They were originally used for catching rats in clothing mills in the 19th century. (animalbehaviorcollege.com)
In the middle of the 19th century, when work was plentiful in the north of England, many workers travelled down from Scotland to seek work in the Yorkshire clothing mills, bringing with them their own canine travelling companions. (barkbusters.com)
The Yorkie was originally employed in catching rats at the various clothing mills around Yorkshire, England. (dogsora.com)