for a couple of seconds.
Yorkie Tail Docking
- Yorkie tail docking started during the Roman Empire. Docking or removal of a part of puppies’ tail is done in order to prevent injuries among working dogs.
- Yorkshire Terriers, in the 19th century, were considered a working dog because it was used for hunting rats and other wild animals in burrows and woodlands.
- Shorter tails are desirable so that dogs can easily be pulled out of the burrow.
- As per American Kennel Club or AKC standard, Yorkies should have medium-length tail in order to be declared show dogs.
- Although widely accepted in America and other countries, many consider tail docking of a Yorkshire as illegal and have complete banned the practice.
Huddersfield Ben
- Huddersfield Ben is referred to as the ‘father of the breed’ and the ‘father of modern yorkies’.
- He became famous as a popular stud dog because he won a total number of 74 prizes in dog shows.
- He was a champion stud dog because of his obedience and remarkable poise.
- He won numerous rat-baiting competitions.
- He was run over by a carriage and died in 1871.
- His body was preserved and displayed in England.
- It is believed that every Yorkshire terrier to date descends from him and his ten sons and one daughter.
Smoky
- Smoky is a Yorkshire Terrier who was the most famous and legendary female war dog who served in World War II.
- The heroic toy dog only weighed 4 pounds and stood 7 inches tall.
- She was a lost, abandoned dog and was eventually bought by Bill Wynne from a US army soldier for $6.
- She was the world’s first therapy dog that comforted wounded soldiers during the war.
- Smoky was sent into a very narrow pipe to establish telephone wires beneath an airstrip heavily targeted by the Japanese.
- Smoky’s story has been told in more than 50 books and TV shows.
- The “dog of all wars” has 6 memorials in the US and 3 in Australia.
Yorkshire Terrier Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Yorkshire Terrier across 24 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Yorkshire Terrier worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about a Yorkshire Terrier which is a toy-sized breed of terrier dogs that originated in England. Also known as a Yorkie, it is often considered one of the most popular dog breeds in America because it is hypoallergenic and house-trained. Despite having a compact body, Yorkies are intelligent, aggressive, alert, and independent.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Yorkshire Terrier Facts
- Color The Yorkie
- Physique or Personality
- Yorkie Or Not
- Dog of All Trades
- A Yorkie’s Prescription
- Identify It!
- Assessing Knowledge
- Smoky the Yorkie
- Describe Me!
- Yorkie Acrostics
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Link will appear as Yorkshire Terrier Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, March 4, 2019
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.