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The Yorkie, a Small Dog in a Dressy Package
By Michael Russell

Surprisingly, the Yorkshire Terrier, known for its fine “furnishings” and silky long coat, began it’s history as a scrappy rat catcher. Its most likely antecedents are a mixture of various Scottish and Welsh terriers, including the Skye terrier, the Clydesdale terrier and even perhaps the Dandie Dinmont.

Selective breeding through the years miniaturized the Yorkie. It is the second smallest dog in the American Kennel Club registry, (the Chihuahua being the smallest). Selective breeding also improved the texture and length of the coat. The Yorkshire Terrier is noted in the show ring today for its silky coat, characteristically of a steel blue color along the back and sides, gradually blending into a beautiful shade of “autumn orange”. The long hair on the top of the skull may be pulled back and fastened with one bow on the back skull or two bows on either side between its ears.

The coat care of the Yorkshire is extensive. The long silky coat does require a daily grooming. Those who do not have the time for such a chore would do well to take this dog to a groomer on a regular basis or else keep the coat trimmed to a manageable level. The length of the coat in an adult reaches the floor. Also, the facial hair around the eyes and the whiskers below the chin and on the moustache can collect a considerable amount of food mess and need regular combing out. Shampooing of the Yorkie is certainly easy, a kitchen sink with a sprayer attachment works well! The shampoo should not be a “human” shampoo, the dog shampoos that are also conditioners work well, and if the shampoo does not have conditioner in it, then extra conditioner should be applied. The coat should be brushed while slightly damp, it is preferable to have a hair dryer gently blowing the coat as you brush, since this helps to “separate” the hairs. Do not brush a “dry” coat, this will break the ends. If the dog has not been bathed, then spray the coat with fine mist as you brush. As with any breed of dog, and most especially a breed that is and “indoor” dog, its toenails also need to be kept trim on a regular basis. Every six to eight weeks is the norm.

The temperament of the Yorkshire is well suited to fashionable pampering. It seems that this little dog truly enjoys being “decked out” and beribboned. Most owners of Yorkies remark that their pet enjoys nothing more than a session of getting “dressed up” in its Sunday best to go out walking. However, a Yorkie who is not groomed from the beginning of its life as a puppy will NOT appreciate the attention of brushing and so on, and these little characters can present many a problem for a groomer who is not ready for a battle. If you have trained the dog to stand on a grooming table you will find that the job is relatively easy, especially if the grooming table is adjusted to your height.

The Yorkshire terrier possesses a loving and loyal temperament, but like most small dogs often has a difficulty with house-breaking. Although it most likely has lost its “ratting” instinct, it has maintained a lively and inquisitive temperament and is extremely well suited as a companion and pet. The lively character however can certainly lead to mischief and a Yorkie who is ignored can get into a lot of it!

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Pet Care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Yorkie,-a-Small-Dog-in-a-Dressy-Package&id=178771

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So, primp and pamper your little celebs…They’ll eat up all of those compliments they’ll get!

I hope you enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover. These little pups are too cute!

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Deck your Yorkie out with this fabulous Crowned Rhinestone Collar, for the little King or Queen they are:

Purple Majesty Rhinestone Pet Collar Custom made to order, usually leaves our warehouse in 3 – 5 business days. Extraordinarily colorful! Our Purple Majesty Rhinestone Pet Collar is 5/8″ wide . Gorgeous topaz colored stones as well as a multi gem crown Sizes are gauged by ACTUAL neck size, NOT collar size. MEASURE CAREFULLY! Please note: Measure the neck size by snuggly wrapping a tape measure around the neck. Collar will be made with one hole 1/2″ after that measurement and another one 1/2″ after that. *XS (5 to 7″ neck) *S (7-1/2 to 9″ neck) *M (9-1/2 to 11″neck) You may also choose whether you would like a Rhinestone Buckle or a Plain Buckle . The collar will come with 1 leash hook (D-ring). You may choose to have a second ‘D’ ring in center of collar, allowing you to hook your leash in the center. There will still be a D ring by the buckle, as it is used to tuck in the end of the collar. You may choose to hang charms on this D-ring.

Technorati Tags: Yorkshire terrier, terrier breed, Yorkie, pet care, Yorkshire terrier picture, terrier, terrier breed

Keeping Your Yorkshire Terrier Groomed And Pampered is a post from: Terrier Lover

The Maltese is a breed lesser known to have Terrier roots, but it is believed that the breed is mixed with Tibetan Terrier. It is often also referred to as the Maltese Terrier.

