In the 19th century, migrating Scottish weavers and working men from the north of England, accompanied by their small dogs, made their way southwards to Manchester, Leeds and York during tough economic times. It was here that their Terriers bred with local dogs, resulting in the 'Yorkie,' or Yorkshire Terrier we recognise today. Originally utilised in vermin control around the home and farmstead, the Yorkshire Terrier was most effective in the mine shafts and clothing mills, protecting the areas from sabotage. Likewise, the breed's compact size made it well-suited to maneuvering into dens to flush out the quarry, and the Yorkshire Terrier was widely used in flushing badger and fox for the hunter to shoot or the hounds to track. Taken to the United States in 1872, the breed was officially recognised by their Kennel Club 13 years later.
Thought to be the product of crossing between the Skye, Manchester, Dandie Dinmont and Leeds Terriers, probably with contributing Maltese blood, the Yorkie reflects the countenance and personality of a typical Terrier. Originally bred much larger, the Yorkshire Terrier was miniaturized as a fashionability measure, progressively serving as a lap dog and companion to Victorian ladies. Boasting toy proportions, with short legs, a small head and muzzle, upright ears and a tail that is customarily docked, despite this being an illegal practice across Europe. The Yorkie's coat is generally silky and fine, common in colours of tan and steel-blue.
One of the smallest of the working Terriers, the breed is energetic and fun-loving, engaging well with children and being enthusiastic in exercise and play. An intelligent and curious breed, it is not uncommon for the Yorkshire Terrier to attempt an escape, often appearing stubborn and disobedient when left to its own devices. When shown firm leadership, consistent training and early socialisation, the Yorkshire Terrier is an affectionate, loyal and mannered breed, displaying a relaxed and contented temperament that makes for an ideal companion. On average, a healthy Yorkshire Terrier will weigh 3 kg, with a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
The Yorkshire Terrier is prone to various health conditions and diseases, ranging in severity. From mild allergies, eye complaints and cases of hair loss, to more serious incidences of liver disease, bladder stones, and orthopedic issues. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, a rare condition affecting the leg bone, is well documented in the breed. Dental problems and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are also prevalent.
From United Kingdom
I've found that our Yorkie has fitted in extremely well in a household of multi breed and size dogs, Bright and intelligent, they do feel the cold tho so have to be protected. I prefer to use a harness rather than a collar and lead as the throat can be damaged if your Yorkie is a puller, I use a harness also on my Miniature x Toy Poodle, more comfortable for them and me. All dogs have health issues, so research the breed you would like before you get your pup, it'll save a lot of tears later on.
From Castell-nedd Port Talbot, United Kingdom
We inherited Max when my mother-in-law passed away. He was 12 years old in April and I have been feeding him on Royal Canin for Yorkshire Terriers for the past 4 years. He also loves freshly roasted chicken and has been spoiled rotten since his health took a turn for the worse.4 years ago when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and given just 1 to 2 weeks to live but he is still with us and enjoying life to the full. He just loves his daily walks. I once met another Yorkie of a similar size who was very aggressive and even nipped my ankle but Max has a lovely temperament and has never even yelped when accidentally stepped on as he's always under people's feet. He has a cataract in one eye and another starting in the other which can only be expected at his age. My husband's talking about having them removed but I wouldn't like to put him under all that stress again as he hates going to the vet and I don't want to leave him there again after his last exploratory operation 4 years ago when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and the vet wanted to put him to sleep on the operating table!
I have a Yorkshire terrier, Bonnie she will be 2 just a few days after Christmas . She is a lovely natured dog. Loves to sit on my knee and fall to sleep.
