The Yorkshire Terrier began as a working ratter in the textile mills and mines of nineteenth-century northern England, where workers crossed several small Scottish terriers. Adults usually weigh around seven pounds, though pet Yorkies often run a bit heavier. The fine, steel-blue and tan coat grows like human hair, so it needs regular brushing and professional trims.
Yorkies carry a big terrier attitude: confident, curious, affectionate and quick to sound the alarm. They bond closely with their people and are easy to bring along, but they're fragile around rough play and prone to dental disease. In Toledo, that means a harness for riverfront walks, a warm coat in winter and careful introductions to bigger dogs. Young or very small dogs may need frequent small meals, and house training takes patience.