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• Originally called the Broken-haired Scotch Terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier was brought to Yorkshire, England by Scotch weavers. These small, silky-coated dogs were in great demand by the wealthy families of Yorkshire. Poor farmers and workers occasionally established a lucrative sideline by producing puppies to fill the demand. The competition to "corner the market" made these breeders closed-mouthed about their formulas. Around 1870, the breed became known as the Yorkshire Terrier.

• The Yorkshire Terrier came from the same district as the Airedale Terrier, appearing for the first time around 1850 with "Huddersfield Ben" (pictured here) listed as the first Yorkie.

• The Yorkshire Terrier were the ideal dogs for coal miners, small enough to be carried in pockets and carrying wire for miners in tubes underground. Their distinctive gold and steel blue coloring was said to come out of necessity for the coal miners. For white dogs would get too dirty and black dogs would be hard to spot. But the Yorkshire Terrier with its steel blue back disguised the coal dust, and their gold faces and legs made them easy to find in the mining holes.

• Yorkshire Terriers are not born gold and blue, but rather black and tan, like Dobermans and rottweilers. Yorkshire Terriers carry a fading gene that causes the black hair to fade to gray, much like Old English Sheepdogs.

• It is commonly believed, though not universally, that the Yorkshire Terrier came from the Old English Black/Tan Terrier, the Skye Terrier and the Maltese. The Old English Black/Tan contributed the general terrier outline; the Skye fixed the temperament while retaining the coat; and the Maltese donated the long, silky hair and petite face. Although the Clydesdale Terrier, the Paisley Terrier and the Dandie Dinmont have also been suggested as founders of the breed. Many also believe the Chihuahua was occasionally used to decrease the size.

• The Yorkshire Terrier has been steadily moving up the AKC popularity chart. In 1999, the Yorkshire Terrier was 9th out of 130 breeds. In 2000, he was 7th out of 130 breeds.

• According to the 1985 Guiness Book of World Records, the smallest dog ever recorded is Sylvia weighing in at 10 ounces.

• Although Yorkshire Terriers are small in size, they are still curious, spirited and self-assured. Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate and devoted to their owners.

• Yorkshire Terriers are a relatively healthy breed, but it can be afflicted with slipped stifle (a joint disorder), eye infections, and gum and teeth weaknesses.