How Did The Yorkie End Up Being One Of The Most Popular Breeds In The World?

The Yorkshire Terrier or Yorkie as fans like to call it is, without doubt, one of the most popular dog breeds in the world at the moment. According to the American Kennel Club, this small dog breed occupies the 6th position in the most popular dogs on the world list.

Most certainly its small size, which makes the dog fit in a bag, and its sophisticated look, provided by a silk long coat, made the Yorkie be preferred by so many dog owners around the globe. However, you will be surprised to find out that the beginnings of this dog breed were not that glamorous.

The humble beginnings

The name of Yorkshire Terrier dog breeds suggests its place of origin, although it was imported there rather than created with the existing dog breeds at the moment. The breed got its name from Yorkshire, a county located in the north of England. It is believed that the roots of the Yorkie can be traced back to the 19th century when workers coming from Scotland introduced into Yorkshire a type of terrier with very short legs.

The area was famous for wool and cotton mills and history presents the early Yorkshire breeding and growing around these mills, where they could have been used for keeping pests at bay. Believe it or not, there are only three dogs that lie at the origins of the modern Yorkshire terrier.

A male and a female, by their names Paisely and Kitty, and another female whose name remains unknown, contributed to the appearance of the breed.

Still, some think that other breeds played their role as well, up to a certain degree, in the development of the Yorkie. The Maltese, Skye terrier, and Paisely terrier are believed to have lent their genes to the making of the Yorkie as we know it.

As mentioned earlier, the owners of mills worked on the appearance of the Yorkie, as they needed a short and slim dog, capable of crawling in tight spaces to hunt down rodents. But, in spite of its dusty and humble beginnings, the Yorkie managed to find a way to climb the social ladder, in the second half of the 19th century.

The Victorian period

In 1886, the Kennel Club decided to make the Yorkshire terrier an official dog breed, which placed it in the spotlights. In a very short while, the popularity of these small dogs with a soft, silky coat started to enjoy a significant boom, as the demand for this breed grew. They soon became the favorite companion for the ladies of the upper class during the Victorian period, who loved having these dogs in their lap.

As the breed’s popularity as a lap dog or companion dog increased, the Yorkie also shrunk in size. Smaller individuals were preferred, as no one needed them to hunt mice any longer, but sit comfortably next to their owners.

In the US, the first Yorkie arrived in 1870 and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, when Belle, a female Yorkshire, became the first Yorkie registered in the country.

How is the Yorkie as a companionship dog?

The Yorkie is an extremely friendly, lovable, playful, and smart dog, so it can be the ideal partner for singles, seniors, and families alike. However, when it comes to families with children, it is recommended for the children to be older, so they can handle the dog adequately.

The Yorkie is a small and rather fragile dog that won’t hesitate to jump back if mistreated or mishandled. Although it’s nice and cute, don’t forget the Yorkie is still a terrier and will act accordingly.

Apart from the fact that young children and Yorkies may not be the best combination, this dog is a very pleasant companion, is easy to train, and will have no problems staying at home alone for a couple of hours.

Unlike other small dog breeds, the Yorkie usually handles time on its own well, as long as it is for limited periods. Of course, just like any other dog, it will prefer spending time in the companionship of its owner and family.

Is it difficult to care for a Yorkie?

Considering their small size, a Yorkie will not demand much in terms of food and accommodation. But, its long and silky coat will require periodic grooming and bathing. If you want to make this task easier, giving your dog a puppy cut will help you save a lot of time.

Also, considering that it has a hypoallergenic coat, which means no undercoat and barely any shedding around the house, you will need to protect your Yorkie in cold weather. Its thin hair doesn’t offer adequate protection in bad weather.

Another aspect you need to bear in mind about the Yorkie is that it’s not aware of its size. They are brave little dogs that won’t hesitate to launch at much bigger dogs, not realizing that they have a very small stature. So, make sure to walk your Yorkie on a leash and train it to be obedient, so that it will behave in public spaces.

Are you slowly falling in love with the Yorkie? Well, you’re not the only one. Just wait until you lay your eyes on adorable Yorkie puppies, which are not larger than the palm of your hand. Check out https://premierpups.com/yorkie-puppies-for-sale and see which puppy manages to steal your heart.

Dedicated to pairing future dog owners with ideal puppies, Premier Pups has the experience and training necessary to help you make the best choice. Also, you will receive guidance so that your puppy will get accustomed to its new home in the shortest period possible.

Speaking of the Yorkie’s popularity, here are a few celebrities that chose the companionship of this small yet very charming dog: Audrey Hepburn, Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton, Whitney Huston, Natalie Portman, Miranda Kerr, Britney Spears, Vanessa Williams.

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