Celtic Moment

The Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, originated from Scotland but bred in England. They were molded to hunt rats, but nowadays they are popular as pets. In fact, their variety was one of the Top Dog Breeds of 2005.

They usually grow being small and light varieties. Hence, owners do not mind having their pets on their lap almost all day. Moreover, this usual bonding activity usually transforms this lap dog into a bright, playful, and loyal companion pet.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Yorkies: Category: Toy (Terrier) Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard) Coat: silky, glossy, long and fine; no undercoat Colors: black when young but they attain the colors tan and blue as they mature.Height: between 8 and 9 inches Weight: between 3 and 7 pounds

Temperament: Naturally, they are territorial and like their privacy to be respected they are intelligent and fearless they are assertive and independent When properly trained, they develop close affinity with older children they become really playful and lively they become extremely affectionate they do not mind having other pets at home they focus much of their attention and affection toward their owner

Breeders should note of the following health issues: Alopecia, or losing hair Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum Dwarfism Entropion, a disorder with the eyelid; lashes on the eyelid that irritate the eyeballs could lead to other complications Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the ey Hydrocephalus Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or the reduction of tear production Low blood sugar Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap Portosystemic shunt, or the accumulation of blood toxins in the liver Urolithiasis, an infection of the urinary tract leading to the formation of bladder stones.

Care and Exercise: They require daily grooming. Ears and eyes must be cleaned and checked regularly. Dental hygiene must be regularly maintained. They are fit only for short strides. They should have a regular play time while lying under the sunbeams, chasing shadows, and joining tug-of-war.

Origin/History: In the 19th century, a number of weavers from Scotland migrated to England and brought with them different terriers that were bred to hunt rats. Through time, these terriers were crossed and terriers with “broken hairs” were produced.

In 1870, a “broken-haired Scotch terrier” was named as a Yorkshire terrier by a reporter. He argued that the breed should be called as such because his types were bred in a town called Yorkshire.

Though the Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs, they became fashionable pets is England in the latter part of the Victorian era. In 1972, Yorkies were brought to the United States and became the country’s favorite pet.

You can say that the Yorkies developed into tough breeds because of their ancestors’ reputation as rat-hunters. However, their size, and playful and bright character have actually captured the attention and affection of most pet owners. Most proud owners would boast that they have the great giants inside the bodies of these little dogs. If you want a small but terrible breed of dog, grab a Yorkie now! Just a friendly reminder, they would really need your attention and companionship than any other terriers.

Originally posted 2010-08-24 12:36:51.

My family and I have a chance to adopt a 2 yr old scottish terrier. A great friend of ours is her owner but he is going through a divorce and really wants a family for her.
I have an 11 yr old boy and 9 yr old twin boys.
All the children have always wanted a dog and so have I.

The dog is up to date on her shots and everything else. The owner is sending her with food, a kennel, and toys.

I have never had a dog but love the idea of it for the reasons of love, responsibility and many others.

Does anyone have any advice or comments??

Thanks!

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=437&cat=3

Does it design to norish healthy skin, maintane a beautiful coat, and for overall health? Is it hard?

I am getting a Scottish Terrier soon and i have a couple questions to Scottie owners.
- How much does the food cost per month? per year?
- Are they difficult to train?
- Are they kind?
- How much do they cost you per year?
- Are they difficult to leash?
- Is it absolutely necessary to get a fence?

He’s four months old I just bought him one month ago he’s been to the vetrnarians he recommended cod liver oil in food ,special skin and coat cream , he’s on advantage to protect from fleas has all shots but skin isnt clearing up dry and scales he scratches until he’s bleeding hes have been to vetrinanian 4 timesand nothing is working ! thank you in advance for any helpful advice

We would like to purchase a Westie pup on our visit to Scotland. Please send the names of excellent breeders.

i do cook her own food..
if i give her dog canned food her poo’s are really runny..
can she eat raw meat?? & cows milk?

My scotty has been having problems with throwing up lately. Sometimes it seems to occur more frequently than other times. The color is a dark yellowish/brownish.

At first, I thought perhaps it was the milk bones I give his as a treat, which is usually not more than one a day. Other than that, I only feed him twice a day his Candidae (Chicken and rice) dry food. I rarely give him anything else. Sometimes, I will give him white rice or chopped up carrots which I will spread over his food for just a little treat.

Since I have started really keeping my eye on it, it seems like he usually does this early in the early morning. It will start with about 10 seconds of his stomach churning before he actually spits it out. And sometimes its enough of a warning for me to get him anywhere else but the carpet. Unfortunately, I’m not always successfull and this stuff does damage as it’s not easy to get out of the carpet….even if caught immediately.

Now I’m beginning to think maybe its allergies or the heat. We live in Vegas and allergies very bad here for many. But he doesnt seem to emit the regular allergy symptoms, like scratching or biting his paws.

So any suggestions? I’ll take him into the vet if its absolutely necessary, but I’m just not a big fan of taking my pet to the dr when I might be able to find the answer here and they seem to charge you for anything and everything.

Any suggestions?

The Terrier Group includes those small but lively terrier breeds that were developed (mainly in Great Britain) to hunt small burrowing animals such as badgers, foxes, otters, rabbits and rats. The terrier often had to follow the prey underground and therefore, except for the Bull and Airedale Terriers, most terriers are small and stocky with short legs. These are feisty and energetic dogs that have little tolerance for other animals including other dogs. Of course these small dog breeds have been domesticated and make good pets but they are still fairly active and require firm handling. Many breeds like the Airedale, Bull, Fox and the Parson (Jack) Russell Terriers do best with experienced owners. The top 10 most popular terrier breeds in the US according to the American Kennel Club 2005 registrations are discussed below and their registration rank is included in brackets. It is interesting to note that the top six most popular terriers are all low-shedding dog breeds that are said to be hypoallergenic when properly groomed.

