The Yorkshire Terrier is often referred to as the "Yorkie." These are small, toy dogs that are long haired and known for their playful demeanors. They have a very distinctive silver blue and tan coat. These dogs are often very small and weigh no more than seven pounds. The Yorkie is the second most popular dog breed in the United States, just behind the Labrador Retriever.

The Yorkie was bed by the English to be a ratter. They may have even been used as hunting dogs. These terriers were developed in the early 19th Century and were used to pursue small vermin living in dens and burrows. The dog breed originated in Yorkshire and adjoining Lancashire in the northern regions of England. Many mill and mine workers brought these small, long-coated terriers with them and were known as Broken Haired Scotch terriers, not to be confused with Scotties. As these early breeders did not keep records of their bloodlines, it is difficult to say where the dog's ancestry originated from. It is believed that the English Black and Tan Terrier gave the Yorkie its distinctive color and it is also suggested that the Maltese is in the dog's ancestry as well.

The Yorkshire Terrier as a breed first appeared at a show in 1861 and was known as the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier. The early Yorkies were known as Toy Terriers and the official name of the Yorkshire Terrier was given around 1874. In 1872, the Yorkie was introduced to the United States. It was one of the first twenty-five dog breeds recognized by the AKC. During the late Victorian Era, the Yorkie became a popular pet.

The Yorkshire Terrier has a temperament that makes it seem oblivious to its small size. They really are big dogs in a little dog's body and they are eager for adventure. These dogs are brave, clever, loyal and energetic. They tend to be very affectionate with their owners, but may be leery of strangers. These dogs can also be aggressive with other dogs and small animals because of their heritage. These dogs do best with older children who are considerate of dogs. These dogs are easy to train, and therefore are great for dog obedience training, but do have a stubborn streak. These dogs may be snappish if they are caught off guard and can be difficult to housebreak. The Yorkie does like to bark, but can be trained not to.

The Yorkie is an excellent apartment dog, but they tend to be active inside. They will do fine without a yard as long as they receive appropriate exercise. The Yorkie is sensitive to the cold and prefers warm climates. They should be kept indoors during the winter, but will be fine outdoors as long as it is warm.

If these dogs do not receive appropriate exercise they can easily become mischievous and get into trouble. Playtime is not adequate exercise for these dogs and they need to be walked regularly to prevent behavioral problems from developing. The average lifespan of the Yorkie is 12 to 15 years.