The History of the
Yorkshire Terrier

Unlike the pampered dog we know today, the Yorkshire Terrier's origins were quite humble. A man-made breed, it was created to chase rats and vermin in the coal mines and textile mills in the Yorkshire section
of England.

There is some controversy on the Yorkshire's ancestory. Most believe that it is comprised of the Black and Tan Terrier, the Clydesale or Paisley Terrier, the Skye Terrier, the Maltese and the Dandie Dinmont. The first Yorkshire Terriers were much larger and heartier dogs than the tiny statues of today, weighing as much as 15 pounds. Records show that within 20 years, the breed had been dwarfed to as little as 2 3/4 pounds.

The Yorkshire Terrier made it's first public appearance in 1861 at the Leeds show in England under the name "Scotch Terrier". It would not recieve the title "Yorkshire Terrier" until 1886 when it was recognized by the British Kennel Club.

In the late Victorian era, the Yorkshire became a fashionable pet for the ladies of aristocracy and wealthy families. A distinctive type had emerged by this time, one of the most notable being Huddersfield Ben (picture in background). He was born in 1865, owned by Mrs. M.A. Foster and bred by Mr. W. Eastwood of Huddersfield, England. Huddersfield Ben is known to be one of the most influential sires of the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

The Yorkshire Terrier breed was introduced to the United States about 1880 and from there the rest is history!