The Dog Journal

The Right Fit:

Yorkshire Terrier

You may see people carrying around their tiny dogs or celebrities clutching them in their purses. Throughout the years, Yorkie’s have been a wellknown dog breed with long hair and cute faces, but many do not know their backstory. It can be hard to imagine a dog the size of a Yorkie being used as a working dog but looking back through history one can see that this breed has made an impact in many ways. In this article, we will take a glimpse into the world of Yorkshire Terriers and what led to them being a part of our lives today.

The Dog Journal Feb/March 2023

Story Credit: Writing by Raegan

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Origin

As the name suggests, Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkie’s, came about in the county of Yorkshire in the United Kingdom. It is said that they were first bred in the 1800s by Scottish weavers who had relocated to England. They wanted to create a small dog breed that could be considered a working dog and was small enough to hunt out mice and other rodents that may be in tight spaces. Though they were used in mines and mill buildings for that reason, Yorkie’s also made a name for themselves in another way. They became well known for their bravery, as they would not back down when cornering their prey. Even when they would hunt bigger prey like foxes, badgers, and other large animals, they would corner them without hesitation.

Yorkie’s come from a mixture of many types of Terriers. It is not fully known which types of Terriers created the Yorkie, as they did not keep records at the time, but it is believed that their ancestral line includes several such as Clydesdale, Paisley, Skye, and the Waterside Terrier. The Yorkie was originally named the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier in 1861, and it was not until 1872 that the name was changed to the Yorkshire Terrier as it is known today. By 1878, they were recognized by The American Kennel Club (AKC), and as they became more and more popular, they quickly became a household pet in Victorian homes rather than a working dog. Smaller dog breeds were known to be worth more value, and as time went on, Yorkie’s became a common breed throughout America.

Shot of purebred yorkshire terrier dog weared in dress and sunglasses against dark background.

Grooming Needs

The small breed known as the Yorkie is easy to maintain. Some dogs have double coats that are hard to tame, but this breed luckily has a single coat of hair. Their hair is very similar to human hair and does not shed much. However, because of the long length, it is best to brush them at least once a day to keep their hair from getting tangled. Most Yorkie’s can get by with a bath every two weeks unless they are going to perform in shows. In that case, a weekly bath should be given to encourage a long, healthy coat.

The Yorkie’s hair grows long and quick and therefore needs to be trimmed once a month, especially around the face and ears. Along with hair trimming, their nails should be trimmed regularly to keep them from getting any infections.

Working Dogs

In today’s time, Yorkie’s are used more as a companion breed. However, when they were originally bred, they were used as working dogs. As mentioned, when Yorkie’s first came about, many people used them to hunt and kill different types of rodents, big or small. They are known for their bravery and their energetic personality. These traits were useful during hunts and other times on the job.

portrait of a yorkshire terrier dog with suit and bow tie
yorkshire-terrier-puppy-with-cookies-on-christmas-2022-11-09-17-52-09-utc

Famous Yorkie’s

The small breed known as the Yorkie is easy to maintain. Some dogs have double coats that are hard to tame, but this breed luckily has a single coat of hair. Their hair is very similar to human hair and does not shed much. However, because of the long length, it is best to brush them at least once a day to keep their hair from getting tangled. Most Yorkie’s can get by with a bath every two weeks unless they are going to perform in shows. In that case, a weekly bath should be given to encourage a long, healthy coat.

The Yorkie’s hair grows long and quick and therefore needs to be trimmed once a month, especially around the face and ears. Along with hair trimming, their nails should be trimmed regularly to keep them from getting any infections.

Exercise

This small pup doesn’t require much exercise. They are full of energy and will likely get plenty of exercise all on their own. However, taking them on two 20-minute walks per day can help keep this breed happy and healthy. Keep in mind that dogs of all breeds need physical and mental exercises so be sure to add in some type of mental stimulation as well. Yorkie’s have a natural hunting instinct, meaning that giving them a mission to find a certain treat or toy could be a great game for them. Otherwise, purchasing puzzle dog toys would make a great addition to their daily routine!

In the Ring

From the initial breeding of the Yorkshire Terrier, they were greatly used for the qualities they had. They were small enough to fit anywhere, had lots of energy, and were highly courageous. While many other breeds possessed desired qualities needed to be a working dog, Yorkie’s were one of the smallest to fall into that category, and for good reason. Throughout the decades, different Yorkie’s proved their worth plus some.

These dogs can come in several different colors and are usually mixed colors rather than solid. They are typically blue and tan, black and gold, black and tan, or blue and gold. The maximum weight ranges from 7 pounds, and they stand 7 to 9 inches tall. The Yorkie still shows undeniable confidence and boldness today. They are loved for their intelligence, playfulness, and cute wits they have about them. This small breed is recognized by the AKC as the “toy group.”

Wrap It Up

Yorkie’s have become a common household pet all around the world. From the beginning stages of their creation, they have brought joy, comfort, and safety to many people that had them in their care. This pup is a great addition to any family looking for a small dog and is good for someone looking for a hypoallergenic pet. They don’t shed much and aren’t too demanding. Whether you want a companion, a show dog, or maybe even a dog that can learn to hunt mice, Yorkie’s have been known to check all the boxes at one point or another!

Popular Names for Yorkie's

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