Yorkshire Terriers that are not required for show need not be treated differently from other Toys kept purely as companions. They may also be allowed to frolic outdoors with canine companions, a pleasure that is denied the show Yorkshire Terrier. The latter, in fact, is a glass-case, fine-weather dog, and very artificially treated. As to whether it is best to keep Yorkshire Terriers upon a bare floor, upon an enclosed cushion, or in one of the railed-off kennels, raised a little from the floor, sold by dog-appliance makers, is a matter of individual opinion. One thing, however, is certain - they must not be allowed to sleep upon unenclosed bedding material, or the coat will be spoilt. It will be necessary to carefully watch such artificially kept dogs to prevent them from soiling their quarters and spoiling their coats. When, therefore, the weather is such that it is not possible to allow them outside for natural purposes, some of the mould as sold for cats, a little sanitary sawdust, or just a little straw in a corner should be put down for their convenience.

At one time this handsome-coated little Terrier was the victim of the cropping fiend; but this cruel practice no longer obtains. The dog is, however, one of those that is docked. As a rule, about half the tail is removed, and if the operation be performed, as it should be, within a week or a fortnight of birth, it may be removed by the aid of the thumb-nail only. Dew-claws, if present, should also be removed.

The crowds of ladies attracted to the range of miniature crystal and mahogany palaces, where these little beauties luxuriate on silk and velvet cushions, see little of their make and shape, concealed as the body is by an abundance of flowing hair, arranged with all the art of the accomplished perruquier; and it is quite amusing to see the amount of preparation these little creatures undergo before being carried before the judge.

Necessarily, a dog requiring such a lot of attention as the show Yorkshire Terrier undoubtedly does receives but comparatively scant patronage from the dog-loving public, although its admirers are very numerous. Of those who have attained fame in connection with the variety there are a few names that stand out very prominently - Mesdames Foster, Troughear, Walton, and Beard. At one time a dog like the famous Champion Ted, owned by Mrs. Foster, was considered one of the light-weights of the breed, scaling as it did some 4 ½lb.; but since the days of Ted typical Yorkshire Terriers have been produced at less than half the weight. Such midgets, when females, it is hardly necessary to say, are not used for brood bitches. The risk at whelping-time would be far too great, considering the prices that first-rate specimens of the breed realise. Far better is it to use a medium-sized, roomy bitch of first-class pedigree, coming of a strain renowned for yielding small Yorkshire Terriers, and to mate her with a suitable small sire. Below is set out a description of the breed as given by the Yorkshire Terrier Club: -

General Appearance

The general appearance should be that of a long-coated pet-dog, the coat hanging quite straight and evenly down each side, a parting extending from the nose to the end of the tail. The animal should be very compact and neat, the carriage being very sprightly. Although the frame is hidden beneath a mantle of hair, the general outline should be such as to suggest the existence of a vigorous and well-proportioned body.

Head

This should be rather small and flat, not too prominent or round in the skull, nor too long in the muzzle, with a perfectly black nose. The fall on the head should be very long and of a rich golden tan, deeper in colour at the sides of the head about the ear roots and on the muzzle, where it should be very long. The hair on the chest should be a rich bright tan. On no account must the tan on the head extend on to the neck; nor must there be any sooty or dark hairs intermingled with any of the tan.

Eyes

Medium, dark, and sparkling, having a sharp, intelligent expression, and placed so as to look directly forward. They should not be prominent, and the edge of the eyelids should be dark.

Ears

These should be small, V-shaped, and carried semi-erect or erect, covered with short hair, the colour being of a deep rich tan.

Mouth

Perfectly even, with teeth as sound as possible. An animal having lost any teeth through accident is not a fault, providing the jaws are even.

Body

Very compact, with a good loin, and level on top of the back.

Coat

The hair on the body should be as long as possible, and perfectly straight (not wavy), glossy like silk, and of a fine silky texture. Colour, a dark steel-blue (not a silver-blue) extending from the occiput to the root of the tail, and on no account mingled with fawn, bronze, or dark hairs.

Legs

Quite straight, and well covered with hair of a rich golden tan a few shades lighter at the ends than at the roots, not extending higher on the fore legs than the elbow, nor on the hind legs than the stifle.

Feet

As round as possible, and the toe-nails black.

Tail

Docked to medium length; with plenty of hair, darker blue in colour than the rest of the body, especially at the end of the tail, and carried a little higher than the level of the back.

Tan

All tan hair should be darker at the roots than in the middle, shading to a still lighter tan at the tips.

Weight

Divided into three classes : 5lb. and under; 7lb. and under, but over 51b.; and over 7lb.

Of recent years there has been introduced a class known as "Silver" Yorkshire Terriers. As, however, these for the most part are poor-coloured examples of the true Yorkshire Terrier, it does not appear compatible with a desire to improve the breed to encourage them.