One of the most recognisable of dog breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier rose from humble, working beginnings to become an icon of glamour and indulgence. The breed dates back as far as the 1800s, and owes its origins to the old working Black and Tan Terrier, with infusions of Maltese and Skye Terrier blood.
They may be tiny, but these dogs have big personalities – and don’t they just know how fabulous they are! These little pocket rockets have so much to offer – even as one of the smallest breeds. Yorkies are not only incredibly loving, but can also enjoy plenty of activities and excitement with their favourite humans.
They absolutely love attention, and the more time spent with them, the bigger the bond between you will be – though they are known to be a little bit cheeky too. In the modern home, these are very affectionate dogs who can live quite happily as a one-dog family, with several other Yorkies, or with different breeds both large and small.
Short-haired Yorkshire Terriers are quite low maintenance to look after; if you keep their fur clipped, they won’t need much grooming – however, the long-haired show type will need his coat brushed daily or have him clipped regularly.
● An adult Yorkshire Terrier is typically quite petite, standing about 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 centimetres) in height and weighing around 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kilograms).
● If your Yorkie has a luxurious, silky coat, it will require regular grooming.
● Yorkies make excellent watchdogs, often alerting their owners to approaching visitors with their feisty, high-pitched barking.
● Originating from England, these dogs were initially bred as tenacious rat hunters in textile mills.
● Yorkies are energetic and playful, always ready for a game of fetch in the garden. They may be small, but they've got a lot of zest for life!
● The Yorkshire Terrier typically has a lifespan of around 11 to 15 years, which is relatively long for a small dog breed.
● Despite their spirited nature, Yorkies also love cuddle time. They'll happily snuggle up on your lap, keeping you warm and cosy.
● Yorkshire Terriers have proved very popular among celebrities, with A-listers including
