The Yorkshire terrier is descended from the (now extinct) Clydesdale and/or Paisley terriers and the Airedale terriers. These dogs migrated to the area around Glasgow, in the county of York (as the name suggests), in the yearly 19th century. They were bred to hunt rats and mice in clothing mills and mine shafts.
The Yorkshire terrier is a small dog with a fine long and glossy coat. Their traditional colours are steel blue on the back and tail, with tan throughout the rest of the body. The dark steel blue extends from the eyes to the base of the tail with the hair on the front of the chest being rich fawn. Puppies are born with black coats that change to steel grey several months later. The “Yorkie” has a flat head and protruding muzzle with small teeth, a small pointy black nose, brown eyes and V-shaped ears. They are highly energetic dogs – being terriers, after all – brave, loyal and intelligent. They make wonderful companions for the elderly but are known to easily snap at children. Yorkies can be regarded as ‘yappy’, since they easily communicate their needs, desires or discontent.
Yorkshire terriers are excellent watchdogs, believing themselves to be larger than they are, and they require regular exercise or playtime. If exercised daily the Yorkie will live happily in a small apartment with his favourite companion.
| Breed | Yorkshire terrier |
|---|---|
| Country | Great Britain |
| Average Adult Height | 15 – 17 cm |
| Average Adult Weight | 3 – 5 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
| Exercise Requirements | Daily |
| Similar Breeds | Australian silky terrier |
| Rescues in South Africa | www.yorkierescue.co.za |
