Yorkies are small dogs, weighing an average of 7 lbs, but have no problem taking on animals considerably bigger than them! They started off as ratters. Miners, weavers and other business owners in Scotland used them to keep their workspaces rodent-free. When weavers came to England mid 1800s they brought their tiny dogs with them. Before long, the breed caught on and started appearing in shows in 1861.
Formerly known as broken-haired Scotch Terriers, a reporter named Angus Sutherland pointed out that although the breed originated in Scotland it wasn't perfected until coming to Yorkshire, England. In 1870, the name was officially changed .
Famous Yorkshire Terrier owners include Audrey Hepburn (who often took hers on set with her), President Nixon, Ivanka Trump and Joan Rivers.
FUN FACT:
Yorkshire Terriers are especially prone to pharyngeal gag reflex (reverse sneezing). Instead of sneezing in the normal way, they gasp for air, making a honking sound like a goose.
Yorkies do not shed, their hair keeps growing just like a human's, up to 2 ft long!
The Yorkshire Terrier is Britain's 15th most popular breed.