| Yorkies, or Yorkshire Terriers, as they are formally | | | | Yorkshire terriers were not their original name. Originally |
| known, are fascinating dogs. They have great | | | | their name was Broken-Haired Scotch Terriers. It |
| personalities and are very smart. They are designated | | | | wasn't until 1870 that their name was changed. |
| in the toy group of dogs because of their small size. | | | | The Yorkshire Terrier did not arrive to the United |
| According to their breed standard they must not | | | | States until 1872, and was not recognized until 1885 by |
| exceed seven pounds. | | | | the AKC. In fact, this breed is one of the first breeds |
| They have a very characteristic coat as well. Almost | | | | to be recognized by the AKC. Since their arrival |
| all Yorkies have a blue and tan coat. Their coat is also | | | | Yorkies have always had widespread popularity in |
| very long and silky if left to grow out. | | | | America. |
| They are always one of America's favorite breeds of | | | | This breed is considered on of the more intelligent dog |
| dogs consistently ranked in the top ten. According to | | | | breeds. In fact one study of dog intelligence ranked |
| the latest statistics from the American Kennel Club | | | | them 27 out of 132 breeds. Yorkies are very easy to |
| (AKC), they are the number two most popular dog | | | | train and pick up commands quite quickly. |
| breed in America, second only to the Labrador | | | | Due to their popularity, breeders are always trying to |
| Retriever. | | | | cross them with other breeds. Some popular |
| The Yorkie originated in Yorkshire, a territory in | | | | combinations are crosses with the Maltese (Morkie), |
| northern England. It is believed that Scottish miners | | | | the Miniature Pinscher (Yorkie Pin), and the Poodle |
| coming to England for work brought along several | | | | (Yorkie-Poo). |
| small long haired terriers that would go on to form | | | | Yorkies have also enjoyed a lot of popularity on TV |
| what we know today as the Yorkie. | | | | and in movies. In fact one the original dog from the |
| Huddersfield Ben, is the dog that is believed to be the | | | | Wizard of Oz was a Yorkie, although it was later |
| foundation sire of this breed. He was born in 1865 in | | | | played by a Carin Terrier. |
| the county of Yorkshire. Legend has it that he won | | | | As you can see there are many interesting facts |
| over 70 prizes at ratting contests, thus earning him | | | | about Yorkies. If you want to learn more about this |
| popularity throughout the region and making him a | | | | great breed be sure to check out websites and books |
| highly sought after stud dog. | | | | about this breed. |