YORKSHIRE TERRIERS
History

The Yorkshire Terrier made its first appearance at a dog show in England in 1861. It was then called the Broken Haired Scotch Terrier, a reference to its ancestors. These were working dogs used to control rats and other pests in textile mills and coal mines. The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, was also called a Toy Terrier. The designation as Yorkshire Terrier was common by 1874.

The Yorkie is also thought to have descended from the Waterside Terrier, a breed resulting from the cross of Black-and-Tan English Terriers with Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers. In the mid 19th century, the Waterside Terrier was brought to the Yorkshire region of England by weavers emigrating from Scotland. The first record of a Yorkshire Terrier birth in the United States is dated 1872, and it has participated in shows since 1878.

Yorkshire Terriers were initially bred to be ratters, and there is evidence that the dogs may also have been used for hunting, with their owners carrying the dogs in their pockets to hunt in the fields. Yorkies were used for sport in rat-killing competition during the 19th century.

General Description

The Yorkshire Terrier is classified as a Toy, but its ancestry as a terrier is evident in its energetic and determined attitude. The dog has a long, luxurious coat that is parted on its face and from the skull to the tail along its back. The hair hangs evenly along each side of its compact body. The Yorkie has a small head, flat on top, and a black nose. Its erect ears are small and v-shaped. The Yorkie’s coat is blue and tan in color.

Temperament

Yorkies are very intelligent, loving, and loyal companions. They form strong bonds quickly with their human friends, and they love to be petted. These dogs may be too nervous at times to be around younger children, but if children are told not to scare the dog, the Yorkie will adapt to them. Yorkies are very protective of their territory and possessions, and they will bark loudly if strangers approach them. Yorkies are frequently intolerant of other pets in a home as well.

Health and Care

Yorkies have long coats, and so they must be bathed regularly and their hair trimmed or shaved periodically. The coat should be brushed every day so it doesn’t get tangled. Yorkies should wear coats or sweaters in cold weather because they don’t have an undercoat to help them stay warm. Since the dogs eat very little, they need to eat high-grade, nutritious food.