Yorkshire Terriers are active, alert, and intelligent. As with other dogs in the Terrier group, they are known for their hunting ability, including their keen sense of smell which allows them to participate in earthdog trials. Even though the Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed, they are usually quite intelligent and can participate in a variety of dog sports such as agility, rally, tracking, flyball, Frisbee, musical freestyle, and obedience as sport for physical and mental stimulation which also strengthens their bond to their families. Yorkshire Terriers have also been used in animal-assisted therapy. Although Yorkshire Terriers may be stubborn, this tendency can be alleviated by using motivational tools such as treats and favorite toys in reward-based obedience training, with treats being broken into small pieces to prevent weight gain. Their small size makes the Yorkshire Terrier attractive to children; however, as with all dogs, extremely close supervision is needed to prevent accidental injury to the dog and its subsequently developing fear-based defensive aggression.
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Identifying Features:
Average Height: 7 - 8 in
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In the mid-to-late nineteenth century when Scottish weavers were forced out of work due to the industrial revolution, they found their way to northern England in the hope of supporting their families. When they left for England they brought their dogs with them. The Yorkshire Terrier that we know today evolved from this breed, with many believing that the bloodlines of Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers were also added to the mix.
The Yorkshire Terrier was used as a form of vermin control, since the areas where they lived were commonly infested. In 1865, the breed was given the official name of the Yorkshire Terrier and was introduced to the United States in 1872. Just six years later, in 1878, the Yorkshire Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, the breed that was recognized in 1878 is completely unlike the Yorkshire terrier of today.
Selective breeding has reduced the average weight of the breed from thirty pounds to less than ten pounds. Today's Yorkshire Terriers are now miniature versions of their ancestors.