1. Miniature Schnauzer

Minis (#10) are lively, pleasant and playful with expressive personalities. These loyal and devoted small dogs want to be totally involved in all family activities and love to go for walks. Most Minis are good with children but are a little too small to be a toddler’s pet. They will generally get along fine with other family pets although they are terriers and can be feisty toward other dogs. Early socialization and obedience training will help with controlling excessive barking and a reluctance to walk on leash. This breed can be taught fairly easily and can even excel at advanced obedience competitions.

2. West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White (#32) is cheerful, bold, assertive, courageous, inquisitive and has a great deal of personality. This small white dog needs to get involved in everything that is happening in the home. The Westie is easier to handle and friendlier than many other terriers but still needs his daily walks and play sessions. Westies will try and dominate dogs of the same sex but otherwise get along better with other dogs and cats than most terriers. The Westie still has its hunting prey drive and shouldn’t be let off leash except in a fenced enclosed area. The Westie is very possessive of its toys and food and doesn’t like to be handled by young children.

3. Scottish Terrier

The Scottie (#40) is a small dog breed with a jaunty and distinctive appearance. The Scottie is brave, alert, proud, confident, loyal and dignified. While friendly and playful as puppies, the mature Scottish Terrier can be stubborn at times. Therefore it is important to start socializing and obedience training the Scottie while it is a puppy and continue through adolescence. Scotties love to play, so make sure you add play and rewards to your training. The Scottish Terrier does best with older children.

4. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier (#41) is one of the smallest of the working terrier dog breeds. These terriers are bold, spirited and inquisitive but are also somewhat independent-minded. The Cairn is intelligent, affectionate and eager to please its master. This breed is easily trained and likes to do tricks although they may be the tricks that he – not you – wants to do. Cairns do well with older children and love to play games. These Terriers demand lots of attention but will provide you with hours of entertainment in return.

5. Airedale Terrier

The medium-sized Airedale Terrier (#52) is larger than most Terriers and has an even temperament and sweet disposition, although some Airedales can get into fights with other dogs. This terrier is dignified, patient, loyal and intelligent and makes a great companion dog that loves to play with children. The Airedale should be supervised with young children as it may be too boisterous for them. Airedales can be trained to a high level as anything from a guard dog or watchdog to a seeing-eye dog. Airedale puppies are playful and exuberant and obedience training should be started early and re-enforced through adulthood by a knowledgeable owner.

6. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Wheaten Terrier (#59) is cheerful, active, busy, playful and affectionate. The Wheaten is independent and self confident but also fairly intelligent and eager to learn. Wheaten puppies should be socialized early with children, other dogs and strangers. The breed is fairly easy to train if you can get their attention. Wheatens get along fine with older children but can be too playful and assertive with young children. Wheatens are much more sociable than most terriers but will still need obedience training to control their active and assertive nature.

7. Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier (#62) or ‘Bullie’ is a lively and powerful dog. Bull Terriers are fearless, assertive, comical and mischievous. This large breed is loyal, affectionate and loving and can make a good family pet. Bullies are probably too exuberant for small children but will do fine with considerate older children. Bull Terriers need lots of attention and may not be the best choice for the city unless they are involved in lots of family activities. These dogs can be quite strong willed and are difficult to train. The breed needs early socialization when they are puppies and on-going obedience training. Male Bullies, especially those which haven’t been neutered, can be extremely aggressive with other male dogs and even other pets.

8. American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire (#63) is usually calm and friendly with an air of self confidence; this powerful medium-sized breed is active, playful, affectionate and relatively easy to train. The Am Staff loves playing with older children but is too boisterous for young children. However this dog is fearless and is not to be trusted around cats or other dogs. The Am Staff has powerful jaws and will destroy any toys you give it to chew. This breed needs early socialization to other dogs and strangers and on-going obedience training. The Am Staff is the largest of the three breeds generally referred to as Pit Bulls. The other two are the American Pit Bull Terrier which is not registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which is registered with the AKC. In the past, these breeds were all bred to be fighting dogs. Now that this activity is illegal, these pit bull breeds have an undeserved reputation for fighting. This is a dog for an experienced owner and prospective buyers should also check their local area bylaws and also their household insurance to see if there is any restriction on this breed of dog.

9. Parson Russell Terrier

The small-sized Jack Russell Terrier (#72) is known as the Parson Russell Terrier in the U.S. The Parson (Jack) Russell is the most energetic, fearless and athletic of all the terrier dog breeds. The Parson Russell demands full participation in the family activities with lots of physical and mental challenges. If the Jack Russell gets too little exercise and companionship, then this cheerful little dog will get bored and become destructive. The Parson Russell can be very aggressive towards strange dogs and even other family dogs. The Parson (Jack) Russell needs a lot of early socialization while a puppy and adolescent to curb aggressive behavior. These strong-willed Terriers need lots of early and on-going obedience training to ensure the owner and not the dog is in charge. The Parson Russell gets along well with older children – especially those that will play ball or Frisbee with him.

10. White Fox Terrier

The small-sized Wire Fox Terriers (#76) are one of the liveliest and most energetic of all the terrier breeds. The two varieties, the Wire haired and the Smooth, differ only in coat type. These Terriers are very intelligent, curious, cheerful and love their families. The breed has so much energy that it will play and chase a ball or Frisbee for hours on end. Fox Terriers make great playmates for older children but still retain their hunting instincts and shouldn’t be left alone with small pets. These Terriers should be kept on their leashes when being walked. The breed has a stubborn streak and socialization and training should be started when they are puppies and continued into adulthood.