Yorkshire Terriers are members of the Toy Group and are popular for a few reasons. Their characteristically long, beautiful coats, small size, and, most of all, their wonderful little personalities are all reasons why these little dogs are popular companions. Yorkies are known for being intelligent, inquisitive, loyal, and energetic. Here are some more fun facts about Yorkies:

1. They Were Originally Ratters

Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred in Scotland to help with pest control. More specifically, they were commonly used by weavers, miners, bakers, and other business owners to keep their shops and buildings pest-free. They were also sometimes used on hunts to flush out prey, especially prey that burrowed into a den.

They were bred for their small size, courage, and tenacity. Not only could they fit into small spaces, which was perfect for rodent control, but they also were not afraid to take on and chase away rats; some of which may have been about their size!

2. Yorkies Didn’t Come to England Until the 1800s

Yorkshire Terriers were not always called that. They were called Broken-Haired Scotch Terriers. It wouldn’t be until the breed came to England and was further refined and developed that they would be called Yorkshire Terriers.

The dog breed that would become the Yorkie we know today didn’t make it to England until the mid-1800s. Scottish weavers who came to England during that time brought their terriers with them. The little dogs gained popularity in England from there and even appeared in dog shows starting in 1861. The switch from Scotch Terriers to Yorkshire Terriers would occur shortly after in 1870.

3. Smoky the Yorkie Was a War Hero

A Yorkshire Terrier named Smoky was a World War II war hero who would later work as a therapy dog. There is even a statue in Cleveland, Ohio, where she passed away, dedicated to her memory. In total, there are six memorials in the United States dedicated to Smoky and one in Australia.

As the story goes, an American soldier named Bill Wynne found Smoky in a foxhole during WWII. Not only did she accompany Wynne and his company through New Guinea, but she was also an essential support in the war effort. In addition to being a source of comfort to soldiers in high-stress situations, she was also taught to run through pipes and string communication wires, which helped save lives.

Off the battlefield, Wynne also took Smoky to work as a therapy dog and visit wounded soldiers in various hospitals throughout the United States and the Pacific. When the war was over, Wynne and Smoky traveled to Hollywood and she became a TV star. A popular guest on a variety of TV shows, Smoky would perform tricks.

4. Yorkshire Terriers Should Be Handled With Care

Small dogs are adorable, and toy breeds are in a class of their own. However, there are extra considerations and big responsibilities that come with owning little dogs. It’s important to make sure that you can properly protect and care for a tiny dog before adding one to your family.

As one of the smallest dog breeds, Yorkie puppies are very tiny and that also means they are fragile. This is an important consideration, especially if you have small children. Many children find puppies to be irresistible playmates. If they don’t know how to interact properly with a puppy, they could easily injure a Yorkshire Terrier.

They may not understand how to handle the tiny pup and could accidentally injure them with trips, falls, or unsupervised play. This is also a concern with young children who are still learning motor control and coordination. It’s very important to supervise interactions between young kids and puppies.

5. Yorkies Can Be Difficult to Potty-Train

Yorkie puppies are known for having small bladders and needing to urinate frequently. Also, because they like to stay comfortable, they may be reluctant to go outside to use the bathroom. It may take a little more time and patience to house-train a Yorkie puppy, but it’s definitely doable.

All it takes are a few extra supplies and good house training tips to potty-train them. “Puppy pads” can help, as can a sheltered outdoor puppy potty space. The latter is especially useful because it’s easy for such a small puppy to catch a chill. Plus, as one of the dog breeds that hate winter, your Yorkie may refuse to walk outside or go potty outside during the winter unless they have some sort of sheltered area.

6. They Need Socialization to Avoid “Small Dog Syndrome”

Yorkshire Terriers are tiny and adorable, and they can also develop “small dog syndrome” if they are not properly socialized and trained. “Small dog syndrome” just describes the barking, jumping, aggressive attitude, and other undesirable behaviors that small dogs tend to develop when they are not socialized properly or trained consistently.

As you watch your microscopic Yorkie puppy grow into a very small dog, you should keep in mind that they might pick fights with much bigger dogs, especially if they are not well-socialized. For a small dog, especially a puppy for whom a toddler can be deadly, roughhousing with bigger dogs is a foolhardy pastime.

Protect your Yorkie by keeping them on a leash and watching them closely even when they are just out in the yard. Also, make sure you spend plenty of time socializing and training your small dog. Don’t let them get away with bad behavior just because they are small and cute.

7. Their Coat Texture is Similar to Human Hair

Yorkies have a long, silky dog coat type. They don’t have an undercoat, but their coat has a similar texture to human hair. This, and the length, is why it tangles easily and can break easily. Just as long silky human hair needs to be brushed daily to remove tangles and prevent mats, the same is true for the Yorkie coat, especially if it is kept in the longer show cut instead of clipped short into the “puppy cut”.

8. Yorkies Don’t Shed Much

If you are allergic to pet dander, getting a Yorkie could be a good move. Yorkies are among the top dog breeds for people with allergies and they barely shed if at all. If your allergies are triggered by skin cells or saliva, you’ll have to consider other options.

Although they have a low-shedding coat, that does not mean low maintenance. They do need to be combed and groomed regularly. If this is too much of a commitment, you can keep their long coats trimmed short in a “puppy cut” for an easier grooming level, but you will still have to do plenty of regular grooming at home and the dog groomer to maintain their coat.

9. Yorkshire Terriers Can Be Couch Potatoes

Although these little dogs are known for being energetic when they play and can be athletic, it’s also no secret that they are highly affectionate and love to cuddle. If you let them, they can be one of the laziest dog breeds.

If you’re not encouraging them to play or be active while spending time with you, they can become cuddle-puddle couch potatoes. This isn’t an issue as long as they are getting enough daily exercise, but can sometimes mean that you will need to make sure your Yorkie is getting enough activity in if you don’t lead a more active lifestyle that already ensures it.

Being overactive, becoming destructive, or being abnormally clingy and annoying can be signs your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, is bored, or is lonely. Take your dog for a walk or spend some time playing with them to let them release some energy. Then, review your dog’s recent routine and make sure you are giving them enough attention and exercise moving forward.

10. A Yorkshire Terrier May Have Inspired Toto

Toto from The Wizard of Oz was played by a Cairn Terrier and was responsible for that dog breed getting a boost in popularity when the movie was released. But, some people say the original character was inspired by a Yorkshire Terrier. Something both breed aficionados will debate.

Some people say that the original drawings in the first edition of the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz were inspired by a Yorkshire Terrier. This is often supported by the fact that W.W. Denslow, who was the illustrator, owned a Yorkie in addition to the fact that Yorkies were popular at the time of publication.

However, this is just an assumption based on the information of the time. As small Terriers with similar coloring, it’s easy to see how either of them could have served as inspiration. With the information available, it’s hard to say for sure whether it was one or maybe even both that served as inspiration during the writing and illustration of the book.

Is a Yorkie Puppy Right For You?

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular dog breeds and for good reason. They are a good fit for families and single owners who can handle them with care and dedicate the time to giving them the mental stimulation, affection, and training they need.

If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Yorkie puppies. You might end up finding the perfect addition to your family and your new best friend!