The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as the Yorkie, is a breed of dog in the Toy Group. This feisty little dog breed is notorious for their energy, bravery, intelligence, and at times mischievous behavior. The Yorkshire Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1885 and AKC approved in 2007.
The Yorkshire Terrier breed standard specifies that the dog should have a compact, athletic build suitable for an active lifestyle. The dog should hold itself in an upright, confident manner. Yorkshire Terriers are a long-haired breed with no undercoat, which means that they do not shed as much as their short haired friends. Rather, their hair is like human hair in that it grows continuously and falls out only when brushed or broken.
Though a toy breed, the Yorkshire Terrier still retains much of its terrier ancestry, especially the personality. Individual dogs will differ, but they are generally intelligent, independent and courageous. Yorkshire Terriers are quick to determine where they fit in a household's "pack".
Health issues seen in the Yorkshire Terrier include bronchitis, lymphangiectasia, hepatic lipidosis, cataracts, and keratitis sicca. Yorkies often have a delicate digestive system, with vomiting or diarrhea resulting from consumption of foods outside of a regular diet.