Yorkshire terriers today belong to the class of elite dogs. Getting a doggie of this breed, a person automatically receives not only a faithful companion, but also a devoted cheerful friend for his whole life. To what age do yorkies grow, what do they eat and how to care for them - all this should be learned by potential breeders of babies to ensure a decent and comfortable existence.
A Brief History of the Yorkshire Terrier
The first representatives of York appeared in the North of England, in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is these lands - the birthplace of the closest ancestors of the kids - the Waterside terriers. Scottish workers fell in love with small dogs with beautiful long hair of an unusual gray-blue color, who at the end of the 18th century moved their pets to western lands. Thus began the story of Yorkshire terriers.
Initially, dogs were intended for poor people. In those days, the most popular pastime was hunting, which only wealthy citizens could afford. People are poorer, wanting to get rid of rats and other small rodents, were forced to start small hunters.
The Yorkshire Terrier was officially recognized in 1886. The English Kennel Club began to carefully study the dogs and write their features in the stud book.
During World War II, Yorks breeding was temporarily suspended. Subsequently, experienced dog handlers were engaged in restoring the stock. The breed began to spread throughout the world. The first terriers came to Russia in 1970.
Breed description
It doesn't really matter how old Yorkies grow. The weight of an adult in any case will be about 3 kg.
Dogs have a round small head, a long narrowed muzzle and sly eyes of medium size. According to the standard, Yorkies have high-set small ears, a compact torso with straight parallel legs. The tail is twisted a little and set just above the back.
The coat of doggie is straight, silky, without undercoat. Yorkies are one of the few dogs whose hairline is similar to human.
Pros and Cons of York
Miniature dogs are very good companions in travel and attending various events. They fit in a handbag very compactly and, due to their rather flexible nature, can withstand almost all the burdens of carrying. However, in order to get a Yorkshire terrier, you need to get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of the breed. Not the last choice is information on how old York puppies grow.
So, the obvious advantages of dogs are:
- Dogs take up little space, they can even be transported in the cabin.
- Almost all Yorkies (especially girls) get along well with other dogs.
- In the event of bad weather or other reasons, the Yorkshire Terrier can relieve its natural needs for a diaper or rag.
- At a rather high cost, doggies require fairly small costs in terms of nutrition and processing tools.
- Yorkies are very suitable for allergy sufferers, since they completely lack undercoat and hair similar in structure to human hair.
Of course, like their other relatives, terriers have some disadvantages:
- Dogs have a well-developed hunting instinct, thanks to which yorkies can chase squirrels or cats.
- An active dog is not suitable for calm or elderly people.
- Boys of this breed are more abundant than other dogs, marking the territory.
- Beautiful coat requires careful and frequent care.
Types of Yorkshire Terriers
The breed of decorative dogs consists of several types:
- The usual Yorkshire Terrier is doggie weighing 2.5 to 3.2 kg. Direct flowing hair is parted along the entire length of the back. Despite the miniature size, the dog is quite strong and hardy.
- Mini-York (or baby face) - a small copy of the usual Yorkshire terrier. How old are mini yorks? They grow up in the same way as their usual relatives.
- Beaver York - a dog, a hallmark of which is two-tone wool. Usually it is black and white or white and silver. The size of the doggie is the same as that of a regular York.
For all types of breed, there is the same standard for how old Yorkies grow.
Dog development stages
The first stage in the development of puppies is from birth to seven weeks. During this period, puppies grow quickly and can become twice as heavy in a few weeks. At three weeks, the kids begin to see and move independently.
2-12 months - the next stage in the development of offspring. Dogs weigh about a kilogram and are considered teenagers. It is at this stage, given the formation of their character and habits, you need to start training dogs.
1 - 8 years - the third phase of the life of pets. Dogs are considered adults, this determines at what age Yorkies stop growing. Terriers are considered young until four years old. But they grow only up to 2 years.
In the fourth stage - from eight years to the end, the dog is considered to be elderly. The pet becomes less active, sleeps more. Yorkshire terriers are considered centenarians. There have been cases that dogs have lived up to 15-20 years.
Features of feeding and caring for York
Food for York is practically no different from the food of other decorative dogs of small sizes. As for natural food, it is necessary that the pet's diet be rich in vitamins and nutrients. To maintain good wool quality, ground flax and some sulfur powder can be added to the main food. Flax will make the pet's hair shiny and silky, and sulfur will prevent hair loss.
Caring for York involves the acquisition of things necessary for the comfortable existence of the dog. In the "dowry" of the pet should include a couch, at least two bowls, a leash and a collar (or harness), toys. For convenience, you can purchase a special toilet tray and several diapers.
Wool, the main property of doggies, should be well-groomed. For this, you need to comb the Yorkshire at least once a day, wash it with special shampoos and take the dog to the groomer salon for cutting and processing the claws.
It doesn't matter how old Yorkies girls and boys grow. The main thing is how they feel in the house of a caring owner.
What about relationships with children?
Yorks can safely start in a family with young children. Non-conflict dog gets along well in any team. The only condition is a preliminary conversation with the child in order to explain the fragility of the future pet.
The second condition for acquiring a terrier in a family with children is the latter's responsible attitude to the dog. Living with a tiny quivering creature that requires care and training will be a good method of educating the discipline and responsibility of the child. And no matter how old Yorkies grow. They always remain small family members.
Interesting facts about the breed
Funny stories constantly happen to Yorkshire terriers. The reason for this may be the natural restlessness and courage of little heroes.
So, a little dog named Smoky during the Second World War, fought bravely with his owner Bill Wynn. To what age a York boy grew up is not known for certain. But thanks to a brave heart, the pet was immortalized in the monument.
Another evidence of the pet’s courage is the baby’s rescue of his master from the bear. When the man, walking with his pet, approached the landfill, he found there a predator swarming in the waste. The beast was very aggressive and attacked a man. But the faithful pet contrived and grabbed the bear by the heel, which distracted him from the owner. Fortunately, both the owner and the little hero managed to escape.
Yorkie puppies have a coat much darker than adults. Over time, the dogs brighten.
Yorkshire terriers entered the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest dogs. The smallest dog weighed only 113.4 grams. The age at which yorks grow up has nothing to do with it. In many cases, the leading role is given to the method of nutrition and the characteristics of the body of doggies.