Yorkie Puppies for Sale
The Yorkshire Terrier ranks among America's most beloved breeds, and it's easy to see why. These pint-sized pups pack big personalities, endless loyalty, and a surprisingly rich history into a tiny frame.
At Petland Pensacola, we work to keep Yorkie puppies in our store as often as possible. Before you meet them, here are the fun facts that make this breed so special.
A Founding AKC Breed
Although the Yorkie isn't an especially ancient breed, these tiny dogs were one of the American Kennel Club's original registered breeds. Yorkshire Terriers were registered in 1885, alongside early favorites like the basset hound, the beagle, and the bull terrier. You can explore the breed's official standard through the AKC's Yorkshire Terrier profile.
Born to Be Exterminators
Today the Yorkie is prized as a companion, but in the 1800s these dogs earned their keep as effective ratters. Over the years the breed grew smaller, yet it never lost its tenacity. That innate feistiness is still very much part of the Yorkie's charm.
The Father of the Breed
Yorkshire Terriers descend from several terrier breeds, some of which no longer exist, such as the Black-and-Tan Terrier. The dog considered the true father of the breed was a champion show dog named Huddersfield Ben. He lived only six years but won more than 70 prizes and sired many Yorkies, laying the foundation for the breed we know today.
The Breed Once Had Different Names
In its early days, the breed went by several names, including:
- Broken Haired Scotch Terrier
- Broken Haired Toy Terrier
- Toy Terrier
It wasn't until around the 1870s that the name Yorkshire Terrier was adopted, honoring the region in England where the breed began.
Smoky, the World War II Hero
During World War II, an American soldier found a Yorkshire Terrier puppy lost in a foxhole in the Pacific. He named her Smoky, and she became a genuine war hero. Smoky first visited injured soldiers, making her one of the earliest therapy dogs, and later strung communication lines between outposts in the Philippines.
A Coat That Keeps Growing
Yorkies belong to the non-shedding group, so they rely on their owners for grooming. Their hair is similar to human hair and keeps growing, sometimes up to two feet long. While show dogs wear the long, breed-specific coat, most owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" to avoid brushing out a full-length coat several times a day.
Grooming at a Glance
- Brush regularly to prevent tangles and mats
- Consider a low-maintenance puppy cut for everyday life
- Keep up with routine trims to manage the ever-growing coat
For more on keeping your dog's coat and skin healthy, the VCA guide to coat care offers helpful, vet-backed advice.
Loyal, Bold, and Fearless
Anyone who has spent time with a Yorkie knows their bravery knows no bounds. They may be small, but they carry themselves with the confidence of a much larger dog and will protect their owners at all costs. One 6-pound Yorkie in New Jersey even chased off a hungry bear that wandered into its home and threatened its owner.
Is a Yorkie Right for You?
The Yorkshire Terrier suits many different lifestyles, and our Pet Counselors are happy to help you decide if this breed is the right match. We encourage every customer to play and interact with our puppies before making the big decision to take one home.
Because the Yorkie is so popular, we try to keep them in our store year-round. Stop by to meet our current litter, or browse our available puppies online, and ask us about flexible financing and payment options when you visit Petland Pensacola.