Hystory of Yorkshire Terrier
Discover the History of the Yorkshire Terrier
On this page, we will dive deeper into the history of the Yorkshire Terrier, that lovely and affectionate little dog everyone wants to have at home (if you don’t already, of course!). We will keep adding information about the origin of the Yorkie in blog posts to share all the details and curiosities about this wonderful dog. We gave a brief overview of the Yorkshire’s history at the start of the site, but here we’ll take a closer look at its beginnings.
As with any dog breed, understanding the origins (crossbreeds, circumstances, context…) is essential to fully grasp the dog’s behavior and properly meet its needs. That’s why it’s so important to discover the origins of the Yorkshire Terrier, a breed that originated in the United Kingdom… but let’s not get ahead of ourselves—let’s get started!
Origin of the Yorkshire Terrier
At its origin, the Yorkshire Terrier was characterized as a rat-hunting dog that eliminated the sources of infection caused by these rodents in the Yorkshire region of England.
Many households and key points of the rapidly expanding industry benefited from this peculiarity.
The breed’s origin traces back to Scotland, along the banks of the River Clyde, where local workers, seeking employment opportunities in the wool industry in England, took their dogs with them.
Yorkshire, a region of contrasts
Location of Yorkshire. Source: Wikipedia
The writer Espido Freire left us these words about the Yorkshire region:
“Yorkshire opens to the visitor like a stone rose, similar to the one it bears on its coat of arms, undulating like the heather on the moors, rising in the Gothic arches of the abbeys that dot the landscape. It is a caress for the spirit, a jolt for the senses.”
Without a doubt, this is a perfect description of the English region, where you can find beautiful rural areas, beaches, recreational spots, and unforgettable cliffs, not to mention the lively and bustling cities.
Its 32 sites are considered national historical heritage, marked by the influences of Roman and Victorian cultures, making Yorkshire a region of contrasts in the 1870s, during the rise of the Second Industrial Revolution.
The Arrival of the Terrier to Yorkshire
During this Industrial Revolution, with the high demand for labor, many Scots came to England in search of work, and many of them brought their Scottish Terriers along. These dogs were perfect for getting rid of the pests found in the homes and workplaces of the workers.
Gradually, this small breed was crossed with others, creating the Broken Haired Scotch Terrier. This new breed was more effective at eliminating the rodents that were spreading throughout the new urban centers.
Crossbreeding of the Yorkshire Terrier
In the following years, it continued to be crossed with other dog breeds, adding new genes until it became the Yorkshire Terrier as we know it today. Some of the dogs that contributed genes were: the Leeds Terrier, the Manchester Terrier, the Paisley Terrier, the Maltese Bichon, and the Yorkie.
With all these genes, a rat-hunting dog with long hair was created, named after the region where it was born. Originally, it was larger than it is now, weighing up to 7 kilos. Today, it weighs less than half of its original size but has gained great popularity as the quintessential companion dog.
The first Yorkshire Terrier: Huddersfield Ben
Huddersfield Ben – The first Yorkshire Terrier
In 1865, Huddersfield Ben was born, the dog registered as the origin of the modern Yorkshire Terrier.
Although he died young—only six and a half years old—he left a lineage of 20 descendants, laying the foundation for this new breed.
Fifteen years after Ben’s death, in 1876, the British Kennel Club officially recognized the Yorkshire Terrier breed. Around this time, Yorkshire Terriers—many direct descendants of Ben—began to be shown in beauty contests. From then on, the Yorkshire Terrier started to be seen as a luxury for families who could afford one.
Little by little, it became a highly sought-after companion dog; through selective breeding, its size was reduced, making its small stature its most distinctive trait.
The Yorkshire Terrier breed standard was written in 1898.
Since its early days, this small breed has been managed by highly committed breeders dedicated to improving it through generations.
In 1898, the Yorkshire Terrier Club was formed, where the breed standard was drafted and has remained almost unchanged to this day. The standard described the Yorkshire Terrier as a captivating dog with a perfect temperament for a companion dog. Its protective instinct remained intact despite its reduced size, equally protecting both children and adults in its family. (Here’s a link to the Yorkshire Terrier Club in Spain)
Selective breeding of the Yorkshire Terrier
Since the birth of Ben, the Yorkshire Terrier has always undergone a process of selective breeding to improve the breed and to obtain healthier dogs.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect companion dog.
Throughout history, several breeders have influenced the development of the breed, producing champion dogs in various contests and exhibitions, such as the Johnstounburn kennel and breeder Annie Swan.
Well, now you know the story of this elegant dog. Now it’s your turn to care for and give love to your pet, whatever breed it may be.
