The Yorkshire Terrier: A Mighty Spirit In A Tiny Package
Enter the tough, heroic warrior with the fearsome roar
, poised to defend and protect the family and defeat all foes: the indomitable Yorkshire Terrier. Wait, what? Aren't Yorkies those adorable, tiny lap dogs with the long, silky hair that's often tied back with a bow? The answer is both, depending on the eye of the beholder. To humans, this spunky little dog appears about as formidable as a muffin. In the Yorkie's opinion, he is Master of the Universe.The Yorkshire Terrier has changed considerably from the breed's origin in the 1870s when it was a sturdy working dog employed to hunt rats. By most accounts, the origin of the breed can be directly traced back to a handsome, and greatly admired, champion ratter named Huddersfield Ben, born in 1865 in Yorkshire, England. His offspring became known as Yorkshire Terriers.
The breed of today also shares ancestry with the Scottish Terrier and the now extinct Clydesdale Terrier and Paisley Terrier. These Scottish breeds were introduced to Huddersfield Ben's line during the Industrial Revolution that put Scottish weavers out of work. Many of them relocated their families, and their dogs, to Yorkshire in search of employment. Nature taking its course, these and other fine terrier breeds, including the Black and Tan English Terrier, the Skye Terrier, and Waterside Terrier, made their genetic contributions to the Yorkies of today.
Yorkshire Terriers were introduced to the United States in 1872, becoming an instant hit. The Yorkie was one of the first 25 breeds eligible for American Kennel Club (AKC) registration, accepted in 1878. With the need for big, working dogs decreasing, Yorkies became ever smaller in size while maintaining their big personalities. The early 30 pound Yorkshire Terrier rat chasers came in a variety of colors. The show Yorkies of today cannot exceed seven pounds and are required to be steel blue and tan in color.
The Yorkshire Terrier was the third most popular AKC dog breed in 2009. Though diminutive in size, they are mighty in spirit, known as excellent watch dogs with their sensitive hearing and ready bark. Their playful, affectionate nature makes them ideal companions who thrive in most any indoor environment, including the smallest apartments. As a breed, they have few major health issues, though their long hair does require significant grooming attention. Housebreaking often proves to be a challenge, but their intelligence makes them otherwise very trainable to commands when their independent temperament is appealed to with fun and treats.
A Yorkie can be a delightful addition to a home with older children, even getting along well with other family pets when properly socialized. They can exhibit aggression in that terrier hunter spirit, and they absolutely will try to dominate the household and every member in it, requiring a firm alpha nature to keep appropriately in line. When well matched with the lifestyle and personalities of their human companions, Yorkies are understandably a top choice in pets.
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