Axl Rose even had 2 maltese back in the 80’s…Yes, from Guns n’ Roses…

This is a great little article about the Maltese Terrier breed that gives you it’s roots and informs you about some great personality tips, and this dog’s celebrity status!

Terrieriffic!

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Living With & Loving A Maltese – Ancient Breed Favorite Among Celebrities
By Darin Hosking

Jessica Simpson star of MTV reality television has a Maltese Poodle Cross named “Daisy” in honor of her new character of Daisy Duke in the new Dukes Of Hazard movie. The small lap dogs are the favorite accessories for style-conscious celebrities.

Other celebrities who own full blood Maltese include Sean Puffy Combs who owns a Maltese name”Sophie”. Elizabeth Taylor’s Maltese is named “Sugar”.

The Maltese is documented as the oldest breed of all the lap dogs. This breed was the favorite of the royal families. The ladies of the royal court adored and revered the small beautiful breed.

The women of the royal court would carry the Maltese on their sleeves like little ornaments to attest to their station in life. The Greek Philosopher Theophrastus and even Aristotle described the beauty of the Maltese in their writings.

The glorious Maltese is still an adored pet and sought-after as a show dog and as the companion to the modern royal court of celebrities.

Other Facts About The Maltese:
The Maltese was first registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1888. This dog is classified in the Toy Dog Group.

History:
Some historical evidence links the Maltese to the genetic make up of the Lhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terrier, the Tibetan Spaniel, and even the Pekingese. By all accounts, the Maltese is a truly ancient breed of dog. – Aristotle wrote about the Maltese in 350 BC. Aristotle attributed the origin of the dog to the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. The name Maltese is derived from the area of Malta. It is believed that the dogs arrived in Europe through the migration of nomad tribes.

Physical Characteristics:
* Small in size
* Beautifully appointed
* Luxurious silky white coat hanging straight to the ground
* Common color is pure white – light ivory cream

Size & Height
* Height from 1-10 inches
* Weight from 3 to 10 lbs.

Personality:
* Adaptable
* Playful
* Intelligent
* Will exercise themselves

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Cautions:
* Needs puppy obedience school
* Energetic in nature
* Can be snappish with inconsiderate children
* May be difficult to housebreak

Physical Accommodations:
* Active in doors
* Enjoys walks in the park
* Playful up to their old age
* Most comfortable in mild weather

Health Problems:
* Sunburn
* Various skin problems
* Respiratory problems
* Problems with the eyes
* Problem with the teeth
* Some digestive problems
* May be difficult to feed

The long, silky, dazzling white hair of the Maltese requires daily combing and brushing. Be gentle with this little creature
because the coat is very soft. The eyes should be cleaned daily to prevent staining.

The Maltese’s beard needs to be cleaned after eating to maintain the dog’s pristine appearance. Bathing is needed on a regular basis. The Maltese must be thoroughly dried after a water bath. The ears are of some concern and should be free from any hair in the canal. The Maltese sheds little to no hair.

These dogs offer their owners years of faithful companionship and gives loving obedience to the right family.

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Animaroo provides in depth information on dog breeds, puppies for sale, and includes
photos, traits of specific dog breed, and common health issues. For Information on finding and living with
the Maltese – visit:
http://www.animaroo.com/puppies/Maltese_Puppies_For_Sale.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darin_Hosking
http://EzineArticles.com/?Living-With-and-Loving-A-Maltese—Ancient-Breed-Favorite-Among-Celebrities&id=446018

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I enjoyed today’s installment of Terrier Lover learning about the Maltese Terrier today, as I didn’t know much about their Terrier breed origins. Until next time…

Love Your Terrier,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Get your Maltese Calendar before all the cute ones are gone for 2008:

Maltese 2008 Wall Calendar Though its precise origin is up for debate, the Maltese has strong, ancient ties to the Mediterranean, and it is certainly one of the oldest European breeds. The first Maltese exhibited in the United States was listed as a Maltese Lion Dog in 1877.

Technorati Tags: maltese terrier, maltese, terrier breed, maltese puppies for sale, maltese puppies, Jessica Simpson, Axl Rose, Guns n’ Roses, Sean Puffy Combs, Elizabeth Taylor, Theophrastus, Aristotle, toy dog

Maltese Terrier: Celebrity’s Favorite Dog? is a post from: Terrier Lover