Description
The breed owes its origins to the old working Black and Tan Terrier with infusions of Maltese and Skye Terrier blood. It is thought that Scottish labourers travelling to work in the mines and cotton mills of Yorkshire brought their terriers with them and these provided the basis of the breed. This ancestry is seen in the colour of the coat – the breed is born black and tan and changes to a steel blue and tan of silky texture with maturity. A dog named Huddersfield Ben born in 1865 is created as the foundation of the breed. The Yorkshire Terrier soon became popular with ladies as a house pet but he still retains some of the features of his terrier background and can account for any domestic rodent. In the early exhibition of the breed, the Yorkshire Terrier was shown on a silk cloth or cushion and now he remains the only breed which is exhibited on a decorative box in the show ring.
Breed Group
Toy
Vulnerable Native Breed
No
Size
Small
How much exercise?
Up to 30 minutes per day
Length of coat
Long
How much grooming?
Every day
Supposedly sheds? *
No
Town or Country
Either
Type of home
Flat
Minimum Garden Size
None
Lifespan
Over 12 Years
* If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical advisor before considering obtaining a dog. More information can also be found on
the Kennel Club website.
The
Toy Breed Group
The Toy breeds are small companion or lap dogs. Many of the Toy breeds were bred for this capacity although some have been placed into this category simply due to their size. They should have friendly personalities and love attention. They do not need a large amount of exercise and some can be finicky eaters.