Torkie

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
U.S.A. <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Torkie

The Torkie is a mixed breed of hybrid conception. It is a cross between a Toy Fox Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie). Torkies are very small, weighing between 3 and 4.5 kilos and measuring between 20 and 23 centimeters at the shoulder. Females tend to be the same size as males. These lively little dogs become very attached to their masters, and can become protective of them. Not a good dog for families with children, as they can be a little nervous. Their small size makes them ideal for apartments.

History of the Torkie

The little Torkie is an ideal blend of the qualities of its two parent breeds.

 

        

A little of the Toy Fox Terrier

        
The Toy Fox Terrier is an all-American small dog. It was created in the 1930s as a vermin hunter, and even later as a circus performer, from numerous crosses with the Smooth Fox Terrier, Toy Manchester Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua. The United Kennel Club was the first to officially recognize the breed in 1936. In 1949, the Toy Fox Terrier Club was founded by enthusiasts and breeders. The American Kennel Club did not recognize the breed until 2003, when it was finally admitted to the Toy group.
Presentation of the Toy Fox Terrier

 

        

A little of the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a sturdy little dog that was first bred to hunt rats in the mines of England a hundred years ago. These brave little dogs were also used to hunt badgers. They would enter the badger's underground lair and chase the creature away. This lively breed was also popular for fox hunting. By 1861, the breed was called the Broken-haired Scotch Terrier. It was shown successfully for nine years at bench shows in Yorkshire. Eventually, a journalist pointed out that the breed name should be changed to Yorkshire Terrier, and the nickname stuck. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885 and placed it in the toy group. During the Second World War, the Yorkie had begun to fall into disuse, but a brave little Yorkie war dog named Smoky revived interest in the breed.
Standard of the Yorkshire Terrier

Appearance of the Torkie

The Torkie is a charming mix of Yorkie and Toy Fox Terrier. It's a small, scruffy dog that looks a lot like a Yorkie, but with shorter hair. Its medium-length coat is silky and smooth. It is available in shades of black and tan. Its small ears are erect and alert. The Torkie's expression is always alert and its eyes bright. Many people say the Torkie has a fox face. His coat doesn't grow fast, so he rarely needs professional clipping. His posture is perky and proud, and his gait is full of determination.

Temperament of the Torkie

The gentle little Torkie adores his master. He's the ultimate lapdog. This little dog is happy to sit on his owner's lap or snuggle up to her. Unlike the Yorkie, he's highly intelligent and easy to housetrain. He can also learn tricks and loves to play ball. It needs very little exercise, making it an ideal apartment dog. The Torkie is not at ease with young children. He can become irritable and moody. This cute, compact dog is also extremely protective of its owner, and will often growl and bite to protect him if anyone gets too close.

Needs and activities of the Torkie

This little dog loves to play with his owner, but he's just as happy sitting on a warm lap. He needs very little exercise, but appreciates a daily walk where he can enjoy some fresh air. You need to be very careful when taking him to a dog park because of his small size. If a dog in the park becomes aggressive towards him, he won't remember that he's just a tiny dog and will fight back, which can prove fatal. He's not excessively barky, but will bark a warning if he hears a strange noise or sees a stranger. He'll be perfectly happy in any environment, provided he has a loving, patient master.

Maintenance of the Torkie

The Torkie's coat is virtually maintenance-free. A quick brushing with a long-haired brush once a day prevents tangles and knots. It almost never sheds. His coat is as smooth and soft as silk. He rarely needs to go to the groomer. Some owners shave this little canine, but it's not necessary unless you want to. Its little toenails need to be trimmed every month to keep them short, otherwise they become very sharp. The small, upright ears of this alert dog benefit from weekly wiping to remove debris. Some owners brush their dog's teeth to remove plaque and improve breath. Brushing also prevents the development of future gum disease.

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