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+Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standards
+Maltese Standards
Yorkshire Terrier Breed Standards
Size: up to 7 pounds
Approximate Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
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Average Litter size: 2-3
Summary Including History: |
The long flowing coat of the Yorkshire Terrier gives it a glamorous appearance along with its eye-catching tiny size. It is believed that this beautiful little dog originated from crossing the Waterside Terrier with the Old English Black Terrier, the Paisley Terrier, the rough-coated English Terrier, and the Clydesdale Terrier, and most likely the Maltese and the Skye Terrier. This beautiful little dog was originally bread in Yorkshire, England for hunting and killing rats. It was used by the miners as a sporting terrier in rat-killing contests. The time frame for this took place in the mid 19th century. The Yorkshire Terrier became a fashionable pet during the late Victorian era. Around 1870 it was decided that the breed name should be changed from Scottish Terrier to what we now know as the Yorkshire Terrier, at which time it also made it's appearance in the United States. The first Yorkshire Terriers are believed to have weighed approximately 15 pounds. The breed was soon in great demand as a pet. This beautiful little dog was first registered with AKC in 1936. The Yorkie is now registered with other notable registries such as APRI (America's pet Registry), ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC.
Physical Description:
The Yorkshire Terrier's appearance is that of a long-coated toy dog with a straight flowing silky body of lusterous blue and tan coat color. The hair is parted from the base of the skull to the tail. The hair is often tied with a bow at the top-center of the head. The long-flowing hair should be trimmed for a neat appearance. The body is square, compact, and well proportioned. The dog's high head carriage and alert, confident manner give a vigorous appearance of self-importance. The tail is docked to a medium length. The newborn Yorkshire Terrier is born black in color with a short coat. The newborn has tan on the eyebrow, jaws, chest and feet. The head is small in size and rather flat on top. The skull is not too prominent or round. The muzzle is of medium length, not too long. The bite should be neither undershot nor overshot with sound teeth. The nose is black. Eyes are dark in color, medium in size and not too prominent with a sharp , inteligent expression. Eye rims are dark. The ears are a small, ^- shape standing erect and set not too far apart.
Temperament:
The intelligent, friendly Yorkshire Terrier loves to romp and play. They exibit keen alertness and a loving attitude toward their caretakers which make them an excellent traveling companion. They are described as confident, affectionate, lively and spirited with an even disposition. The Yorkie is an excellent watch dog willing to bark at a knock on your door, but due to his/her tiny size will rate low as a guard dog.
Care:
Brushing the unique, long coat of the Yorkshire Terrier regularly is essential to prevent it from matting. Bathing on a weekly basis with a mild shampoo helps to maintain a healthy, clean coat. Extra care must be taken in extreme cold or hot weather.
Activity:
The Yorkshire Terrier enjoys walking on a leash as well as playing inside the house. They make a perfect house pet due to their small size and limited need of large spaces. They are very social and enjoy playing with people and other dogs.
Health Issues:
An excellent link to health issues of the Yorkshire Terrier is; Yorkieviews
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Maltese Standards
Size: Up to 7 pounds
Approximate Life Expectancy: 15+ years
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Breed Origin |
The Maltese has been around since ancient times and is acknowledged as one of the oldest breeds of dogs. The origin of the Maltese hails from Italy by historians to the Italian town of "Melitae". The word “Maltese” derives from “ Malta”. Perhaps the oldest of the toy breeds from Europe, once they reached England the Maltese became popular for their small size and loyal companionship. This breed is still one of the more in-demand show dogs. |
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Physical Description |
Maltese have a silky white mantle of long, thick hair. He is a small elegant toy- sized dog. His skull is lightly rounded on top Maltese have drop ears set rather low that are feathered with long flowing hair. The eyes are dark, round and set not too far apart with a black rim around them. The muzzle is medium in length with a black nose. The Maltese carries his neck straight and tall promoting a high confident head carraige. It is idea for the hieght and length of the dog to be equal. The Maltese carries his long haired plume tail gracefully curled over his back with the tip over one side. The coat is single without an undercoat hanging flat and silky over each side of the body. The long hair is often tied up in the center top of the head with a bow or band, although it may be left hanging. Light tan or lemon is often noted in the coat hair, especially over the ears, although it is less desireable than a pure white coat. |
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Temperament |
The Maltese is a gentle breed with spirit, boldness and loyalty. He is quick to bond with an owner and generally obedient. A good watch dog, he will not hesitate to bark or otherwise protect their owner if he believes danger to be present. Maltese are affectionate and enjoy petting and obeying commands. Maltese get along well with other animals and people. For his small toy size, the Maltese seems to be without fear. The Maltese is generally a mild natured, nonaggressive companion.
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Care |
Brushing the unique, long coat of the Maltese regularly (preferably daily) is essential to prevent it from matting. The eyes and beard must also be frequently cleaned to prevent staining. Trimming the hair around the tear duct generally helps prevent eye irritation and some tear staining. Weekly bathing with a mild shampoo keeps the coat more managable. The hair is generally nonshedding and hypoallerganic. One option that some owners choose is to trim the Maltese’s coat shorter than show length to make care somewhat easier to manage. |
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Activity |
The Maltese moves with a jaunty, smooth, flowing gait. While Maltese enjoy play and walks, they don’t require as much exercise as some other breeds. This makes them particularly suitable for apartments and situations where dogs won’t be able to run around outdoors. Maltese are very social, so they definitely enjoy playing with both people and other dogs. The Maltese does well with older children who play with them and handle them properly. |
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Health Issues |
Digestion is sometimes an issue for Maltese, so it’s important to feed them a proper diet to avoid any problems. They cannot tolerate extreme hot or very cold weather and should also be kept away from particularly damp conditions. Other potential health issues for Maltese dogs and puppies include sunburn (along their hair part), eye problems, and dental issues. Dental hygiene is important. |
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Summary |
The Maltese is a small toy dog with a gentle, loving, and loyal disposition. A sturdy dog, the Maltese has a fine silky-white thick coat. Maltese are graceful, social, and tend to bond closely with a particular owner.
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