The Yorkshire Terrier dates back to as early as the 19th Century.They were used as a working dog, their primary job was catching rats and other rodents. There are stories of these dogs being let to roam the streets to keep the rodent population to a minimum. They were derived from the various crosses of terriers some being the Skye Terrier and the English Black and Tan Toy Terrier. Even though there is no record or proof, it is said that the long silky hair was from a cross with the Maltese.
I have always been fascinated with this bold personality hidden in such a tiny body. These dogs are not your shaky little Chihuahua. They stand their own ground. My dogs stand up to our 110 lb. Rhodesian Ridgeback as if they were the larger of the breeds. This boldness that they posses contributes to their fearless dispositions. Even though they are fearless and courageous they still love to be cuddled and pampered and make the perfect lap dog. And best of all, they do not shed (they have hair not fur).