This spunky little breed was developed in Yorkshire, England. Their original purpose was to thin out the rats which occupied the coal mines of England - they were highly valued and very skillful in this role. Information on how the Yorkie was developed is a bit sketchy but it is most likely that many breeds were crossed in the process. Breeds such as the Skye Terrier, Waterside Terrier, Maltese, Paisley Terrier, Clydesdale Terrier, Welsh Terrier and The Old English Black and Tan are thought to have been used. The name "Yorkshire Terrier" was attached to the breed in 1870 - and has continued to grow in popularity ever since.