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Published on:

13th Jul 2026

747 — Tavern Ratters on the Velvet Couch: Decoding the Yorkshire Terrier

Tavern Ratters on the Velvet Couch: Decoding the Yorkshire Terrier

  • Host Laura Reeves is joined by Yorkshire Terrier breed legends Gloria Lyon and Lorraine Hayes at the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America National Specialty as they share over 50 years each of hands-on experience, revealing the Yorkie’s fierce rat-hunting history, practical grooming hacks and essential training and health tips.The Yorkshire Terrier's Rich History: Though loved today as glamorous lapdogs, Yorkies originated in the 1800s as brave, independent rat and mouse hunters in mines and taverns. That fierce terrier prey instinct and big dog attitude are still alive and well in the breed today.
  • Grooming and Coat Realities: Yorkies grow human-like hair instead of fur, which means they do not shed. However, maintaining a full show coat requires intense wrapping in tissue paper. For companion homes, these experts strongly recommend a cute, low-maintenance pet trim ("cutting them down").
  • Color and Size Unpredictability: Puppies are born black and tan and gradually lighten into their signature steel blue and gold by age two or three. Because genetics are complex, size can be highly unpredictable, and oversized puppies often appear even in carefully planned litters.
  • Training a Feisty Companion: While Yorkies love to follow you everywhere, they are independent thinkers. Successful potty training requires absolute consistency. The experts also emphasize crate training as a safe haven and an essential tool to prevent "door dashing".
  • Essential Health and Longevity: Yorkies live an average of 12 to 14 years. To protect their knees and tracheas, owners *must* keep them at a healthy weight. Toy dog dental hygiene is also critical. When looking for a puppy, verified health tests should focus on the parent club'sCHIC program(eyes and patellas), rather than general genetic kits like Embark, which do not screen for specific Yorkie health risks.
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Pure Dog Talk
The VOICE of Purebred Dogs|Learn How to Show Your Dog|Dog Sports, Agility, Barn Hunt|AKC Dog Breeds and Dog Breeders|
Pure Dog Talk is the VOICE of Purebred Dogs. We talk to the legends of the sports and give you tips and tools to create an awesome life with your purebred dog. From dog shows to preservation breeding, from competitive obedience to field work, from agility to therapy dogs and all the fun in between; your passion is our purpose. Pure Dog Talk supports the American Kennel Club, our Parent, Specialty and All-Breed Clubs, Dog Sports, Therapy, Service and Preservation of our Canine Companions.
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Laura Reeves

Laura is an AKC Breeder of Merit and retired member of the Pro-fessional Handlers Association. Laura is a second-generation breeder of German Wirehaired Pointers, under the Scotia Kennel banner.

Scotia dogs have earned well over 100 titles, in the show ring, field and performance events. Her dedication to breeding dual purpose dogs reflects a stated goal of preserving the all-weather, rugged, sound-minded gun dog the breed’s founders envisioned.

Laura served the GWPCA as AKC Gazette columnist, Judges Education Committee member and chair, Vice President, Presi-dent, National Events Coordinator and Wire~News Editor.

Her background as a newspaper reporter, marketing rep and re-searcher/writer for audio driving tours has served her well in her side projects. Her current adventure as host of PureDogTalk podcast lends her particular combination of skills to an outstanding breeder and exhibitor education channel.