LOOKING FOR A PET?

We have prepared a small and furry website to help you in your quest to learn more about Yorkshire Terriers, their needs, temperament, and the things you can do to ensure you'll enjoy your dog's companionship for years to come. Read about the origins of the breed, learn how to groom your Yorkie, illnesses and cures, how and what to look for when purchasing pedigree pups and lots of other fun things.
There are just SO MANY choices, but some are better than others. We think that there is only one perfect pet, a Yorkshire Terrier usually called a Yorkie. Of course, that's quite a statement, “the perfect pet.” You will want to be convinced, of course.
A Yorkshire Terrier is a happy, lovable little bundle of bouncy pure energy. We have been raising puppies for many years. Our main objective is to raise healthy, happy pups for their new adoptive parents… YOU! Our beautiful pups are from excellent champion bloodlines. All pups are health guaranteed.

YORKIES HAVE
NUMEROUS
ADVANTAGES

PThey are wonderful companions. They are especially affectionate, very cheerful and intelligent.
PPeople are not allergic to Yorkie’s because their hair is like human hair.
PThey take up very little space.
PYou can take them with you. Small ones can be carried in a pocket, larger ones in a handbag. They can sit quietly for hours.
PThey are inexpensive to maintain.
PThey are excellent guard-dogs.
PThey are wonderful to play with, not intimidated by your size, love a good tug-of-war, chasing and retrieving and learn quickly when properly taught.
PThey look great and are relatively easy to maintain if you don't plan on showing them.
PPeople will fall in love with them immediately. They are great people magnets.
PThey are easily adaptable to all surroundings.
PThey are long-lived compared with larger dogs.
PThey love the attention given in obedience classes. They tend to want to please and they are fun and easy to work with.
PYorkshire Terriers are small dogs with big personalities. While many are perfect lap dogs, they were bred to be hunters of mice and rats. They are not wimps. They will fearlessly challenge any dog, cat or stranger. They love to dig and chase.
PThey are excellent with the elderly and infirm.
PThey are also very good with children who are not too aggressive.
PThey get along well with other pets including other dogs, birds & cats once acclimated. As they were bred to kill rats and mice they may try to attack rodents.

NO PET IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT…

PThey don't realize how small they are and need to be protected against large dogs.
PBeing intelligent and confident they are more difficult to train than some other breeds.
PThey are not happy being left alone for long periods. If you intend to do so, buy a pair so that they have a companion or prepare to be licked to death when you get home.
PIf you purchase a young puppy (less than 10 weeks) you will not know what it will look like when it is older. All quality Yorkie’s are born black and tan. After 10-12 weeks their adult coats will start to grow in generally adding silver, blonde and even white to their coloration.
PEqually it is impossible to judge the adult size of a Yorkie before the age of 12 weeks. We have had tiny puppies grow to normal size and normal sized puppies stay tiny.
PThey're teeth need more attention than those of a large dog. Baby teeth will sometimes need to be pulled.
PWhen falling ill, medical attention should be given promptly as they can submit more quickly than larger dogs.

LOVE FOR SALE

The person, who said that you can't buy love, never purchased a Yorkshire Terrier!
While they may bark at strangers, they just adore their owners. Whenever we come home or open our bedroom door in the morning they practically jump out of their skins, they are so happy to see us.
They naturally want to be near you, whether you let them sit on your lap or make them sit at your feet, whenever you get up they get up too so they can follow you.
You can see the love in their eyes, usually they will turn over on their backs so you can rub their bellies, the nicest feeling they have ever had.
We just love Yorkshire Terriers. It's an unusual person who doesn't.
They are not only beautiful, they have wonderful, big, bright & cheerful personalities and love people.
Yorkie’s are small enough to be a take-along pet. The biggest problem is people stopping you and wanting to pet them.

We firmly believe that 'a puppy is for life' and, therefore,
only the very best, most loving homes will do for a Lochness Kennel Yorkie.

It is the right of all our puppies to be

FREE from hunger and thirst
FREE from discomfort
FREE from pain, injury or disease
FREE to express normal behavior,
FREE from fear and distress, and to be
LOVED wholeheartedly.

Want a lovely healthy puppy, then say "NO" to 'designer' dogs and backyard breeders.

I don't remember much from the place I was born. It was cramped and
dark and we were never played with by humans. I remember Mom and her
soft fur, but she was often sick, and very thin. She had hardly any
milk for me and my brothers and sisters. I remember many of them
dying, and I missed them so.

I do remember the day I was taken from Mom. I was so sad and scared,
my milk teeth had only just come in, and I really should have still been
with Mom, but she was so sick, and the humans kept saying that
they wanted money and were sick of the "mess" that my sister and I
made. So we were crated up and taken to a strange place. Just the two
of us. We huddled together and were scared; still no human hands came
to pet or to love us.

