The Yorkshire Terrier started out as a mill and mine ratter in nineteenth-century Yorkshire and Lancashire, and it still has the nerve of a much bigger dog. Most adults weigh four to eight pounds and wear a long, silky blue-and-tan coat that grows like human hair and sheds very little.
Yorkies tend to be affectionate and closely attached to their families, with a terrier's confidence that can tip into bossiness around larger dogs. They're fragile, so supervise play with children and big dogs. Dental care, regular brushing and patient house training are the main commitments, and each Yorkie's personality and needs vary, so spend time with the dog you're considering.