History of the Yorkshire Terrier

Great Britain has bestowed upon us a lively and diverse family of dogs known as terriers. Etymology enthusiasts recognize that the term "terrier" originates from the Latin word "terra," meaning earth. These feisty dogs are specifically bred to go underground to confront creatures that fiercely defend themselves with teeth and claws.

While many terriers have transitioned from badger holes and fox dens to the comfort of couches, one particular terrier breed has a long history of being pampered by Victorian ladies and occupying a special place on their laps.

The Yorkshire Terrier, as its name suggests, hails from the County of York in northern England, a region that has also given us literary works like "Wuthering Heights," stories by James Herriot, and the popular television series "Downton Abbey."

Although the Yorkshire Terrier is closely associated with Yorkshire, its origins can be traced back to rugged Scotland, where the Skye Terrier, named after an island off the Scottish coast, had its roots.

Now considered a rare breed, the Skye Terrier has a distinctive elongated, low silhouette with a long, hard coat. Centuries ago, there was a smaller version known as the Clydesdale Terrier, named after a valley in the Scottish lowlands. Unlike the Skye's rough outer coat, the Clydesdale Terrier sported a soft, silky blue and tan coat, a color scheme that remains a defining feature of the Yorkshire Terrier today. The Clydesdale and the Paisley Terrier, a similar all-blue breed, eventually merged, with their names sometimes used interchangeably in Yorkshire Terrier histories.

The Clydesdale Terrier, although smaller than the modern Skye Terrier, was still considered too large to be a toy dog and retained its instinct for vermin hunting. Over time, the Clydesdale evolved into a show dog, with its coat being a key feature of admiration.

Eventually, the Clydesdale Terrier, which had limited distribution beyond its namesake valley, became extinct but played a pivotal role in the development of the Yorkshire Terrier.

During the mid-19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to Scottish weavers migrating to Yorkshire with their terriers. These dogs were crossed with local breeds, including the Waterside Terrier and the Old English Terrier, resulting in the creation of the Broken Haired Scotch Terrier or Toy Terrier. Renamed the Yorkshire Terrier due to its popularity, this breed became known for its luxurious coat and ratting skills.

One significant Yorkshire Terrier, "Huddersfield Ben," born in 1865, played a crucial role in shaping the breed's future. Despite his untimely death, Ben's popularity as a stud dog ensured his genetic legacy in almost every Yorkshire Terrier today.

Huddersfield Ben the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier's journey continued to America, where it captured the hearts of Victorian ladies. Although the breed faced a decline in the 1940s, its popularity resurged thanks to "Smoky," a remarkable 4-pound Yorkie with a heroic wartime story.

Smoky the Yorkshire Terrier

Today, the Yorkshire Terrier is known for its lap-warming abilities, a far cry from its historical role as a rat hunter. Your cozy couch beckons the presence of this beloved breed.