From a scruffy past as a rat catcher, today’s beauty inspires fierce devotion among his/her owners and is among the top ten dog breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Vital Statistics: Life span: 12-14 years Adult weight: maximum 7 pounds Adult height: 7-9 inches

What’s good and bad about the Yorkie?

Pros:

• A true beauty
• Feisty but loving
• Loyal to his owner
• Vigilant watchdog

Cons:

• Gorgeous coat must be groomed AT LEAST three times a week
• S/he’ll always bark – you can curb but not eliminate it
• Usually do not get along with young children, they prefer a quieter lifestyle
• There’s enough terrier to cause them to chase moving targets. Buy a leash and body harness first thing.
• This popular dog has been overbred and you need to carefully select a breeder and line. Otherwise you’ll understand how small dogs got a reputation as yappy, snappy and possessive.

Here’s an example of how they ‘talk.’