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Yorkshire Terrier Intellegence

Yorkshire Terriers are considered as a breed largely intelligent there have been many tests on the intelligence of dogs and are considered one of the most intelligent animals. One such test was carried out by a Dr. Stanley Coren whose expertise is on animal intelligence. The Yorkie ranked an impressive 27th out of a total of 132 breeds tested. He concluded that a Yorkshire terrier understood a new command after only about 15 repetitions and also would obey a command the first time heard at the very least 70% of the time. These trends able Yorkies to succeed in obedience and agility and also their natural beauty makes them popular for show dogs. It is also alleged that certain experiments have found it possible for a Yorkie to recognize specific words orientated with specific labelled toys and fetch them accordingly.

Independence

Yorkshire terriers are very energetic bundles but also require a lot of rest and do so alone most of the time. Well bred and handled Yorkies will often be content to simply be near their owner instead of on their lap. Although history says that early terriers hunted with their owners and other dogs, they also hunted their own prey and have a strike of independence, but again depend on its up bringing. Yorkies who have been ‘mothered’ and pampered tend to be more clingy and demanding which goes against their genetics of self confidence. However the true independent nature of the breed can make it difficult to train them but they are fast learners. It is important to phrase the dog and try and engage the Yorkie in activities.

For a Yorkshire terrier to become an American Kennel Club or AKC registered Yorkshire terrier the dog must have certain characteristics especially to do with their appearance. When Yorkshire terriers are born they are born with an undefined black and tan coat usually mixed together until they have matured. The AKC for mature, adult Yorkies focuses on the importance of coat colour, texture, the markings and the quality at which it is kept at. The Yorkies coat or hair must be silky, fine and glossy. Some Yorkies however have fine hair which is harder to care for as it can become tangled and knotted quicker. The coat from the base of the tail right to the back of the neck should be a solid dark steel blue and not mixed with any other colour. However the hair on the tail should be a darker blue to that on the base of the neck. The hair on the head, legs and chest should be a rich bright tan colour and the colour should fade from dark roots to a lighter tan colour on the tips. Some Yorkies however have been known to remain a greyish colour rather than turning to a tan/blond. It is important in adult dogs that the tan is pure and not speckled with darker colours, it must be solid. Some pet quality Yorkies may have less desired textured coats however this does not affect their lovable nature. Many Yorkies also do not conform to this standard tan and black coat, many are grey, black, light tan through to dark brown or slivery grey. The coat must also be perfectly straight and most breeders will trim the hair to foot level to create a flowing affect when walking and neatness. The Yorkies paw-pads, lips, eye-rims, nails and nose should be a dark colour, most commonly black. The hair on the feet and the tips of ears should be kept short and well maintained for a neater appearance. A traditional Yorkshire terriers coat requires a lot of maintenance which could be spending hours a day simply brushing the coat. When showing these dogs with long haired coats, a tip to do when in between exhibitions is to use light oil specifically made for show coats then wrap the hair in rice paper, tissue paper or plastic, this helps to maintain a high glossy look and prevents hair being broken easily. The oil is washed out at least once a week and the wraps must be checked frequently to avoid them pulling on the hair and breaking it. However some owners opt to have the coat trimmed shorter as the high maintenance is too much.

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There are many distinctive qualities that are present in a Yorkshire terrier - see temperment / boldness.