Furry Companions: Great Dog Breeds that start with Y
Embarking on a journey through the canine alphabet, we arrive at a letter that you don’t often think dog breeds start with, Y. . This blog post will uncover dog breeds’ distinct characteristics and charming quirks that start with ‘Y’. We will showcase why these particular pups might be the perfect addition to your family. Or the ideal companion for your adventures. From the fluffy coats to their spirited personalities, get ready to meet some of the most intriguing four-legged friends whose names are as special as their breed.
Most of the breeds below are crossbreeds. The American Kennel Club does not recognize them. Some are acknowledged by other organizations such as the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry (registry here). Nonetheless, the list of dog breeds below is full of fluffy friends who will make great additions to your life. Always be sure to look up the breed standard for the dog you are looking for. Also, ensure the breeders provide a written document certified for claiming the breed you are getting.
Small Dog Breeds that start with the letter Y
Below is a list of small dog breeds that start with the letter ‘Y’. We also included the breed’s mental traits, what they are known for, a unique history & origin, and their average size.
Yorkshire Terrier
Mental Traits:
Yorkies have feisty and spirited personality. They are a fun-loving dog and great for families with small children.
Known For:
They have a beautiful, silky coat.
Unique History:
The Yorkshire Terrier originated from the United Kingdom and was developed during the 19th century by Scottish weavers who migrated to England.
Average Size:
They typically weigh around 7 pounds (3.2 kg) and stand about 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder.
Yoranian (Yorkie-Pomeranian mix)
Mental Traits:
Yoranians are a playful dog and affectionate. Best choice for small children.
Known For:
A fluffy coat and face that resembles a teddy bear.
Unique History & Origin:
The Pomeranian name comes from Pomerania, a region in Northern Germany and Poland, and it can be traced back to 1764. The Pomeranian became popular in the United Kingdom during the late 1700s when members of the British Royal Family brought two of the dogs, Mercury and Phoebe, to England. The Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, was bred over a hundred years ago to hunt rodents in the coal mines of Yorkshire, England. The Yorkie was originally known as the ‘Broken Haired Scotch’ but was renamed the Yorkshire Terrier in 1874. The Yoranian’s exact date of origin is unknown, but it is believed to have been developed in the United States. The goal was to combine the spirited and bold nature of the Yorkshire Terrier with the sturdy and resilient characteristics of the Pomeranian, resulting in a perky and happy dog that bonds closely with its owner.
Average Size:
A Yorkie Pom generally weighs between 3 to 7 pounds (1.4 to 3.2 kg) and is about 6 to 12 inches tall.
Yorkie Bichons (Yorkshire Terrier-Bichon Frise mix)
Mental Traits:
Friendly nature and compatibility with families.
Known For:
They have a soft and hypoallergenic coat which makes it perfect for families who want a pup that does not shed or is allergic to dogs.
Unique History & Origin:
This adorable hybrid first gained popularity in the United States. The Bichon Frise has a history that dates back to the 13th century, originating in the Mediterranean region. It is believed to have descended from the Barbet, a medium-sized water dog, and was developed as a companion animal for sailors and traders. The Yorkshire Terrier originated in England during the Industrial Revolution, where it was bred by workers to catch rats in the mills. It quickly became a fashionable pet for Victorian English people due to its small size and lively character.
The Bichon Yorkie itself does not have a well-documented origin, as it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an independent breed. However, it is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and may also be referred to by various names such as Yorkshire Frises, Bichyorkies, Yorkie Chons, Yo-Chons, Borkies, and Yorkie Bichons.
Average Size:
They usually weigh between 6 to 12 pounds (2.7 to 5.4 kg) and stand roughly 9 to 12 inches in height.
Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle mix):
Mental Traits:
Yorkiepoos are intelligence and have high energy.
Known For:
An ideal choice for a dog owner who appreciates a small breed dog and can provide regular grooming. They boast a curly or wavy coat that can come in a variety of colors.
Unique History & Origin:
This breed was first developed in the United States during the 1990s as a companion dog, particularly for people with allergies due to its hypoallergenic coat. The creation of the Yorkiepoo aimed to produce a small, hypoallergenic dog that was easy to care for and possessed a friendly personality.
Average Size:
Their weight ranges from 4 to 15 pounds (1.8 to 6.8 kg), with a height of 7 to 15 inches.
Yorkie Russell
Mental Traits:
Known to be curious, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn. They have a lively disposition both physically and mentally.
Known for:
High Energy and sometimes difficult to train because of their stubborn personality.
