by Susan Bailey
Today's Yorkshire Terrier is a far different dog than when the breed appeared in 1865. In over just one hundred years, the size has been greatly reduced from an average weight of thirty pounds to a mere seven pounds today. And the trend is to have the Yorkie (as the breed is affectionately called) get even smaller, with adults tipping the scales at a mere three pounds. But who knows? Perhaps in the future, there will be a demand for the Yorkshire Terrier to grow back into a thirty pound dog.
Like many breeds of dogs, the name does not reflect their point of origin. For example, German Shepherds were actually developed in France. And Australian Shepherds originated in America. The geographical difference isn't nearly so big, but it is still significant. The main stock for today's delicate, adorable and pampered Yorkshire Terrier came from the unforgiving landscape of Scotland.
The ancestors from Scotland were called, appropriately enough, the Scottish Terrier and the Clydesdale (or Clyde) Terrier (which is now an extinct breed). It is thought the also extinct Scottish breed the Paisley Terrier made a significant genetic contribution to the origins of today's Yorkshire Terrier. Scottish weavers became suddenly unemployed during the Industrial Revolution and moved south to the rough English county of Yorkshire in order to find work. They brought all of their families with them - including their dogs.
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.
Back then, dogs went everywhere with their masters. A Yorkshire Terrier would go to work in the mines and come home with his master to the family. The family found the Yorkies to be great companions and excellent watchdogs. The coats became even softer and silkier. Eventually, the men went to work without the dogs and the dogs became pampered family members. The breed needed very little exercise, looked spectacular and was very trainable.
Also back then, the sport of rat killing was very popular. Rats were put in a barrel and then a terrier was dropped in. The winner was the dog that killed the most rats in the least amount of time.
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. - 20511
Susan Bailey is an avid lover of the Yorkshire Terrier and has a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved (http://www.officialyorkieguide.com/Yorkshire_Terrier.php) Yorkshire Terrier. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about (http://www.officialyorkieguide.com/About_The_Yorkshire_Terrier/History_And_Origin_Of_The_Yorkshire_Terrier.php) Yorkshire Terrier History plus a whole lot more.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Yorkie 101: The History Of The Yorkshire Terrier
Author: Susan Bailey
Email: articles@ezy4u.com
Keywords: yorkshire terrier,yorkie,pedigree dogs,breeding dogs,dogs,dog,pets,pet,animals,animal,home,family
Word Count: 487
Category: dog
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