Do you suffer from allergies but have always wanted to own a pet? Or maybe someone in your family is allergic to dogs, and so you've thought you can't own a dog. Well, there are many breeds available who are considered to be "hypoallergenic." This means that they produce little to no pet dander (which is what people are usually allergic too). So, if you want a hypoallergenic dog, Yorkshire terriers are an excellent choice!
Though many different breeds of dogs have been known to have roots dating back several centuries, the Yorkshire terriers are considered a relatively new breed. The Yorkshire terrier we now know today was first seen in a dog show in 1870 in the United Kingdom. It is believed that the Yorkshire terrier originated in northern England, with workers who used them primarily in hunting badgers or rat catching. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Yorkshire terrier was popular among women and they we carried under their arms or in little doggie bags (very similar to today's Chihuahua). They later grew in popularity as primarily a show dog.
Yorkshire terriers are blue-black in color, and sometimes have tan accents. They have a long, silky coat, and it parts naturally downward along their spine. Their eyes are wide and alert, and they are usually a dark brown or blackish color. They have shaggy hair around their face, and owners usually tie back their "bangs" (forming a little whale-spout) so they can see clearly. If the pup is not a show dog, the owners sometimes simply clip the hair around the face for the utmost visibility. Yorkshire terriers are normally 6 to 7 inches in height and weigh roughly 7 lbs.
The temperament of Yorkshire terriers does not quite fit their size. Their attitude suggests they are completely unaware of their small stature. They have strong personalities, yet they are very affectionate and loving toward their owners. They are alert, energetic, loyal, and intelligent. They are also very protective of their owners and may be slightly wary of strangers at first. They sometimes become upset if they are afraid, nervous, or are over-teased; because of this, they are ideal for slightly older children who are more understanding and considerate than smaller children. Yorkshire terriers also need apt attention from their owners, and they freely give it right back. As a small dog, they do have a tendency to bark, but with basic obedience training, it is certainly possible to overcome.
Common health issues among this breed include their propensity for getting bronchitis, tooth decay, and sometimes spinal or bone injuries. It is recommended they eat dry dog food instead of wet to promote strong teeth and jaws, in addition to occasional professional teeth cleaning at the veterinary clinic.
Yorkshire terriers are fun loving, energetic pups. They are protective and loyal, yet affectionate and often friendly. Most often called for in dog shows because of their beauty, they make for excellent pets at home as well. If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, consider getting a Yorkshire terrier, they will keep the sniffles at bay and give you smiles instead!
Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring:pet beds, pet ramps and elevated dog feeders.
[PGAA Note: Other breeds that may be good with allergy suffers (depending on the allergies): Airedale Terrier, Barbet, Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bergamasco, Bichon Frisé, Border Terrier, Bouvier des Flandres, Cairn Terrier, Chinese Crested, Coton De Tulear, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Fox Terrier (Wire), Greyhound, Havanese, Irish Water Spaniel, Italian Greyhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Puli, Scottish Terrier, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Standard Schnauzer, Tibetan Terrier, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier]
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