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.
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 breeding dog is health-tested. Every puppy is vet-checked, vaccinated and microchipped before going home.
Forty Years, Milestone by Milestone
A Passion Begins
IRMADU is founded in Centurion with our very first Yorkshire Terrier and a vision to breed for quality, not quantity.
First Champion
Our home-bred female earns her championship title, validating the IRMADU approach to type and temperament.
Imported Genetics
We introduce carefully selected European champion lines to strengthen coat, colour and conformation in our programme.
Kennel Established
IRMADU is formally established as a KUSA-registered kennel with a dedicated, purpose-built facility at our Centurion home.
Modern Programme
Maxwell joins the family as principal stud, marking a new era of excellence and the next generation of IRMADU champions.
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 both as beloved companions and in the show ring. Every IRMADU puppy is raised in our family home, socialised from birth, and comes with full KUSA registration, veterinary health clearance, and a written health guarantee.
As one of South Africa's longest-established Yorkshire Terrier breeders, we have built our reputation on ethical breeding practices, champion bloodlines, and a commitment to the welfare of every dog we produce. Our breeding dogs are health-tested for patellar luxation, cardiac health, and BAER hearing, ensuring that each generation is healthier than the last. We serve families across all nine provinces of South Africa, with safe transport options available nationwide.
Yorkshire Terrier Facts
Everything you should know about this remarkable little dog.
The History of the Yorkshire Terrier
From the mills of Victorian England to beloved companion worldwide — a breed with a rich heritage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Comprehensive health screening before any breeding takes place
- 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
- Studs available only to approved, registered females
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.