Meet the Yorkie

Book excerpt: The American Kennel Club’s Meet the Yorkie is the AKC’s first official publication on the Yorkshire Terrier, the most popular breed in the Toy Group and one of the world’s most beloved companion breeds. Produced in cooperation with the American Kennel Club and the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, Meet the Yorkie presents accurate, authoritative information on all aspects of purchasing and owning the tiny Yorkshire Terrier. This colorful and useful owner’s guide is divided into eleven chapters, which cover the breed’s history, characteristics, and the requirements for owning this very special Toy dog with the floor-length blue and tan coat. All titles in the American Kennel Club’s Meet the Breed series are heavily illustrated with eye-catching color images of well-bred puppies and beautiful adults, a true feast for the eyes of any Yorkie lover. A chapter devoted to the purchase and selection of the Yorkie puppy gives the reader specific guidance on how to locate a qualified breeder and to recognize a healthy, sound puppy. Individual chapters on house-training and basic obedience serve as a primer in positive training techniques, the AKC’s only recommended way of training dogs. Chapters on exercise, grooming, feeding, and healthcare present indispensable information for new dog owners. As an official publication of the AKC, Meet the Yorkie also explains the many vital programs offered by the country’s leading canine organization to all pet dog owners, including the S.T.A.R. Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen programs, as well as descriptions of various dog sports such as conformation showing, agility, herding, obedience and more. A detailed resources section offers recommendations for websites, books, periodicals, and club affiliate programs, all of great interest to responsible new dog owners.