Yorkies & Silkies Dogs

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39% percent of U.S. households own a dog. Yorkies, also known has Yorkshire terriers, and Silkies are breeds of toy terrier. The American Kennel Club recognizes both these breeds as pure breeds. Yorkies and Silkies make popular pets for people who want small dogs.

  1. History

    • The Yorkshire terrier is descended from the Waterside Terrier and was brought to Yorkshire, England, in the mid-19th century by weavers from Scotland. The earliest record of a Yorkshire terrier born in the United States dates to 1872. Dog breeders developed the Silky terrier in the early 1900s in Australia from crossing native Australian Terriers with imported Yorkshire Terriers. It was originally known as the Sydney Silky Terrier.

    Yorkies

    • A purebred Yorkshire terrier should not weigh more than seven pounds. It has a small, rather flat head, a black nose, medium eyes and small, V-shaped, erect ears. Its body is well-proportioned and very compact. The forelegs and hind legs should be straight and the feet rounded with black toenails. Puppies are born black and tan and develop into blue and tan colorings.

    Silkies

    • The Silky terrier is larger than the Yorkshire terrier. It has a true terrier personality and can hunt down domestic rodents. The Silky's body is moderately low set and is from 9 to 10 inches high at the shoulder. It has a strong, wedge-shaped head and small, dark, almond-shaped eyes. It has strong and straight forelegs and well-muscled hindquarters.