Huddersfield Penn (left) was born in 1865 and is considered the founder of the Yorkshire terrier breed.
The dog that spawned an entire breed, the tiny Huddersfield Pen is classified as such. A dog born in 1865, Ben, the pet of MA Foster of Bradford, won 74 dog show competitions and bred many puppies, becoming the basis for what became the Yorkshire Terrier breed we know today.
Despite an illustrious life, Ben met a tragic end, dying in 1871 when he was six years old after being run over by a cart.
Missing since the interwar period, he was last seen in the fireplace of a pub in the north of England. Today no one knows where he is, but they are finally looking.
A number of museums in Yorkshire are ready to display him if he is found and it is expected to find him on the day of the traditional DogFest, one of England’s biggest canine events.
After scouring museums in Huddersfield and Bradford, pet-selling website Pets4Homes asked people to view their rooms and garages.
Brian Cummins, editor of Terriers of England and Wales, says, “In the history of purebred dogs, few breeds have had such a profound impact on their breed as the ‘Founding Father of the Yorkshire Terrier’, the Huddersfield Penn.
According to Cummins, Ben was important for several reasons, among them establishing the recognized standard for the Yorkshire terrier breed to this day. It is worth remembering that Ben was a Paisley terrier, which is now extinct. In 1984, a new variant of the Yorkshire also appeared, today known as the Biver Terrier.
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Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.