Two K Articles

In 2006, the American Kennel Club announced that the Yorkshire Terrier was the second most popular purebred dog in America. They are poised to become the nation’s most popular dog - even over the ubiquitous Labrador Retriever. Where did the Yorkshire Terrier come from? What breeds went into making it? And why did it get to be so popular?

Back in the 1870’s, word was getting around about the great pups from a sire named Huddersfield Ben, who was born in 1865. Huddersfield Ben was considered an ideal dog - a champion ratter as well as being friendly and handsome. Any dog that resembled Huddersfield Ben had to have been from Yorkshire, where Ben lived. Yorkshire dog breeders kept their breeding methods secret so they could be assured of buyers. His puppies eventually became known as Yorkshire Terriers.

The Yorkshire Terrier did not originate in the English country of Yorkshire, despite their name. The breed became famous when they were perfected in Yorkshire. Huddersfield Ben’s ancestors came from various tough little Scottish breeds of terriers, which are thought to have included the Scottish Terrier, the Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terrier and the Paisley Terrier. All of these breeds (except the Scottie) are no longer with us, but do live on in the form of Yorkshire Terriers.

Yorkshire Terriers were bred to be specialists in killing rats. They were (and still are) thought to be more reliable at killing mice and rats than cats. They were also bred to bark when they found their prey and to let their masters know where they are. The mining industry thrived in Yorkshire at this time - and the mines were full of rats. They were until the Yorkshire Terriers got to work.

The Yorkshire Terrier was bred back then for a specific purpose and not for looks. Rats were a terrible problem in farms, homes and the Yorkshire mines. Small, brave terriers were found to be better than cats for quickly dispatching these rats.

It is thought that the sire Huddersfield Ben weighed about thirty pounds. As the need for working dogs decreased, the demand for small dogs increased. The Yorkshire Terrier became increasingly smaller and smaller.

However, the Yorkshire Terrier also became loyal and friendly companions around the home. They became excellent guard dogs and soon won their way into the wives and daughter’s hearts. With the advent of dog showing, the breed became fashionable and ever smaller. The breed was introduced into America as early as 1872 and quickly conquered the New World. In 2006, Yorkshire Terriers became the second most popular purebred dog in America.