Huddersfield Ben: A Journey Through History and Pedigree

Huddersfield Ben's story begins with his birth in 1886, a year that would mark the start of an incredible journey.

He was a rough collie, bred by Thomas Hardcastle, a renowned breeder from Huddersfield, England.

Huddersfield Ben's pedigree is a significant part of his story. He was bred by Mr. W. Eastwood in Huddersfield, England, and was owned by Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Foster of Bradford, in West Yorkshire England.

Huddersfield Ben's mother was Lady, who was a great-great-granddaughter of Mr. J. Swift's Old Crab, a long-coated black-and-tan terrier born around 1850. This makes Old Crab one of the earliest recorded predecessors to the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

Huddersfield Ben's impact on the breed was profound. He established what breeders call the 'type' for the modern Yorkie, as described by Bryan Cummins PhD.

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Huddersfield Ben was born in 1865 and was a beloved dog in Britain during his lifetime due to his success at multiple dog shows.

He was owned by Mr and Mrs Jonas Foster of Bradford and was a first-place winner at the Manchester and Crystal Palace dog shows in 1870.

Bryan Cummins PhD, author of The Terriers of England and Wales, refers to Huddersfield Ben as the 'founding father of the Yorkshire Terrier', highlighting his significant impact on the breed.

Huddersfield Ben's short lifespan was compensated by his remarkable ability to produce most of the foundation stock of the Yorkshire Terrier.

He was an extremely popular stud dog, being prepotent, and especially due to his reputation as one of the first to breed true to type Yorkshire Terriers.

Huddersfield Ben regularly sired stock that competed in the under 7 lb limit, despite weighing between 9 and 12 lb himself.

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The Yorkshire Terrier's pedigree is a fascinating topic. The breed's origins can be traced back to the 19th century in England.

Mr. J. Swift's Old Crab, a long-coated black-and-tan terrier born around 1850, is a significant predecessor to the breed.

Lady, the mother of Huddersfield Ben, was the great-great-granddaughter of Old Crab.

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Ben, the first Yorkshire Terrier, has a mysterious past. Dr. Bryan Cummins, an author, believes Ben is still out there somewhere, possibly in a pub in the North of England where he was seen in a glass case on the mantelpiece.

The last written record of Ben is in a glass display case, according to Dr. Cummins. He thinks Ben's significance is not yet appreciated, and finding him is crucial for understanding Yorkshire Terrier history.

Dr. Cummins is optimistic about finding Ben, and he believes Ben's discovery could have a significant impact on British and human history.

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Ben's impressive show career spanned many years, during which he won a staggering 74 prizes. He was known for his biddable nature and poise in the ring.

One of Ben's most notable achievements was winning first prize at the prestigious Crystal Palace dog show in 1870. He also took second prize the following year.

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Ben's owner, Mrs. MA. Foster, was a renowned breeder and the first woman to judge a dog show in England. She was instrumental in promoting the Yorkshire Terrier breed.

Ben's legacy extends beyond his impressive show record - he is credited with siring most of the foundation stock for the Yorkshire Terrier breed.