Boston Yorkie

The Boston Terrier originated from the United States around 1870. A mix of the English Terrier and Bulldog, he was then bred with the French Bulldog. He is nicknamed the "American Gentleman" because of his coat having a “tux-like “appearance and due to the fact that he had a dapper personality. In the 1800’s Bulldogs and Terrier-type dogs were used in Britain and in the United States for bull-baiting and pit dog-fighting. The Boston Terrier was larger in the 1800s than we see today. The breed was first called “Round Heads” or Bull Terriers. The Boston Club of America was established in 1891 and they renamed the dog as the Boston Terrier after his city of origin. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 and was the first American breed to be recognized by the AKC. These little “Gentlemen” have become quite popular in the United States.  They have been companions to many famous people and celebrities such as: Louie Armstrong, President Warren G. Harding, Helen Keller, Joan Rivers, Ben Stiller, Norman Reedus and Robin Williams.  As of March 2016, the Boston Terrier ranks as the 21st most popular dog in the United States. Yorkshire Terriers originated in Yorkshire, England in the 1800’s. Their original function was to hunt small vermin. The Yorkshire Terrier came to North America in 1872 and the first Yorkshire Terrier was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885. During World War II, a 4 pound Yorkshire Terrier became a hero and a sensation in the United States. The Yorkshire Terrier was found in a foxhole in New Guinea by an American soldier, which then sold her to Corporal William A. Wynne.  Corporal William A. Wynne named the dog Smoky and would carry her around in his helmet. She would visit injured soldiers and is considered the first recorded therapy dog. When the military camps needed to communicate with each other, it was Smoky that travelled underground in a 70-foot-long pipe. She had a phone wire attached to her collar, which allowed communicated among the two outposts. After the war was over, Smoky continued to be a therapy dog.  Smoky’s heroic actions made the Yorkshire Terrier breed very popular in the United States. In 2005, a memorial statue was dedicated to Smoky in Cleveland, Ohio. The artist, Susan Bahary sculpted a smiling Smoky inside a GI helmet on top of a granite pedestal.