The Yorkshire Terrier as a breed lays no claim to antiquity, and it became popular within a comparatively few years after it had attained definite form and making its first appearance at a bench show in 1861.

The debut of the Yorkshire Terrier took place at the Leeds show, in England, but it was not exhibited under its present name. The name Yorkshire was not applied to any great extent until 1886, when the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in England. According to Marples, the the Leeds show of 1861 had a class for Scotch Terriers in which all the specimens were of the breed now known as the Yorkshire.

The Skye Terrier was definitely Scotch, but the Yorkshire was "invented" and developed in Lancashire and Yorkshire. the fact that the Yorkshire Terrier first was exhibited as a Scotch Terrier gives great basis for the belief that it is a descendant of the Skye.

The Yorkshire Terrier in time became the fashionable pet of ladies of the aristocracy and of wealthy families in the late Victorian era and even before, but in its beginnings it belonged to the working classes. In fact, it was so closely linked to the weavers that many facetious comments were made regarding the fine texture of its extremely long and silky coat, terming the ultimate product of the looms.

It is doubtful whether many of the early Yorkshire Terriers could trace back to common ancestors, for in a land that knew so many terriers and toy dogs, it would be unreasonable to suppose that all the breeders used the same crosses. Perhaps the one breed that was found most suitable to complement the qualities of the Skye was the old Black and Tan, or Manchester Terrier, for this colouring long has been dominant in the Yorkshire.

The other breeds credited by old authorities with having a part in the development of the Yorkshire are the Maltese and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Of course, the diminutive size cannot be credited alone to crosses. It took many years before the Yorkshire was really small enough to be called a toy and it is remarkable that within twenty years of its origin the breed had been dwarfed to such an extent that it was among the smallest of all varieties.

Modern specimens of the Yorkshire breed true to type and their characteristics are well fixed. Colouring is distinctive, being a dark steel blue from the occiput to the root of the tail, a rich golden tan on the head and a bright tan on the chest. It is notable also, that puppies invariably are born black with tan markings.

While a toy, and at various times a great pampered one, the Yorkshire is a spirited dog. Were it not restrained, it would engage in the roistering activities of the larger terrier breeds, for all agree that the terrier strain in the Yorkshire cannot be denied. However, the extreme length of coat presents such a problem in care that most owners must keep their dogs in the house or under strict surveillance.