Getting a dog is one of the joyous occasions as they will become a companion for life. There are several different breeds of dogs in the world but the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular breeds out there. While adoption is the best solution from a shelter many people want to know the type of breed.
There are several ways you can identify the breed of a dog such as their character, behavior, color, size, and so on. When it comes to identifying a Yorkshire Terrier it can be quite difficult if you are a first-time dog owner. Keep in mind that the appearance or breed of the dog is a low priority but there is nothing in knowing whether your Yorkie is purebred or not.
In order to do that you need to carefully examine your dog and even consider his physical behavior. In this article, we will understand how you can differentiate whether your Yorkshire Terrier is purebred.
What Makes Yorkshire Terriers Unique?
The Yorkshire Terrier were first bred by Scottish weavers as they took along a little companion with them. While they were initially bred as an exterminator to pursue rodents in the coal mines.
However they were also famous amongst Victorian ladies of Lancashire and Yorkshire because of their silky, floor sweeping fur that eventually became a stylish lapdog. And in 1886, the English Kennel Club recognised the breed as a Yorkshire Terrier.
What Does a Yorkshire Terrier Look Like?
Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, were originally bred to pursue rodents. They ideally weigh around 4-7 pounds and grow upto 8-9 inches tall. One of the most prominent features in identifying a Yorkie is the color.
They are often born with a natural black and tan which eventually changes to different color combinations like Black and Gold, Blue and Tan, Black and Tan, and, Blue and Gold. A unique and rare color combination is a parti that comprises of white, black, and tan. If your Yorkie is all black or all-brown, it is unlikely a purebred Yorkie as it could be a hybrid.
When it comes to the fur texture of a purebred they often have a straight coat that is shiny and stunning. The AKC standard breeds emphasize on the texture, coat quantity, and quality. Lastly, you need to watch out for the body proportions of your dog to identify a Yorkie.
A Yorkie’s Temperament
Every Yorkie is different but purebred Yorkshire Terriers are known to be quite stubborn. A Yorking is very difficult to train as they get older that’s why it is important that you train them at an early age.
It is very common for Yorkies to be aggressive, barrier frustration, and even bark a lot as they are trained to hunt rodents. Most Yorkies are even willing to go head to head with larger dogs or even get yappy with every little sound they hear. In fact other dogs like labradoodles bark a lot too, read here to know why.
Even though they are obstinate, they are also very friendly and approachable. Yorkies are even considered to be very loyal if they receive a lot of attention from their favorite people regularly.
These are just some of the temperament of a Yorkie that will help determine if they are purebred or not. Remember they are intelligent, alert, confident and very lively, so consider all these factors before you bring one of them home.
Official Documentation
If you are getting a Yorkie from a professional breeder, your Yorkies will mostly come with official documentation. This document basically enlightens the dog’s bloodline to a pure lineage. When you examine the papers it will clearly state whether or not it is a pure breed because breeders are generally registered to an accredited institution.
The documentation will also provide information on the dogs parents, grandparents, siblings, breeder, and even the kennel number. When you get a dog from a breeder they usually cost you a sum of money as these Yorkie’s background has been validated, their health is kept in check, and ensure that they come from a purebred lineage.
Genetic Testing
Lastly, if you want to 100% confirm whether your Yorkshire Terrier is a purebred is by getting a DNA test done. The Yorkie DNA test can be done at home where you need to swab your dog’s lip and mail it to the mentioned address. Once you have sent the swab you will receive your results in 2-3 weeks. The home testing DNA kit also forecasts your dog’s mature weight which allows you to be a better pet owner when it comes to dietary decisions for your Yorkie.
These are just some of the ways you can identify if your Yorkshire terrier is a pure breed or not!
