Yorkshire Terriers, according to Yorkshire Terrier information sources, originally came from Scotland and bred with native terriers. The founding father was named Huddersfield Ben. Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred to kill mice and rats. There are very few records of dog breeding from this time. Yorkshire terriers were originally bred to kill rats, not to be a fashion accessory. They arrived in America as early as 1872 and have never looked back.
If you took a trip back in time to 1870, you probably would have a hard time recognizing a Yorkshire Terrier. In about one hundred thirty years, the breed has gone through tremendous changes in their looks and in their functions. But the Yorkshire Terrier has adapted to the great changes that the Industrial Revolution brought to the economy and to family life. Yorkies back then weighed about thirty pounds and came in more colors than just blue and tan.
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.
Back in 1865 ? the year of Huddersfield Ben's birth ? dogs were bred to exhibit useful qualities, not for their looks. There also was not much interest in keeping breeds pure. There are very few accurate records of dog breeding at this time. It is also thought that dog breeding was considered such a secret business that no records were kept for fear of the knowledge getting out to competitors. Yorkshire Terriers got their name because the breed was perfected in Yorkshire.
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.
As time went on, the need for big working dogs decreased. People were living in smaller homes and needed smaller dogs they could physically control easily. The Yorkshire Terrier filled this niche admirably. They were a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. Not only did they make great guard dogs, but were affectionate and did not need a lot of exercise. They were introduced to America in 1872.
Over the last century, Yorkshire Terriers have become ever smaller. The original Yorkies were about thirty pounds and came in several colors. Today's show Yorkies are not to exceed seven pounds and must be steel blue and tan (and have those colors in specific proportions). The hot trend is top breed Yorkies that tip the scales at three pounds, which has lead to concerns about the health of breeding such small dogs. The Yorkshire Terrier, as of 2006, is the second most popular purebred dog in America.
They usually grow being small and light varieties. Hence, owners do not mind having their pets on their lap almost all day. Moreover, this usual bonding activity usually transforms this lap dog into a bright, playful, and loyal companion pet.
The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Yorkies: Category: Toy (Terrier) Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard) Coat: silky, glossy, long and fine; no undercoat Colors: black when young but they attain the colors tan and blue as they mature.Height: between 8 and 9 inches Weight: between 3 and 7 pounds
Temperament: Naturally, they are territorial and like their privacy to be respected they are intelligent and fearless they are assertive and independent When properly trained, they develop close affinity with older children they become really playful and lively they become extremely affectionate they do not mind having other pets at home they focus much of their attention and affection toward their owner
Breeders should note of the following health issues: Alopecia, or losing hair Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum Dwarfism Entropion, a disorder with the eyelid; lashes on the eyelid that irritate the eyeballs could lead to other complications Glaucoma, a condition that causes an increase pressure within the ey Hydrocephalus Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or the reduction of tear production Low blood sugar Patellar luxation, a disorder in the kneecap Portosystemic shunt, or the accumulation of blood toxins in the liver Urolithiasis, an infection of the urinary tract leading to the formation of bladder stones.
Care and Exercise: They require daily grooming. Ears and eyes must be cleaned and checked regularly. Dental hygiene must be regularly maintained. They are fit only for short strides. They should have a regular play time while lying under the sunbeams, chasing shadows, and joining tug-of-war.
Origin/History: In the 19th century, a number of weavers from Scotland migrated to England and brought with them different terriers that were bred to hunt rats. Through time, these terriers were crossed and terriers with "broken hairs" were produced.
In 1870, a "broken-haired Scotch terrier" was named as a Yorkshire terrier by a reporter. He argued that the breed should be called as such because his types were bred in a town called Yorkshire.
Though the Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs, they became fashionable pets is England in the latter part of the Victorian era. In 1972, Yorkies were brought to the United States and became the country's favorite pet.
You can say that the Yorkies developed into tough breeds because of their ancestors' reputation as rat-hunters. However, their size, and playful and bright character have actually captured the attention and affection of most pet owners. Most proud owners would boast that they have the great giants inside the bodies of these little dogs. If you want a small but terrible breed of dog, grab a Yorkie now! Just a friendly reminder, they would really need your attention and companionship than any other terriers.
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