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This is from a breeders club in the UK

Genetic Work

Other news Nov/Dec 2006 is that there is a breeding programme under way to ensure the survival of the pre 1920's Yorkshire Terrier. This is organised and supported by our society. It is extraordinarily difficult to find pedigree KC registered individuals who carry the characteristics of the original Yorkshire Terrier. This original gene pool is essential if the breed is to continue devoid of defects caused by modern inbreeding. We are currently in consultation with rare breed societies who have given invaluable help with reference to identifying individuals carrying the correct genes without being close relatives.

Shows

To complement work on genetics an informal meeting and show took place where pre 1920's Yorkshire Terriers were exhibited.

Philosophy

The dog should be a healthy, robust individual. The individual should be kept in a practical way as originally intended and without modificatins which arrived later. Females should be able to birth naturally. The dog should of suitable temperament for family life.

Standard Setting

1) The overall look should be terrier type with a clear stop where the muzzle joins the head.
2) Ears are folded, where breeding has produced a pricked ear this can be countered by the weight of hair thus producing the typical pre 20's Yorkshire Terrier look. Hair should be allowed to provide cover for the ear but no more.
3) Weight should be over 7lbs and up to 23lbs.
4) The dog should be well built and muscular. There should be plenty of bone.
5)The nose should be black and button like.
6) The leg should be well set on, square and carry the dog forward in an athletic manner with a straight gait.
7)The back should be straight not curved.
8) Tails should be long, well set on and carried below topline with feather.
9) Face furnishings should be of practical length excessive length or shortening must be avoided.
10) Hair on the head, body and legs should also be clipped to practical length. Feather on the legs should be tidy but of suitable protective cover. The hair around the eyes should be trimmed suitably so the dog can see without being impeded.
11)Teeth should have a good scissor bite.
12) The dog should have a happy demenour and give the impression of being an old traditional type of faithful dog.

I would prefer the smaller more delicate Yorkie we have now.