Below you will be able to follow the long journey of the yorkie or yorkshire terrier that we know and love today. Yorkshire terriers were originally cross-bred from other dogs to create a dog that would kill rats. Yorkies used to be called Waterside Terriers, although these dogs were larger than current day yorkies. The breed standard for a yorkie is now 3-7 pounds, but the Waterside yorkie weighed in at 6 to 20 pounds.

The Waterside Terrier was a cross between a Black-and-Tan English Terrier and Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers. The AKC or American Kennel Club does not recognize these breeds of dog, although they were not cross-breed did not receive the name yorkshire terrier until the late 1800′s. These dogs also originated from Scotland and England. The Yorkshire Terrier, however, true to its name originated in Yorkshire.

Although the English Terrier and Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers are no longer a recognized breed I have researched what they may have looked like. This picture portrays a terrier that is black and tan. The terrier is very territorial, which is why this dog was used in the cross breed for a new breed that would catch rats. English terriers came in two varieties, black and tan and white. The black and tan terrier most likely was chosen for the variety of color. The two colors and the markings can still be seen in Yorkshire Terriers today.