THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER. 



BY P. H. COOMBS. 



little knight of the carpet is eminently an English 

 production, or manufacture, if we may use the term, 

 and occupies a most prominent position in the canine 

 world, being consider- d by many the handsomest of all 

 long-haired Terriers, and has been appropriately termed by 

 one writer "the little Yorkshire swell." 



Standing out in bold relief from most other toy varie- 

 ties, by his picturesque arrangement of coat, his color, his 

 diminutive size, and his stylish form, and being preemi- 

 nently the ladies' pet, he has a reasonable claim to the dis- 

 tinction of being the most fashionable toy breed of the day 

 in this country, as well as in England, where he originated- 



We are fortunate in being able to quote from various 

 writers relating to the origin of the breed, and before com- 

 mitting ourselves to any opinion concerning this important 

 subject, it is desirable to read what such writers have learned 

 from their experience and investigation. Mr. Vero Shaw, 

 in his "Illustrated Book of the Dog," says on this point: 



The origin of the breed is most obscure, for its originators Yorkshire- 

 like were discreet enough to hold their own pounsel, and kept their secrets to 

 themselves. Whether this reticence on their part has had the effect of stifling 

 the inquiries of curious persons, or whether the merits of the breed have 

 hitherto been sufficiently unappreciated by the public, we can not pretend to 

 say; but we are aware of no correspondence or particular interest having been 

 taken on the subject of the Yorkshire Terrier's origin. 



In certain works on the dog, however, deductions have been drawn which 

 no doubt are more or less worthy of respect. The Black and Tan Terrier, the 

 Skye, and the Maltese are all credited with the paternity of the Yorkshire 

 Terrier. That the breed in question resembles the Skye in certain details is 

 evident, but in many important points the two varieties vary widely. For 

 instance, the back of the Yorkshire Terrier must be short and the back of a 

 Skye Terrier long; so as regards shape, at least, the Yorkshire man can not be 



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