How to pick your Yorkshire Terrier

Everyone wants the perfect dog for their family. One that will love their kids, be with them in their old age, a companion, and a friend. If you pick the Yorkshire Terrier then you have picked one of the best.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. To start make sure you want a Yorkshire Terrier "Yorkie" as your dog. Finding a good breeder is a little difficult but do not just go to one and get a yorkie make sure you go to several before you decide anything. Yes some will pressure you in making a decision but always look around.

2. 
    
   This is what the puppy will look more like when you see it at the breeder's.

   Once you have chosen a breeder to see there are several things you want to look at. If you buy a puppy they will be almost black and a dark brown. You nee to know that there is not a 'teacup yorkie' this term is used because the breeder does not know the standards.

3. The main issue with dogs is getting the pedigree. once you get to the breeders tell them you want the pedigree of the mother and father. This is like the family tree. You do not want any crossing lines in the pedigree. Make sure (if you are in the US) that the dogs are registered with the AKC - American Kennel Club. You can not have a parent registered with the AKC and the other registered with the CKC- Canadian Kennel Club and expect to get papers on your dog.

4. The ideal height is 8 to 9.5 inches tall at the shoulder. The weight should be between 4 and 6 pounds. The yorkies should not exceed 7 pounds. If you choose to look for one to breed yourself one day they need to be no less than 4.5 pounds due to health reasons. The head should be flat on top and not to rounded like an apple. Ears should be a v-shaped and not dropped or drooping. The tail should be docked to medium length and carried a little higher than the back. Their body should be short but not squatty. It should have a straight back - this has an effect on speed and their movement. The coat should be long and straight, the color should be a steel blue from the head to the tail. On the head there should be a tan not golden hair. The legs should be a tan and the tan should not extend above the elbows. If you are looking at puppies then you will need to see the parents for these details and if possible the grandparents and great grandparents.

5. By now you have found the dog you might get. Now if you have a child that can go with you to see the dog you want take them. I cannot stress that enough. There are breeds out there who cannot stand kids and the last thing you want is your sweet puppy snapping at a kid.

6. Once you have done that get the papers on your dog ASAP do not hesitate!

Tips & Warnings

• Get references from your breeder and call them.
• Do not order online.
• Be careful of the so called 'breeders' this process is not to be taken lightly.

[lastca]

on 6/15/2009 This article helped me out