Yorkshire Terriers are among the most popular small dog breeds, but many people don’t know about their complex ancestry.
These tiny companions didn’t appear overnight – they’re the result of careful breeding that combined several different terrier breeds in 19th-century England.
The Yorkshire Terrier was created by crossing several breeds including the Skye Terrier, Maltese, black and tan Manchester Terrier, the now-extinct Leeds Terrier, and possibly the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
What breeds make a Yorkshire Terrier reveals that no single cross created these dogs, but rather multiple terrier breeds contributed to their development.
Understanding your Yorkie’s background helps explain why these small dogs have such big personalities and strong hunting instincts.
You’ll discover how textile workers in Yorkshire, England combined working terrier breeds to create the perfect rat-catching companion that eventually became the beloved lap dog we know today.
Origins of Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier has its roots in northern England during the 1800s. Scottish workers brought their small terrier dogs when they moved to Yorkshire during the Industrial Revolution.
These workers needed jobs in the textile mills and coal mines. Their dogs came along to help with a big problem – rats and mice.
Original Purpose
Your Yorkshire Terrier’s ancestors were working dogs, not lap dogs. The mills and mines were full of rodents that ate food and spread disease.
The small terriers could fit into tight spaces where larger dogs couldn’t go. They hunted rats in the corners of textile mills and deep in coal mine tunnels.
Key Ancestor Breeds
Several terrier breeds helped create the Yorkshire Terrier you know today:
- Waterside Terrier – A working dog from Scotland
- Old English Black and Tan Terrier – Known for its coat colors
- Clydesdale Terrier – A Scottish breed with long hair
- Paisley Terrier – Another Scottish terrier breed
These breeds were picked because they were small, brave, and good hunters. The Scottish workers brought these terriers to Yorkshire to help control pests.
The Name
The breed got its official name around 1861. A man named Angus Sutherland gave them the title “Yorkshire Terrier” after the county where they became popular.
Before this, people called them “Broken Haired Scotch Terriers” because of their Scottish roots and rough coat texture.
What Breeds Make Yorkshire Terrier?
The Yorkshire Terrier didn’t develop from one specific cross. Instead, several small terrier breeds were combined to create the Yorkie you know today.
Primary Ancestor Breeds:
- Skye Terrier – Contributed to the silky coat texture
- Maltese – Added the small size and refined features
- Black and Tan Manchester Terrier – Provided the distinctive color pattern
- Leeds Terrier – Now extinct, helped shape early development
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier – Possibly influenced temperament
Other breeds likely played smaller roles in Yorkshire Terrier development. The Clydesdale Terrier, Waterside Terrier, and Paisley Terrier may have contributed genetics as well.
Scottish workers brought their terriers to Yorkshire’s mines and cotton mills in the 1800s. They needed small, brave dogs to catch rats in tight spaces. These workers bred different terrier types together to create the perfect working dog.
Key Development Facts:
- Original Yorkies were much larger than today’s breed
- They weighed around 11-15 pounds initially
- Selective breeding made them smaller over time
- The breed became popular with upper-class families as companion dogs
Huddersfield Ben was the foundation sire of the modern Yorkshire Terrier. This famous dog weighed 11 pounds but produced smaller offspring. He won over 70 dog shows and established many traits you see in Yorkies today.
The exact breeding combinations remain somewhat mysterious since detailed records weren’t always kept during the breed’s early development.
Characteristics of Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs with big personalities. They typically weigh between 4 to 7 pounds and stand 7 to 8 inches tall.
Physical Features:
- Long, silky coat that’s straight and glossy
- Steel blue and tan coloring
- Compact, well-proportioned body
- Small, V-shaped ears that stand erect
The Yorkshire Terrier’s distinctive coat requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty. Their hair grows continuously and can reach floor length if left uncut.
Temperament Traits:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Confident | Bold despite small size |
| Affectionate | Loves human attention |
| Alert | Makes excellent watchdog |
| Playful | Enjoys interactive games |
Yorkies are naturally curious and can be quite independent. This makes potty training challenging for some owners.
You’ll find that Yorkshire Terriers bond closely with their families. They often show equal affection to all household members but may be wary of strangers initially.
These dogs have high energy levels despite their tiny frames. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Yorkshire Terriers can be vocal when excited or alerting you to visitors. Their brave nature means they don’t back down from larger dogs, which requires careful supervision.
The breed adapts well to apartment living due to their size. However, they thrive best in homes where they receive plenty of attention and interaction throughout the day.
