The Origin of Yorkshire Terriers

The history of many dog breeds is lost in the mists of time. Often times, its history is open to a mixture of folklore and speculation. This is not true in the case of Yorkshire Terrier. Yorkies are man-made breed with a relatively recent history. This is one reason why we can easily chart the breed's progress and development with complete accuracy.

To trace the origin of Yorkies, we need to go back to the Industrial Revolution which changed the face of Britain from the late 18th century onwards. As the nation became industrialized, workers were needed in the mills, mines and factories that were springing up in the new urban centers. Yorkshire soon became a center for industry and families in Scotland. Most families who failed to make a living in Scotland brought their possessions including their family dogs to another country where they choose to live. At that time, most of the family dogs includes small, native terriers like the Skye Terrier, Paisley Terrier and the Brokenhaired Scotch Terrier. The Skye Terriers were large dog weighing around 18lbs (8.3kgs) with a relatively long, harsh coat in blue and tan, grizzle, or wheaten in color.

Clydesdales were blue and tan terriers weighing up to 18lbs (8.3kgs). Paisleys were smaller dogs weighing 12lbs (8.2kgs) with lighter blue coat. These dogs were highly valued for their ability to see off vermin. Most of these dogs were used in homes and in workplaces to keep mice and rats at bay.

These Scottish Terriers interbred with native dogs in Lancashire and Yorkshire. These would have included the Manchester Terrier, the Black and Tan Terrier, the Halifax Fawn, and the Silky Terrier. Considering the history of Yorkshire Terriers, it is fair to say that these breeds played a part in the creation of Yorkies. It is even thought that the exotic Maltese may have been interbred at a later date to improve the coat of Yorkies.