Originally bred in the mid-19th century Yorkshire, England to catch rats, the Yorkshire Terrier was first introduced to Americans in 1872. In 1878, it was one of the first breeds to be acknowledged by the American Kennel Club as eligible for registration. Since then, these cute little pups have warmed our hearts and our homes, earning a spot as the second most popular breed in the United States. Like all the Yorkshire Terrier types, the Teacup Yorkie is bright, energetic, and a favorite of dog lovers everywhere.
The Teacup Yorkie isn’t technically considered a breed on its own. Instead, they are Yorkshire Terriers bred specifically for their small (or “teacup”) size. Despite being small in stature, however, Teacup Yorkies are known for being very energetic, extremely intelligent and exceptionally bold.
All Yorkshire Terrier types are known for being very independent, and the Teacup Yorkie is no exception. They can, at times, be territorial and do like to have their space. That being said, they’re equally happy lying at their owner’s feet or in warm lap.
When it comes to intelligence, the Teacup Yorkie has been ranked as being an above average working dog. They are very quick to pick up new commands, and take to training easily. This makes them wonderful competitors in dog shows, where understanding and carrying out their handler’s commands are important. Add that to the fact that they are brimming with energy and it’s easy to see why they’re always a favorite in show. Because of their sharp, active minds, a large selection of toys is a good idea to keep them happy and occupied.
Teacup Yorkies are charming and intelligent. However, because of their sharp minds, they can get bored very quickly. While they may not need a lot of room to run, frequent walks and a wide variety of toys and distractions are a necessity to keep them occupied. They tend to be very easy to train, as they pick up commands very quickly, and have even been shown to recognize and retrieve different toys by name. Despite this high level of intelligence, though, they are known to be very difficult to housetrain.
Yorkshire Terrier types of all kinds make wonderful household pets for families with older children. Due to its small size, the Teacup Yorkie is often a good choice for those who live in apartments. Weighing less than seven pounds, they are easy to carry and generally problem-free when it comes to family trips.
All in all, Yorkshire Terrier types of all kinds make good household pets for families with older children. With its lively, energetic personality and generally sweet disposition, the Teacup Yorkie fits in well in any home. Usually not weighing more than seven pounds, their small size makes them easy to carry and take on trips. And since they get on well with other animals, they will adjust well to multi-animal homes, or families with older, responsible children.
If you’re considering purchasing a Teacup Yorkie, be sure to read up on the breed. There are plenty of sites offering Yorkshire Terrier information that will help you in selecting a healthy puppy. Like all Yorkshire Terrier types, Teacup Yorkies can suffer from several health problems that are common to the breed, but researching both prospective breeders and knowing what signs to look for can help to ensure that you’re adding a healthy, happy pup to your family.