Why is Yorkshire Terrier Temperament essential to know about?
The Yorkshire Terrier emerged as a breed in the 19th century from combining different Terrier breeds. These include the Skye, Dandie Dinmont, Maltese, Manchester, and the extinct breeds of Clydesdale and Leeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is not as small as the dog we have today.
It was a relatively large dog, but was bred over time to become smaller. Its size today is due to the fact that Yorkies were initially used as hunting dogs to chase rats and small animals away from mills and mines in Yorkshire, England.
Without a doubt, this was the reason why Yorkshire Terriers have such a temperament. They behave similarly to larger breeds of dogs.
They are assertive and always want to go their way. Although they may be regarded as “toy dogs” now, they never realize their small size.
Dominant Personality
Despite its size, one dominant trait of the Yorkshire Terrier temperament is its ability to assert its presence, which eventually leads to dominance. If not well-taught with social skills, this dog can get into fights with larger dogs even though there’s no apparent chance of victory. It can get too aggressive towards strangers and other animals.
This is also why Yorkies are often kept at home on leashes and rarely brought to parks and other public places. They can always pick up fights along the way and get themselves killed if they are no match.
The personality of a Yorkshire Terrier makes it an ideal home pet for a single owner. This breed tends to be possessive of its master and gets grumpy when somebody tries to get its attention. Yorkshire Terriers are attention-seekers.
They always want to get noticed. If you ignore them, they sometimes get disheartened. Thus, a breed like this requires consistent discipline and regular exercise to mitigate its bad temperament.
Yorkshire Terriers are famous for their stubbornness. This behaviour is somewhat inherited, and their history has something to do with it. When “not in the mood,” they often refuse to follow or listen. Improper housebreaking may have also contributed to this.
Sometimes, Yorkshire Terriers also get too dominant and aggressive. Excessive barking is always a significant concern to owners, and their noise is often disturbing. As needed, proper discipline and training can reduce this lousy behaviour.
A Brilliant Breed
Nevertheless, there’s always a good side to the Yorkshire Terrier’s temperament. If given proper discipline, they can become very obedient and follow commands. They are brilliant dogs with a strong passion for learning. They are among the most intelligent breeds of dogs.
Despite their size, they are highly active and energetic. They usually perform excellently in dog shows and sports and receive good training. As dog professionals suggest, keeping them engaged can prevent them from being too attached to their masters.
Yorkshire Terrier temperament can lead to both positive and negative behaviours. These qualities should be carefully considered when bringing a pet into your household. Think over what you need.