So many sights and sounds, and smells!! We are in a store where there
are many different animals! Some that squawked! Some that meow! Some
that peeped! My sister and I are jammed into a small cage, I hear other
puppies whine. I see humans looking at me, I like the "little
humans", and they look like they'd be fun, like they would play with me!

All day we are kept in the small cage, sometimes mean people will hit
the glass and frighten us, every once in a while we are taken out to
be held or shown to humans. Some are gentle, some hurt us, we always
heared "AW they are so cute! I want one!" but we never get to go with
any.

My sister died last night, when the store was dark. I lay my head on
her soft fur and felt the life leave her small thin body. I had heard
them say she was sick, and that I should be sold at a "discount
price" so that I would quickly leave the store. I softly whined to
mourn for her as they took her body out
of the cage in the morning; I wondered where they put her?

Today, a family came and bought me! Oh happy day!! They are a nice
family; they really, really wanted me! They had bought a dish and
food and the little girl held me so tenderly in her arms. I love her
so much! The mom and dad say what a sweet and good puppy I am! I am
named Angel. I love to lick my new humans!

The family takes such good care of me, they are loving and tender and
sweet. They gently teach me right from wrong, give me good food and
lots of "LOVE". I want only to please these wonderful people! I love
the little girl and I enjoy running and playing with her.

Today I went to the Veterinarian. It was a strange place and I was
frightened. I got some shots, but my best friend (the little girl)
held me softly and said it would be OK. So I relaxed. The Vet must
have said sad words to my beloved family, because they looked awfully
sad. I heard severe hip dysplacia and
something about my heart... I heard the vet say something about, back
yard breeders and my parents not being tested. I didn't know what any
of this meant; just that it hurt me to see my family so sad. But they
still loved me, and I still loved them very much!!!

I am now 6 months old. Where most of the other puppies are robust and
rowdy, it hurts me terribly just to move. The pain never lets up. It
hurts to run and play with my beloved little girl, and I find it hard
to breathe. I keep trying my best to be the strong pup I know I am
supposed to be, but it is so hard. It breaks my heart to see the
little girl so sad, and to hear her mom and dad talk about “it might
now be the time”. Several times I have gone to the Veterinarians
place. I just wanted to feel the warm sunshine and run, and play and
nuzzle with my family.

Last night was the worst. Pain has been my constant companion now, it
hurts even to get up and get a drink. I try to get up but can only
whine in pain. I am taken in the car one last time. Everyone is so
sad, and I don't know why.

Have I been bad? I try to be good and loving, what have I done wrong?
Oh if only this pain would be gone! If only I could soothe the tears
of the little girl. I reach out my muzzle to lick her hand, but have
to stop because of the pain.

The Veterinarian 'The Veterinarian's table is so cold. I am so
hug and love me, they cry into my soft fur. I can feel their love and
sadness. I manage to lick their hands softly. Even the vet doesn't
seem so scary today. He is gentle and I sense some kind of relief for
my pain. The little girl holds me softly and I thank her, for giving
me all her love. I feel a soft pinch in my foreleg.

The pain is beginning to lift. I am beginning to feel a peace descend
upon me. I can now softly lick her hand. My vision is becoming dream
like now, and I see my Mother, my brothers and sisters, in a far off
green place. They tell me there is no pain there only peace and
happiness. I tell the family, good-bye in the only way I know how, a
soft wag of my tail and nuzzle of my nose. I had hoped to spend many,
many happy years with them, but it was not meant to be. The pain ends
now and, I know it will be many years until I see my beloved family
again. If only things could have been different.

"I am sorry," said the Vet. "Pet shop puppies do not come from
ethical breeders. I am so tired of putting so many of these kinds of
puppies to sleep."

This story may be published or reprinted in the hopes that it will
stop
unethical breeders and those who breed only for money and not for the
betterment of the breed.

- By J.Ellis –

WE DO NOT BREED FOR “TEACUP”, “POCKET” OR “CHOCOLATE” YORKIES

One of the major problems with buying a Yorkshire Terrier from a breeder is there is never a full guarantee of the kind of dog you’re getting for your money. As recent cases show, many Yorkie puppies which have been bought from breeders come with many health problems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, parasites and other major health issues. One issue which has grown in the recent years is liver shunt which may lead to liver failure.

