down the rat population in the Yorkshire coal pits

and cotton mills. Miners also used them for sport

in rat-killing contests. This was in the 19 th.

century when the Yorkshire Terrier weighed around

fifteen pounds.

It is assumed that the Yorkshire Terrier is made

up from the black and tan terrier, the Dandie Dinmont,

and the Skye Terrier.

The Yorshire Terrier was first shown at a dog show

in Leeds in 1861 under the classification “Scotch Terriers.

At this time this Yorkshire Terrier, is assumed to have

been bred to the Maltese ) This produced a smaller dog

with a very long coat. By 1880 this coat was classified

as a broken-haired or Yorkshire Terrier. By 1886 the

Yorkshire Terrier was regarded as a toy breed,

not a terrier, and was officially given the breed

name of Yorkshire Terrier.

Because of its unique coat and diminutive size,

the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most difficult

dogs to breed.

Today the Yorkshire Terrier is the most popular

toy breed in Britain and is high in the listings

in both Canada and the United States. The breed

was first registered in Canada in the years 1888-1889.