Yorkshire terrier
Small British terrier breed, companion dog with distinctive coat.
The Yorkshire Terrier, also known as a Yorkie, is a British breed of toy dog of terrier type. It is among the smallest of the terriers and indeed of all dog breeds, with a weight of no more than 3.2 kg (7 lb). It originated in the nineteenth century in the English county of Yorkshire, after which it is named. The coat is tan on the head and dark steel-grey on the body; no other colour is accepted by either The Kennel Club or the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. It is playful and energetic, usually kept as a companion dog. It has contributed to the development of other breeds including the Silky Terrier, and also to cross-breeds such as the Yorkipoo.
- origin
- Yorkshire, England, 19th century
- weight
- No more than 3.2 kg (7 lb)
- coat
- Tan on head, dark steel-grey on body
- field
- Companion dog, show dog
- known_for
- Smallest of terriers; hypoallergenic coat; war dog Smoky
Lore & Background
The Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire in the mid-nineteenth century when workers from Scotland came to Yorkshire in search of work and brought several varieties of terrier dogs. Breeding was principally accomplished by people, mostly operatives in cotton and woollen mills, in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Miners wanting to develop a ratting terrier bred Black-and-Tan Terriers with the Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers. Details are scarce; Mrs A. The breed originates from two distinct dogs: a male named Old Crab, a female named Kitty, and another female whose name is not known. The Paisley Terrier, a smaller version of the Skye Terrier bred for a long silky coat, also figured into the early dogs. Some authorities believed the Maltese was used as well.
Reader's Guide
The Yorkshire Terrier's significance lies in its development as a distinct breed from working-class origins in northern England, its rise as a popular show and companion dog, and its influence on other breeds and cross-breeds. Its popularity dipped in the 1940s but was revived by Smoky, a famous war dog from World War II. The coat is considered hypoallergenic, though allergists note that individual tolerance varies. Non-standard colours exist but are not accepted by major kennel clubs for show.
Did You Know?
- The Yorkshire Terrier is among the smallest of all dog breeds, with a weight of no more than 3.2 kg (7 lb).
- The breed originated in the nineteenth century in Yorkshire, England, from dogs brought by Scottish workers.
- Huddersfield Ben, a show dog owned by Mary Ann Foster, is considered the 'father of the breed.'
- Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier, was a famous war dog from World War II that helped renew interest in the breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Yorkshire terrier?
The Yorkshire Terrier, often shortened to Yorkie, is a tiny British toy dog of terrier type that tops out at just 3.2 kg (7 lb). It was developed in the nineteenth century in the English county of Yorkshire, which is where the breed gets its name.
What are Yorkshire terrier's powers/role?
Yorkies are best known as lively, playful companion dogs that punch well above their weight in personality. They also boast a hypoallergenic coat and have even seen military service, most famously through the war dog Smoky.
How does Yorkshire terrier's story end?
Because the Yorkie is a living breed rather than a single character, its story has no fixed ending—it continues to be bred, shown, and loved around the world. Its genetic legacy also lives on in other breeds it helped shape during the nineteenth century.
Why is Yorkshire terrier important?
The Yorkie is recognized as one of the smallest terriers and among the smallest of all dog breeds, giving it a distinctive place in canine history. Its strict coat standard—tan on the head, dark steel-grey on the body—is upheld by both The Kennel Club and the FCI, making it a benchmark for breed consistency.
What makes Yorkshire terrier's appearance unique?
The breed's long, silky coat is limited to exactly two tones: a warm tan across the head and a dark steel-grey over the body. No other color combination is permitted by major kennel clubs, and the coat's hypoallergenic nature adds to the breed's practical appeal.
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