Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier History

In spite of the high social standing the Yorkshire Terrier has attained today, he is a dog of solid plebeian origins. He is named after a famous English county, but he began as a rat catcher in local establishments, among workmen, millers, and miners. All this was around 1870, and since then, his rise in social status has met no obstacles. The breed probably developed by chance from crossings between such diverse dogs as the Skye Terrier, the Black and Tan Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont, and the Maltese. The result is a dog of singular beauty with long, silky hair, fine stamina, and great liveliness and intelligence.

Yorkshire Terrier Description

During the period when he was hunting rats in the mines, the Yorkshire was taller then the present Standard. But careful breeding by the English has given him a height of between 8 and 10 inches (20 to 25 cm.) and a weight of between 4 and 7 pounds (1.8 to 3,2 kg.). His body is tiny, but well proportioned and compact. The color of his coat ranges from steel blue to red gold. At birth, the whelps are nearly black. and only at the age of eighteen months will the mantle develop its true color. The hair on the head is so profuse that it is necessary to gather it together with a ribbon. This prevents its getting into his food and allows him better sight. Besides, the gay ribbons are a fitting extension of his personality.

Although he has become a favorite of English nobility and American film stars, the Yorkshire has not forgotten his origins. When the occasion arises, he will throw himself furiously against his old enemy, the rat. In his small body he contains all the best features of the terrier: character, intelligence, liveliness, and gaiety. Although he is a good apartment dog, he prefers greater freedom. He suffers somewhat from the cold in winter, and should be protected with a woolen jacket.