Dogs: Yorkshire

More than just a fashionable dog, the Yorkshire has become a truly popular dog in our country. Especially since some of the misconceptions it was subject to have disappeared. This charming little dog has indeed managed to show that it is reserved neither for ladies nor film stars, that it is a real dog, capable of meeting the expectations of the most demanding owners—and more...

Started with the best British bloodlines, French breeding produces remarkable dogs. But this success is tarnished by a very poor-quality parallel market that continues to grow. The problems come from all sides: illegal imports of undocumented dogs sold off for a few hundred euros; puppies raised in puppy mills and ending up in pet stores; private individuals who become amateur breeders to supplement their income... “It’s a crisis, and we are suffering the consequences,” laments Liliane Richard, president of the Club. “In such a context, it is very difficult to develop a breed in the right direction. And you don’t buy a puppy like a packet of coffee; you need to take the time to get informed. I recently saw a so-called York—with a birth certificate—that was completely black and curly like a poodle. It’s serious!” 

The York has a strong personality, but since it puts on airs of being a “goody-goody,” one might think the rascal is hiding his true nature. Yet just a few minutes of observation are enough to understand what he is made of. His alert little face, watchful gaze, and the quiver of vitality running through his body already say a great deal. “To me, the York is a dog that lives in three dimensions,” says a breeder. “He is curious about everything that moves, even when he is half asleep.”

He is a terrier, certainly a companion terrier, but a terrier first and foremost. In other words, he is made to move, walk, run, and romp freely; he is capable of mountain excursions, boating... Anything is possible with him because he is hardy. He adapts to a calm, sedentary life, but he should not be confined too much for fear that something might happen to him. In the city, you are quite right to carry him in your arms or in a bag, because he is vulnerable to kicks in the crowd, and especially to exhaust fumes, a scourge that weakens the eyes and respiratory tract. On the other hand, rain, snow, dirt, or mud are poor reasons to keep him from touching the ground: there is nothing stopping you from putting a small waterproof coat on him and washing his paws when you return. Isn’t the important thing to make him happy? You should not hesitate to let the little darling loose in nature either, because even if he sets off at a gentle trot, he quickly returns to his owners, then sets off again with renewed enthusiasm, and so on. It is a constant, joyful back-and-forth. He loves frolicking in the grass, paddling in ponds, poking his nose into holes, and nosing around in the bushes.

This behavior almost calls for advanced psychology, because it is well known that dominance is not merely a matter of muscle. However, many dogs with easily bruised pride take this kind of provocation literally. Their immediate response can be dangerous, even fatal, for the Yorkie. It is better to pick him up when an unleashed tough dog approaches. You should also be aware of his boldness and assess its extent during his first year. A harness, which allows you to quickly pull him away from an opponent’s teeth, is preferable to a collar. That said, a well-socialized dog that learned during his first four months, with his mother at the breeder’s, to respect adult dogs will more readily approach a fellow dog calmly to sniff it, and the other dog will generally not object.