Yorkshire Terrier

Toy Breed, well suited for a indoor dog and a companion dog, good ratter and watch dog.

Characteristics:   The yorkie floats over the floor with a long coat of perfectly straight glossy hair hanging evenly down each side with a part extending from the nose to the end of the tail.  The head is rather small and flat, not too prominent.  The body is compact and well proportioned.  The back is rather short with a level line.  The tail is customarily docked to medium length and furnished with plentiful fur.  Height: 9 inches (23 cm). Weight: 7 pounds (3 1/2 kg) and less.  The adult yorkie colors are: blue/tan, blue/gold, black/tan and black/gold .

History:  Produced by the working men of the West Riding region of Yorkshire, the Yorkie was created in the late 19th century as companion to the industrial classes (hence the steel blue coloration?).  In order to produce a dog of this extreme pettiness, extraordinary and knowledgeable selective breeding was essential.  Certain specimens (full-grown) weighed in at 2 1/2 pounds (1 kg).  As the breed was making its initial rounds, it was referred to as the Broken-haired Scotch Terrier, but this name was quickly replaced by the present one.  Coincidentally, Yorkie pups look a great deal like Airedale pups - both breeds trace to the Airedale district.  With a debonair and appealing demeanor, the breed is intelligent and vivacious with a goodly amount of terrier momentum.  The Yorkshire requires regular grooming to keep his long coat looking its best.  These are confident, outgoing companions that make fine alarm gods. 

Kennel Clubs:  FIC, AKC, UKC KCGB, CKC, ACA