Fourche Terrier

Yorkie West, West Highland Yorkie, Westie Yorkie Mix

Purpose

Family pet

Breed Type : Crossbreeds

Breed Size: Small

The Fourche Terrier is an endearing hybrid breed created by crossing a West Highland White Terrier with a Yorkshire Terrier. As both parent breeds are small, this hybrid typically reaches a height of about nine inches and weighs around 13 pounds. Its coat is thick and coarse, varying from medium to long, and comes in a wide array of colors, often showcasing a mix of different hues. Renowned for their lively and attentive nature, Fourche Terriers make wonderful family pets, though they can occasionally display a touch of stubbornness. With a high energy level, they need at least an hour of daily exercise to remain content and healthy.

Breed Origin

The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately referred to as the Westie, has its roots in Scotland, where it was developed in the 1800s through the selective breeding of various Terrier breeds to pursue small game such as rats, foxes, badgers, and otters. Key breeds believed to have influenced its ancestry include the Dandie Dinmont, Cairn, Skye, and Scottish Terriers. A notable aspect of the Westie's history involves a tragic event concerning Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch, a dedicated hunter and breeder, whose cherished Westie was accidentally shot, mistaken for a fox. In light of this sorrowful incident, he decided that all his future dogs would be white to avoid similar errors. The breed made its debut in the United States in 1905 and received recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908. Today, Westies are celebrated as the 41st most popular breed in the nation. Conversely, the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, originates from England and was also bred in the 1800s to hunt small pests like rats and mice. This breed is thought to be a mix of several Terrier types, including the Maltese, Dandie Dinmont, Skye, English Black and Tan, Paisley, Clydesdale, and Waterside Terriers. Known for their striking appearance, Yorkies are small dogs characterized by their long, silky blue-gray coats, which facilitated their evolution from hunters to beloved companions and show dogs. The first Yorkshire Terrier was born in the United States in 1872, and the breed gained official recognition from the AKC in 1885, where it currently ranks as the 9th most popular dog breed.

Breed Appearance

This compact designer breed showcases a coat that varies from medium to long in length and is available in an array of colors, such as white, black, dark brown, chocolate, gold, light brown, cream, gray, brindle, merle, and various spotted patterns. Generally, their fur is thick and coarse, although some may exhibit a shiny, soft texture similar to that of a Yorkshire Terrier. They have prominent, pointed ears that typically hang down but can stand upright when they are alert. Weighing between 12 and 15 pounds and measuring 8 to 10 inches in height, the charming Fourche Terrier is distinguished by its large, dark eyes, a black nose, a small, round head, and a curious, attentive personality.

Care Routine

Their thick and coarse fur necessitates regular grooming, requiring both a firm bristle brush and a slicker brush at least three to four times a week. Additionally, some dogs may benefit from professional grooming sessions a few times a year to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting and tangling. Given their vulnerability to skin problems, it’s crucial to use only shampoos or soaps that your veterinarian approves. While grooming, take the chance to check their skin for any signs of irritation or other health issues. It’s also wise to clean their ears weekly with a cotton ball and trim their nails as needed. Moreover, brushing their teeth several times a week is advisable to avoid dental problems, particularly since smaller breeds are more prone to tooth decay.

Behavior & Temperament

The Fourche Terrier is a loving and lively small dog known for its quick learning abilities and playful nature, although it can exhibit a stubborn streak at times. While these dogs are loyal to their families, they may occasionally disregard commands in favor of their own instincts. This tendency highlights the need for a consistent training approach to ensure that rules are consistently enforced. Generally, they get along well with older children and other pets, but it’s crucial to train them to feel at ease around younger kids and various animals. Given their petite size and delicate bones, it’s important to supervise your Fourche Terrier when they are near small children to avoid any potential accidents.

Play & Exercise

The Fourche Terrier is brimming with vibrant energy that necessitates daily physical activity; without adequate exercise, they can become anxious and challenging to handle. It’s recommended to engage them in 60 to 90 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Due to their sensitive necks, using a soft harness rather than a collar for leash walks is wise. Although they thrive on outdoor activities, their compact size enables them to burn off energy indoors through games like fetch or by interacting with other pets and children. Furthermore, they shine in agility training and swimming, and they typically enjoy trips to the lake or beach.

Things to Know

Cups Per Day

2.0 Cups

Daily Activity

90 Minutes

Average Lifespan

14 Years

Origin

2000s

Type

Crossbreeds

Size

Small

Origin Country

United States

Brush Frequency

Weekly

Coat Texture

Wavy

Register

Your kids have been begging for a pet forever, and you've recently decided that it's time for your family to get a new addition -- a dog! While everyone is excited for the new arrival, you're wondering if you need to have a dog license. How much does it cost? Is it required? Where do you get one?

Member Clubs

PETINNATE

Other

Height & Weight

Weight

14 lbs (6 kg)

Male: 14 lbs (6 kg) , Female: 13 lbs (6 kg)

Height

9 inches (23 sm)

Male: 10 inches (25 sm) , Female: 9 inches (23 sm)