In 2012, the Yorkshire Terrier was the 22nd most popular breed registered with the UK Kennel Club, of 222 breeds. By the end of 2021 it was in 57th place – falling a massive 35 places. But why is this?
Keep reading to find out more about what might be causing the Yorkshire terrier’s decline in popularity.
Contents of this article:
- Why is the Yorkshire terrier falling in popularity?
- Are Yorkies going extinct?
- Are Yorkies in demand?
- Yorkshire terrier numbers.
- Why should you get a Yorkshire terrier?
- Pros and cons of a Yorkshire terrier.
- Are Yorkies still popular?
- Why are there so few Yorkshire terriers now?
Why is the Yorkshire terrier falling in popularity?
There are a few reasons for the Yorkshire Terrier’s decline in popularity. One reason is that people are becoming increasingly aware of the health problems that these dogs can suffer from. Although Yorkies are generally hardy little dogs with a long lifespan of 13-16 years, they can be susceptible to health problems.
The potential health problems that Yorkshire Terriers are prone to include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Periodontal disease
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Retinal dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Collapsed trachea
- Liver shunt
- Pancreatitis
Another reason for the decline in popularity is that people are becoming less tolerant of high maintenance dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier is considered a high maintenance breed, as they require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.
They also need to be brushed daily, and their coats trimmed every few weeks. This can be a time-consuming and expensive task for some people, which may explain why they are falling out of favor.
Another reason for the decline in popularity may be that people are simply looking for different types of dogs. With so many different breeds and crossbreeds to choose from, it is not surprising that some people are opting for something other than a Yorkshire Terrier.
It is also possible that the Yorkshire Terrier has simply fallen out of fashion. Trends come and go, and it is possible that the Yorkshire Terrier is no longer considered to be a trendy breed. This could explain why they are no longer as popular as they once were.
It is difficult to say definitively why the Yorkshire Terrier is falling in popularity, but it is likely due to a combination of factors. Whatever the reason, it is clear that this once-popular breed is no longer as favored as it once was.
Are Yorkies going extinct?
Maybe. The Yorkie has seen the biggest decline of any breed in the UK over the past 10 years. This decline in popularity could eventually lead to the breed becoming extinct. However, there are still many people who love and own Yorkshire terriers, so hopefully they will not disappear anytime soon.
Whilst the number of Yorkie dogs is decreasing each year, the number of other breeds of dogs is increasing. This makes it look like the number of Yorkie dogs is decreasing more than it actually is.
Are Yorkies in demand?
Yes, Yorkies are still in demand despite their decline in popularity. This is because they are still considered to be lovely companion animals with charming personalities. But the Yorkshire terrier is falling in popularity, which means that there is less demand for them than there once was.
Yorkshire terrier numbers.
Here are the number of Yorkshire terriers registered with the UK Kennel Club from the past 10 years.
- 2012 – 2505
- 2013 – 2077
- 2014 – 1690
- 2015 – 1307
- 2016 – 1062
- 2017 – 876
- 2018 – 840
- 2019 – 644
- 2020 – 609
- 2021 – 631
Numbers of Yorkie puppies registered with the UK Kennel Club have fallen by 75% over the past decade.
As you can see, the number of Yorkshire terriers being registered each year has been slowly declining over the past decade. This decline may continue in the future if the breed falls further out of favor.
Why should you get a Yorkshire terrier?
While Yorkshire terriers may be small in size, they certainly have big personalities. These lively little dogs are full of energy and love to play. They are also quick learners, picking up new tricks and commands with ease.
In addition, Yorkshire terriers are very loyal to their owners and will happily follow them around the house all day long. However, they can be quite intolerant of being left alone and they have high grooming requirements.
Yorkies make great companions for the right owners. If you are thinking about getting a small dog, they are definitely worth considering.
Pros and cons of a Yorkshire terrier.
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of owning a Yorkie.
Pros:
- Small size means they can live in apartments or small homes,
- Low exercise needs – a short walk each day is generally sufficient,
- Quick learners – they pick up new tricks and commands easily,
- Loyal and affectionate towards their owner,
- Great companions for the right owner.
Cons:
- High maintenance – they require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition,
- Can be intolerant of being left alone,
- May not do well around young children or other animals.
Are Yorkies still popular?
Many Yorkie owners can’t imagine having another breed of dog, which suggests that they are still popular among those who own them. However, in general, the Yorkshire terrier is becoming less popular.
This may be due to the fact that they require a lot of attention. They also need to be groomed frequently, which can be costly. But for those who love Yorkies, the rewards outweigh the drawbacks.
They are loyal and loving companions, and they make great watchdogs. They are also relatively easy to train.
So if you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, don’t discount the Yorkshire terrier. Just be prepared to give them the time and attention they need.
Why are there so few Yorkshire terriers now?
The Yorkshire terrier’s decline in popularity is likely due to a number of factors, including the increasing availability of other breeds and crossbreeds of dogs and the fact that they require lots of brushing and grooming. Additionally, they are lively and need a lot of attention, which may not suit all types of owners.
The rise in popularity of other lower maintenance dogs such as the French bulldog will have also played a part in the decline of the Yorkshire Terrier.
While the Yorkshire terrier is no longer as popular as it once was, there are still many people who love and own these dogs. With their lively personalities and loyal nature, they make great companions for the right owners. We certainly hope they will not disappear anytime soon.
References: https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/is-the-yorkshire-terrier-becoming-less-popular-in-the-uk.html
