Rough Diamond Pets

Original Function:  Bred to catch rats & other small mammals.
Modern Function: Pets, companions, showing.
Appearance: Long-coated, intelligent toy terrier. Very compact and neat, carriage very upright conveying an important air. General outline conveying the impression of vigorous and well-proportioned body.
Weight/Height: Up to 3,2kg (7 lb). The Yorkie is a toy terrier which should be bigger than the Chihuahua but smaller than the Chinese Crested Dog.
Coat Colours/Texture: Adult’s body colour should be dark steel blue with rich, bright tan hair on the chest.   Ears very deep, rich tan.  Forequarters and hindquarters should be covered with hair of rich golden tan, a few shades lighter at ends than at roots. Tail should be darker blue than rest of body, especially at the end.   The fall on the head should be long, rich golden tan, deeper in colour at sides of head.  Puppies are black with small tan points when they are born. Coat should be a glossy, fine silky texture, not woolly. 
Grooming: The long silky coat should be brushed daily and washed weekly.   A show dog must be wrapped, washed and oiled regularly to enhance coat growth and keep it in show condition.
Character/Temperament: Small, lively, intelligent, glamourous little dog, with loads of character and personality. Typical Terriers – busy, inquisitive, always looking for adventure and very alert.  Protective of their home and people, they make perfect companions, and do not require much space.  Do not shed hair. Because of their small size, they are fragile and not suited to families with small children. They also require regular grooming. Care should be taken not to feed table scraps or junk food as they have delicate stomachs. The colour should be dark steel blue and tan – other colours are incorrect. 
Compatibility with other animals/cats: Can be very possessive over their owners but they can live with other dogs (not terriers) if raised with them. Gets on with cats when raised with them, but is still a hunter and might attack fowl or other smaller animals.
Compatibility with people/children: Amazing with children of all ages if brought up with them.
Indoors/Outdoors: Yorkies are definitely not suited to be outside in a kennel.   They do not have an undercoat and will feel the cold very easily if left to stay outdoors.   They are very good companion dogs and prefer to be with their owners indoors.  
Exercise/Training: Do not need a big garden to exercise but love to be taken on regular walks.
Longevity/Health: They are normally healthy and long-lived dogs.   Small Yorkies can often have serious health and behavioural problems.   Special attention should be given to dental care. Patella Luxation (slipping patellas/kneecaps), Portosystemic Shunt (Liver shunt), Tracheal collapse, Sensitive digestive system, Hypoglycemia