Unique History and Origin:
The Yorkie Russell, also known as the Jorky or Jackshire Terrier, is a delightful hybrid breed that combines the characteristics of two of England’s storied working terriers: the Yorkshire Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. The Yorkshire Terrier has its origins in the mid-19th century in Yorkshire, England, where it was bred by mill workers to control vermin populations as described above. The Jack Russell Terrier was developed in the 19th century by Reverend John Russell for fox hunting. The Yorkie Russell is a relatively new designer breed.
While the exact date of origin is unknown, the Yorkie Russell is believed to have been developed in the United States.
Average Size:
A generally small breed, with an average height of 8-15 inches and weight being 5-18 pounds.
These breeds, while small in stature, are big in heart and personality, making them wonderful companions for various lifestyles. The specific breeds of dogs listed above are not unique because of their breed starting with a Y, but also because they are not easy to find. They are all considered designer breeds. Be sure to look into ethical breeding when finding one of these small companions. You can find the AKC Standard here for all dog breeds as well as a great article on breed standards in general. Collect a list of dog breed names that you are interested in and be sure to do your due diligence on all breeders, regardless of what type of dog you are looking for. You want to be sure you get the best pup for your family!
Medium to Large Breed Dog that starts with the letter y
Many of the Medium Dog Breeds that start with the letter Y are also known to creep into the large dog breed range. Because these breeds are mixed, their sizes could hit both categories. Be mindful if you are looking for domestic dogs with the breeds below as most are working dogs. You will notice characteristics of the breeds that require training, time, and energy and sometimes a colder climate. You will find a hunting dog, a sled dog, a hurting dog, and much more below!
Yakutian Laika
Mental Traits:
Incredibly intelligent. I also love this breed because it falls into my favorite category of breeds, which is Sled Dogs!
Known For:
This breed is known for its versatility, being used for herding, pulling sleds, and hunting. This breed is similar to the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and the Alaskan Husky. These breeds are known for the various tasks they complete as working dogs. Perfect match for a household with older children or a very active person who can keep their large dogs entertained and busy!
Unique History:
This breed hails from Siberia, Russia, and was traditionally used by the Yakute people for herding, pulling sleds, and hunting. Known for its endurance and stamina, the Yakutian Laika is well-suited to cold and harsh environments thanks to its thick double coat.
Average Size:
They typically weigh between 40 to 55 pounds (18 to 25 kg) and stand about 21 to 23 inches tall.
Yarmouth Troller
Mental Traits:
A high-energy pup who also loves the water.
Known for:
Trolling! They can “troll” which essentially means they lure ducks closer by playing along the shoreline piquing the duck’s curiosity.
Unique History:
Also known as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, this breed was developed in Nova Scotia, Canada, for hunting waterfowl. The Yarmouth Toller is a medium-sized dog with a red coat, recognized for its active, intelligent, and affectionate nature.
Average Size:
They stand between 45-51 cm (19-20 inches) and weigh between 37-51 pounds (17-23kg)
Yellow Black Mouth Cur
Mental Traits:
Territorial by nature so this breed makes for excellent guard dogs.
Known for:
Joyful personality and very versatile in hunting, herding, and other working jobs. Best for a family who likes to be on the move or someone who has time to train and give this pup a lot of playtime and a job!
Unique History:
The exact origin of the Black Mouth Cur is unknown, but it is believed to have been developed in the southern United States. The breed may include a mix of various working dogs, possibly including Belgian Malinois among other European dogs brought to southern Mississippi by settlers.
Average Size:
About 16-25 inches tall and anywhere from 35-80 pounds. Males can weigh up to even 100 pounds.
Yellow Russian Retriever
Mental Traits:
Smart, intelligent, Friendly, and Brave
Known for:
Being child-friendly! They have a thick, taffy-colored double coat so hot environments are not ideal for them.
Unique History:
Also known as the Russian Tracker, this large breed from Russia is used primarily for hunting, tracking, and search and rescue operations. The Golden Retriever is the closest descendant of this breed.***Important to note that this breed no longer exists but The Russian Tracker still does and resembles this breed.
Average Size:
The weight is 70-90 pounds and stands 20-30 inches.
Summary
In the delightful world of small canine companions, dog breeds that start with ‘Y’ offer a unique blend of charm and personality. Among these, the Yorkshire Terrier stands out with its elegant coat and bold character, embodying the quintessence of a toy breed with a terrier heart. The Yorkiepoo, a Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle mix, brings the best of both worlds with its hypoallergenic fur and affectionate nature. Meanwhile, the Yorkie Russell, a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Jack Russell Terrier, offers a spirited and loyal companion, perfect for those seeking an energetic and intelligent pet. These breeds, though small in stature, provide immense companionship and fit wonderfully into various lifestyles, making them beloved by many.
