Est. 1985

Four Decades ofDevotion

The story of IRMADU Yorkies — a South African family kennel built on quality, integrity and an enduring love for the Yorkshire Terrier.

IRMADU mother Yorkie with puppies
1985
The beginning
Our Story

A Passion That Became a Legacy

IRMADU Yorkies was born in 1985 from a simple, steadfast love for the Yorkshire Terrier. What started with a single beloved companion grew, over decades, into one of South Africa's most respected breeding programmes.

From our home in Centurion, Gauteng, we have dedicated ourselves to preserving the true character of the breed — the silk coat, the proud stance, the terrier sparkle, and above all, the devoted temperament that makes a Yorkie a forever friend.

We have never chased volume. Each litter is planned with care, each pairing considered for type, health and temperament. The result is a line of Yorkies treasured by families and admired in the show ring alike — and a reputation earned over forty honest years.

40+
Years of Breeding
3500+
Happy Families
100%
KUSA Registered
Our Philosophy

What We Stand For

Four principles that have guided every breeding decision for four decades.

Responsible Breeding

We breed selectively and ethically, prioritising health, temperament and the preservation of correct breed type above all else.

Exceptional Bloodlines

Decades of carefully curated genetics from champion local and imported lines produce Yorkies of outstanding quality.

Lifetime Support

An IRMADU puppy is a lifetime relationship. We remain available to our families for guidance, for the whole life of the dog.

Health First

Every puppy is vet-checked, vaccinated and microchipped before going home.

The Journey

Forty Years, Milestone by Milestone

1985

A Passion Begins

IRMADU is founded in Centurion with our very first Yorkshire Terrier and a vision to breed for quality, not quantity.

1987

First KUSA Registration

First Yorkie registered with KUSA on 25 October 1987 — the official start of the IRMADU breeding journey.

2003

Imported Genetics

We introduce carefully selected European champion lines to strengthen coat, colour and conformation in our programme.

Today

Four Decades In

Forty years on, IRMADU remains a small, hands-on family kennel producing Yorkies treasured across South Africa.

IRMADU Yorkies is a KUSA registered Yorkshire Terrier breeder based in Centurion, Gauteng, with over four decades of dedicated experience in breeding purebred Yorkies. Our breeding programme focuses on health, temperament and breed type – producing Yorkshire Terriers that excel as beloved companions. Every IRMADU puppy is raised at our family home, socialized from birth and comes from a full KUSA pedigree, with veterinary health clearance and a quality guarantee.

As one of South Africa's longest-established Yorkshire Terrier breeders, we have built our reputation on ethical breeding practices, top bloodlines and a commitment to the welfare of every dog we produce. We serve families across all nine provinces of South Africa, with safe transport options available nationwide.

The Breed

Yorkshire Terrier Facts

Everything you should know about this remarkable little dog.

Weight
1.8–3.2 kg
Lifespan
12–16 years
Height
18–23 cm
Coat
Long, silky, single
Colours
Steel blue & tan
Group
Toy (KUSA)
Temperament
Spirited, devoted
Origin
Yorkshire, England
A Storied Past

The History of the Yorkshire Terrier

From the mills of Victorian England to beloved companion worldwide — a breed with a rich heritage.

1860s

Origins in Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the industrial north of England, bred by Scottish weavers who migrated to Yorkshire. They crossed several terrier breeds including the Clydesdale, Paisley and Skye terriers to create a small, spirited ratter for the mills.

1872

First Shown as a Breed

The breed was first exhibited as the 'Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier' before being officially renamed the Yorkshire Terrier in 1874. It quickly became a favourite of Victorian ladies as a fashionable lapdog.

1886

Kennel Club Recognition

The Kennel Club in England officially recognised the Yorkshire Terrier, establishing the breed standard that endures to this day. The ideal weight was set at 3.2 kg (7 lbs) — a standard still upheld worldwide.

1970s

Global Popularity

The breed's charm, intelligence and compact size made it one of the most popular companion dogs worldwide. The Yorkshire Terrier consistently ranks among the top ten most registered breeds in many countries.

Today

A Beloved Companion

Today's Yorkshire Terrier is a devoted, spirited companion — equally at home in an apartment or a country garden. With proper care, they live 12–16 years and form bonds that last a lifetime.

Breeding Standards

Raising Yorkies the Right Way

Ethical breeding is not a marketing claim at IRMADU — it is the foundation of everything we do. These standards are non-negotiable.

  • All breeding dogs are KUSA registered with certified 4–5 generation pedigrees
  • Puppies raised underfoot in our home, socialised from day one
  • No puppy leaves before 8–10 weeks, fully vet-checked and microchipped
  • Written health guarantee and lifetime breeder support for every family
IRMADU breeder with a Yorkshire Terrier

A family kennel, first and foremost

Our dogs are our companions first, breeding animals second.

Come and Meet Us

The best way to understand the IRMADU difference is to experience it. We welcome visits by appointment to our Centurion home.