Yorkshire Terriers, once a favourite of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Simon Cowell, are at risk of extinction due to a dramatic decline in popularity, according to vets. Kennel Club registrations for the pedigree breed have dropped by 80% since 2013, from 0.93% of all registrations to just 0.18% in 2022.
Experts from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) warn that the pedigree Yorkie may soon be classified as a 'vulnerable breed' close to extinction. The purebred Yorkshire Terrier is defined as weighing no more than 3.2kg, while the wider non-pedigree population averages around 5kg and has also seen a drop in popularity.
Despite the decline, a study of over 28,000 Yorkshire Terriers found they are largely healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 13.56 years, longer than the 12-year average for all dogs. However, they are prone to dental disease, and owners are advised to maintain good oral hygiene.
Dr Dan O'Neill, lead author of the study from the RVC, said: 'This new study provides good news that the general pet population of Yorkshire Terriers are robust dogs with long lives... Perhaps it is time for us all to reembrace the pet Yorkie as a good choice of breed to acquire.' Dr Alison Skipper of the Kennel Club added that Yorkies are 'a good choice for someone wanting a healthy pet with low levels of breed-related disease.'
The breed, dating back to the mid-1800s, was originally brought to Yorkshire by Scottish labourers and later became popular as a lap dog. It remains the only breed exhibited on a decorative box in the show ring at Crufts. The findings were published in the journal Companion Animal Health and Genetics.