'Teacups', 'miniatures' or 'runts' (what a horrible image that conjures up!) - We are frequently being asked for these. As a responsible breeder we want you to buy a healty long-lived companion.'Teacups' is a contrived term which reputable and responsible breeders all over the world find repulsive. While tiny yorkies do appear from time to time, no breeder who is striving to do their very best for the breed purposely sets out to produce such and is not the object of our breeding program, as they may sometimes go hand-in-glove with health issues... The fact of the matter is that Yorkies under 2kg have a much shorter average life-span and many more health problems than those over 2kg. We have spoken to some people who have made this very mistake, their stories are heartbreaking, and they have spent thousands of Rands trying to save basically unhealthy animals only to have them die within weeks or months of purchasing them. Not only are these breeders breeding unhealthy pups of one litter to another litter but they also sometimes deprive them of the nutrition they need to grow just so someone will pay “them” thousands of Rands. We have never had a dog die from natural causes at an early age.

"Chocolate" Yorkies are genetically defective. KUSA will not register such dogs and will strike breeders who attempt to breed these pups.

Yorkies are definitely the dog for 'all reasons'. The addition of a yorkie to your family should be a well-considered decision, never a hasty impulse. A puppy is for life! They require time, attention, love and commitment. They make great companions, they're devoted to their family; however I don’t generally recommend them to families with very young children as the children can unintentionally, but easily, hurt such small dogs. There are, of course, exceptions to every rule. Some children are very gentle.

Yorkies are equally at home living in the city or in more urban areas. Good fencing is essential as, being small; they can easily pop out through a gap in the fences which is a sure recipe for disaster, whether by accident or even theft. Yorkies will adapt to any lifestyle, from couch-potato to active bush-walking companion. They love to go in the car.

Yorkies are definitely not dogs for being stuck out in the backyard and forgotten, away from their families. I would never permit a puppy of mine to go to a home where it was not going to live as part of the family.

Yorkies do require regular bathing and grooming, although many pet owners clip their yorkies regularly. Many pet owners also find the grooming to be relaxing, rather therapeutic, in fact. A few minutes 'quality time' each day will keep the coat free from tangles. A lot of people like to do the grooming while watching TV at night. A matted, unkempt coat can cause the animal untold misery. Before long, the matted hair can start to pull the skin away causing great pain.

THE JOURNEY

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage.

If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.

Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life?s simple pleasures jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.

If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower except when heading home to the food dish but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field.

Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape; we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons brings ever-changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.

Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flicker and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life?s most important details slip by.

You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie with a cat in hot pursuit all in the name of love.

Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.

You will learn the true measure of love the steadfast, undying kind that says,It doesn?t matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together.? Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race.

And you will learn humility. The look in my dog?s eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.

If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will not be just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a path you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet?s time on earth is far too short especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during those brief years they are generous enough to give us all of their love every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.

The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray. Deep down we somehow always knew this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead young and whole once more.

?Godspeed, good friend,? we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

- By Crystal Ward Kent -
Copyright 1998, All Rights Reserved
www.journeyforanimals.com

WHEN BUYING A PUPPY

Yorkies have been known to live to 21 years of age, but that is rather exceptional. Average life span is from 10-16 years. A VERY IMPORTANT factor in encouraging longevity is care of the teeth. Yorkies tend to lose their teeth at a relatively young age, unfortunately. Decaying teeth can cause heart problems which inevitably shorten the dog's life. Good dental hygiene can be achieved by giving RAW bones regularly and
by                                                                                               

regular use of PET DENT ORAL GEL or PET DENT TOOTHPASTE or ECO-Teeth 200ml, truly a miracle-worker for keeping teeth in great shape. Should you have any questions, we would be more than happy to try and answer them for you.
I realize there are no guarantees in life, and should circumstances dictate that a Lochness Yorkie must be re-homed for whatever reason, it will be assured of a welcome back home with me.

GROW OLD WITH DOGS

When I am old... I will wear soft gray sweatshirts... and a bandana over
my silver hair..... And I will spend my social security checks on wine
and my dogs. I will sit in my house on my well-worn chair and listen to
my dogs' breathing. I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer
night and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow... When
people come to call, I will smile and nod as I show them my dogs... and
talk of them and about them... ...the ones so beloved of the past and
the ones so beloved of today.... I will still work hard cleaning after
them, mopping and feeding them and whispering their names in a soft
loving way. I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat, like a jewel
and I will be an embarrassment to all... especially my family... who
have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your best
friends.... These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your
footfall... and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep, to
greet you as if you are a God. With warm eyes full of adoring love and
hope that you will always stay, I'll hug their big strong necks... I'll
kiss their dear sweet heads... and whisper in their very special
company.... I look in the Mirror... and see I am getting old.... this is
the kind of person I am... and have always been. Loving dogs is easy,
they are part of me. Please accept me for who I am. My dogs appreciate
my presence in their lives... they love my presence in their lives......
When I am old this will be important to me... you will understand when
you are old.... if you have dogs to love too.

- Author Unknown -