Because they’re so tiny and have such splendid coats, many people think Yorkshire Terriers are delicate dogs. Actually, it’s better not to baby these dogs too much. Excessive pampering confuses them. Common sense care must be taken because of their size, but Yorkies are little terriers. That means they love to play and investigate. They are bundles of energy as puppies, though older Yorkies can be quiet and settled.

In nineteenth century Yorkshire, England, the dog caught rats for workers in clothing mills. The breed’s coat was so beautiful that people said the mill workers must have spun their coats in the factories. Later in the nineteenth century, the Yorkie was discovered by high society, and he became the widely loved family companion he is today.

The Yorkie’s coat is always blue and tan. The body is mostly blue, darker at the tail. The hair on the top of the head is called the “headfall.” It should be a golden tan color. The tan is darker on the sides of the face, chest, and parts of legs. The Yorkie’s long coat needs to be brushed every day so it won’t get matted. It needs shampooing once a week and some trimming.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance:A long-haired toy terrier, vigorous and confident.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Weight—not to exceed 7 pounds.

Fun Facts

Yorkies are unafraid, independent, and love to travel with their people. One Yorkie took a month-long tour of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. She rode in a specially designed basket on a bicycle built for three (her owners and her). Of course, she had to wear her sweater on the chilly mountain mornings.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.