From Castell-nedd Port Talbot, United Kingdom
Further to my earlier comment in May, Max sadly passed away yesterday morning, aged 12 years, 7 months. He'd become slower and his daily walks had ceased about 2 months ago but seemed fine and showed no signs of being in pain. He'd been sick a couple of times but kept his last meal of Royal Cannin mixed with roast chicken down on Tuesday, but refused to eat anything on Wednesday and we sensed that this was the beginning of the end. He was such a good dog with a lovely temperament and we all miss him terribly. I recall the first time I met him at my mother-in-laws'. He immediately fell on his back asking for his tummy to be tickled. He would often dance on his back 2 legs which seems to be a Yorkshire Terrier trait. I used to see Circus acts like this with Yorkie's but he was never trained to do this, it just came natural. Never had a minutes trouble with him and so well house-trained, never any mess and still went outside right up to the evening before the end. Such a brave little soldier..........
From Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
If you buy a Yorkshire Terrier you have a friend for life, they are loyal, loveable, and usually very friendly
From Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
Molly had a pretty rough first couple of years with back leg knee joint problems. After 3 lots of corrective surgery on both back legs she improved very quickly. Incidentally E&L Insurance only accepted insurance liability for 1 operation siting it was the same condition for both back legs. (Cheapskates) She has Diabetes which she has 2 shots of insulin daily for and she is now extremely energetic. She is a great pet, and I admire her courage at 3 point something kilos. Yorkies are great dogs but you must be prepared for an extra dose of commitment when it's needed, a bit like all pets really.
From Clackmannanshire, United Kingdom
We rescued Scamp 4yrs ago. We'd previously had rabbits only so, a dog was a big change. Best thing ever! Don't know his history but, he's fitted into our damiky so well. We Love him to bits.
From Surrey, United Kingdom
Batbe is now 14 weeks and such a handful but all pleasure. He is our 2nd Yorkie our last dog lived for 16 years and we know Batbe will give us as much pleasure.
Brec passed away September 2017 aged 14.
Such a lovable gorgeous boy and we all miss him very much.
He made a great family pet...have 2 daughters that grew up with him!
From Lancashire, United Kingdom
I have had Ivy from a Puppy, she is 15 years this August, is still a feisty dog, but is now slowing down, she is showing arthritis and is sleeping a lot, such a lovable little dog, hopefully I have her for a little while longer. Love her to bits !
From Devon, United Kingdom
Mr Darcy - my boy. He has been with me since 2007. I got Darcy when my father was diagnosed as terminally ill and my world fell apart. Darcy has seen me through my darkest days. He is now diabetic and totally blind but has lost none of his character. He still retrieves his ball, although finding it sometimes takes quite a while! He has two insulin injections a day and knows the alarm sounding on our phone is JAB time and immediately comes to us. He is an amazing little dog (2.7kgs)
From Kent, United Kingdom
Teddy our boy has been with us since 2016 after being rehomed he is a cheeky very smart clever character who we adore he has made our home complete sadly he suffers now from chronic pancreatitis so has to be monitored with food etc but he loves life and makes us laugh every day.
From Carmarthenshire, United Kingdom
Milo is totally adorable, as is his brother who lives next to us, (should have known better) he is as mad as a March Hare!. My third 'Jackie' (must be nuts) and the most difficult! Highly intelligent and hyper active, but you've gotta love em! .
From Kent, United Kingdom
I have recently had to say goodbye to my Yorkshire Terrier, Sheena. She was almost 15 and losing her broke my heart. I inherited Sheena after my Mum died suddenly and we bonded very early in our life together. I have never known a dog to be so knowing or so loyal. She was very intelligent and truly understood every word I said to her. I'd talk about Mum and her eyes would fill with tears. She genuinely suffered a huge sadness at the loss of my mum and knew exactly what grave was hers in the graveyard. I had Sheena for the last ten years of her life and the only thing that made life with her difficult was her extreme separation anxiety; hardly surprising after her early trauma of being outside whilst my Mum passed away inside. Sheena loved her tea and would demand it from any visitors, whether they were visiting us or the other way around! She was at times a little diva but she was so very special. She'd sit at the open front door and not move, just watching the world go past, but was a great little guard dog, barking at those that tried to approach her. Sheena stopped me ever from experiencing loneliness after my daughters moved out and she stole the heart of many who met her. I miss her terribly.