They’re the small and scrappy mutts that make the perfect pint–sized companion.
But Yorkshire Terriers could be at risk of extinction thanks to a huge decline in popularity, vets have warned.
The breed – once loved by celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Simon Cowell – have seen their registration numbers drop by 80 per cent since 2013.
And experts say it’s because owners are shunning the traditional pooch for more ‘fashionable’ dogs.
Fondly known as the ‘Yorkie’, the breed dates back to the mid–1800s when Scottish labourers travelling to work in the mines and cotton mills of Yorkshire brought their terriers with them.
Despite its working class origins it soon became popular with ladies as a house pet and lap dog.
They are so pampered that today, it is the only breed which is exhibited on a decorative box in the show ring at Crufts.
While once highly sought–after, Kennel Club registrations indicate that the pedigree subset of the breed is in significant decline, dropping sharply from 0.93 per cent of all registrations in 2013 to just 0.18 per cent of all registrations in 2022.
British actress Audrey Hepburn and Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell are among those who love the breed
A Yorkshire terrier waits to go in the show ring during Crufts. It is the only breed which is exhibited on a decorative box in the show ring
This means the pedigree Yorkie may soon be classified as a ‘vulnerable breed’ that is close to extinction, experts from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London said.
The ‘purebred’ Yorkshire Terrier is defined as not weighing more than 3.2kg.
Meanwhile the wider population of Yorkies are a ‘very different type of dog’ with a much larger body size, averaging around 5kg.
The overall levels of ownership for the non–pedigree Yorkies are much higher – around 2.15 per cent – but they have also experienced a drop in popularity in recent decades.
Experts are now urging the British public to ‘reembrace the pet Yorkie’ as analysis shows they are largely healthy dogs who live relatively long lives.
Data collected from more than 28,000 Yorkshire Terriers reveals they have an average lifespan of 13.56 years – substantially longer than the 12–year average for dogs overall.
However, the breed is especially prone to dental disease, with owners encouraged to be vigilant about their dogs’ oral hygiene.
Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and lead author of the paper, said: ‘This new study provides good news that the general pet population of Yorkshire Terriers are robust dogs with long lives, whose welfare can benefit further from extra attention to good dental hygiene.
While once highly sought–after, Kennel Club registrations indicate that the pedigree subset of the breed is in significant decline (stock image)
‘Perhaps it is time for us all to reembrace the pet Yorkie as a good choice of breed to acquire.’
Dr Alison Skipper, Veterinary and Research Advisor at the Kennel Club, added: ‘This new study confirms that “Yorkies” are a good choice for someone wanting a healthy pet with low levels of breed–related disease.’
One firm fan of the breed was British actress Audrey Hepburn, whose Yorkshire Terrier, Mr Famous, travelled with her to be on location for films.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, meanwhile, has previously shown off his Yorkshire Terriers Squiddly and Diddly.
According to The Kennel Club, Yorkshire Terriers are suitable for people who live in a flat or apartment and only require up to 30 minute of exercise per day.
However, they have long coats and need to be groomed daily.
The findings were published in the journal Companion Animal Health and Genetics.
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