Get to Know Pictures of Yorkshire Terriers: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Nov 1, 2024

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A Close-Up Shot of a Yorkshire Terrier on Grass
Credit: pexels.com, A Close-Up Shot of a Yorkshire Terrier on Grass

Yorkshire Terriers, affectionately known as Yorkies, are one of the most recognizable breeds around. With their big eyes and fluffy coats, it's no wonder why they're a favorite among dog lovers.

These tiny dogs have a big personality, and their pictures showcase their spunky and affectionate nature. They're known for being loyal companions and making great family pets.

Yorkies have a distinctive appearance, with a steel-blue and tan coat that's easy to recognize. Their small size, typically weighing between 7-15 pounds, makes them a great choice for city living or small homes.

Their big eyes are one of their most striking features, and they come in a range of colors, including steel blue, tan, and brown.

For another approach, see: Tan and White Shih Tzu

History and Origins

The Yorkshire Terrier has a rich history that dates back to the mid-nineteenth century in Yorkshire. Workers from Scotland brought various terrier breeds with them, which were later bred by mill operatives in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Credit: youtube.com, History of the yorkshire terrier beginning in England / Yorkshire terrier life

The breed's origins are attributed to two distinct dogs, Old Crab and Kitty, as well as another female whose name is unknown. The Paisley Terrier, a smaller version of the Skye Terrier, also played a role in the early dogs.

In the early days, the classification of these dogs at shows and in the Kennel Club Stud Book was confusing and absurd, lumping together different types of terriers.

History

The Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire, where workers from Scotland brought their terrier dogs in search of work in the mid-nineteenth century.

The breed was bred by mill operatives, mostly from Yorkshire and Lancashire, who wanted to develop a ratting terrier.

The Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers were crossed with the Black-and-Tan Terrier to create the Yorkshire Terrier.

Old Crab, a male, and Kitty, a female, were two of the original dogs used to breed the Yorkshire Terrier.

The Paisley Terrier, a smaller version of the Skye Terrier, also contributed to the early dogs.

Young female owner with wavy hair in casual clothes sitting on comfy sofa and stroking adorable Yorkshire Terrier dog while watching together interesting movie on laptop at home
Credit: pexels.com, Young female owner with wavy hair in casual clothes sitting on comfy sofa and stroking adorable Yorkshire Terrier dog while watching together interesting movie on laptop at home

Yorkshire Terriers were initially shown in a category called "Rough and Broken-coated, Broken-haired Scotch and Yorkshire Terriers" at dog shows.

The breed's classification at shows and in the Kennel Club Stud Book was confusing and absurd, according to Hugh Dalziel in 1878.

Huddersfield Ben, a popular Paisley-type Yorkshire Terrier show dog, was owned by Mary Ann Foster and helped define the breed type for the Yorkshire Terrier in the late 1860s.

The Yorkshire Terrier breed has a fascinating history, and one of the most interesting aspects is its relation to other breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier descends from larger but similar Scottish breeds, such as the Skye Terrier and the now-extinct Paisley Terrier.

In its turn, the Yorkshire Terrier has been used to create other breeds, like the Silky Terrier. This is a result of careful breeding and selection over many years.

Some breeders have experimented with crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with other breeds, resulting in unusual and exotic-looking dogs. These crosses are often given portmanteau names, combining syllables from the Yorkshire Terrier and the other breed.

The Biewer Terrier is a notable example of a breed created from the Yorkshire Terrier, bred from blue, white, and gold puppies named Schneeflocke and Schneeflöckchen von Friedheck.

Physical Characteristics

Credit: youtube.com, 15 Important Facts About Yorkshire Terrier Dog All New & Prospective Owners Should Know

The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is a standout feature, and it's no wonder why - it's truly unique! The American Kennel Club emphasizes the importance of coat color, quality, and texture in adult Yorkies.

Their hair must be glossy, fine, straight, and silky, with a specific color pattern that's essential to their breed standard. Traditionally, the coat is grown out very long and is parted down the middle of the back, but it must never impede movement.

The color pattern is quite specific, with a dark grey to black coat from the back of the neck to the base of the tail, and a bright, rich tan coat on the head, high chest, and legs. The tan color should be darker at the roots and lighter at the tips, but not all Yorkies will have this exact pattern.

A silver-blue and pale cream Yorkshire Terrier, with characteristic long hair is a stunning example of the breed's unique coat coloration. Their fine, straight, silky coat is also considered hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

Here are some key characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier's coat:

  • Glossy, fine, straight, and silky hair
  • Specific color pattern: dark grey to black on the back, and bright, rich tan on the head, high chest, and legs
  • Hypoallergenic coat

Coat

Credit: youtube.com, Dog's Physical Appearance

The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It's a key aspect of the breed's overall appearance.

The coat should be glossy, fine, straight, and silky, with a glossy finish that's pleasing to the eye. The hair must be fine and straight, not curly or wavy.

The coat's texture is also important, with a silky feel that's a hallmark of the breed. The fine, straight, silky coat is even considered hypoallergenic.

The coat's color is also a key factor, with a dark grey to black color on the back of the neck to the base of the tail. The tail itself should be a darker black.

On the head, high chest, and legs, the coat should be a bright, rich tan, darker at the roots than in the middle. This tan color should shade into a lighter tan at the tips, but not for all dogs.

The coat's color can vary, with some dogs having a silver-blue and pale cream color, while others may have a black and creamy color. Adult Yorkshire Terriers whose coat colors deviate from the standard are still considered Yorkshire Terriers, but it's not recommended to intentionally breed atypical dogs.

See what others are reading: Rat Terrier Tan and White

Yorkshire terrier dog sitting on bed and looking at camera while resting in bedroom
Credit: pexels.com, Yorkshire terrier dog sitting on bed and looking at camera while resting in bedroom

The long coat on the Yorkshire Terrier requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. This is especially true for dogs with "woolly" or "cottony" textured coats, or those with overly fine coats.

  • A silver-blue and pale cream Yorkshire Terrier, with characteristic long hair
  • A silver-blue and pale cream Yorkshire Terrier.
  • A Yorkshire Terrier with a dark coat
  • Golden Yorkie, judged as miscolour in normal Yorkshire breeding.

Black Yorkies

Black Yorkies are extremely rare, but just as loyal and loving as standard-colored Yorkies. They have a solid black coat, unlike most Yorkies who have two colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Yorkshire Terrier a good house pet?

Yorkshire Terriers make excellent indoor pets due to their friendly nature, low-shedding coat, and moderate exercise needs. They're a great fit for apartment living and suitable for older people.

What are the three types of Yorkies?

There are three main types of Yorkshire Terriers: the Original, Parti, and Black Yorkie, each with unique characteristics. Discover the distinctive traits of each type to find the perfect Yorkie for you.

How big does a terrier Yorkie get?

Yorkshire Terriers typically weigh 5-7 pounds and stand 7-8 inches tall, making them one of the world's smallest dog breeds.

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.