Yorkie History
The Yorkie has a very interesting history. From its origins in England, to its rise as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. This dog breed has a long and unique history all its own. While it is derived from other breeds of dogs, now since it is so popular, people are using the Yorkie to make hybrids. Here are some facts about the history of the Yorkshire Terrier!
It originated in Yorkshire England, a northern state. It was originally used to kill rats, or ratter. Due to its small size it could chase rats into some tight spaces. Also, rat killing contests where popular back in the early 19th century. It is a sport where a dog tries to kill more rats in a certain time frame than other dogs.
It is believed that Broken Haired Scottish Terriers and English Blank and Tan Terriers where mixed with other breeds by Scottish miners coming to England for work. From this crossbreeding we eventually got something call “Toy Terriers”. The name Yorkshire Terriers was not given until 1874.
Huddersfield Ben
This is believed to be the founding sire of the Yorkie breed. Back in the 1860s he won a large number of dog shows and ratting contests gaining him nation wide fame. Because of this he was used as a stud extensively.
America
The Yorkie came to America in 1872. It was not recognized by the AKC until 1878. Americans like the Yorkie, because it was popular in England.
Currently, the Yorkie is second only to the Labrador Retriever in terms of most registered dogs according to the American Kennel Club.
One reason for its popularity is its small size and the fact that it is very friendly. It also gets along with children well unlike some other small breed dogs who seem to have a chip on their shoulders.
