Historians are searching for the taxidermied remains of the world’s first Yorkshire Terrier who lived in Bradford.

Several museums in Yorkshire have expressed hopes of one day exhibiting the lost sire of the popular dog breed, ‘Huddersfield Ben’.

Born in 1865, the popular show dog and father of the Yorkshire Terrier breed belonged to Bradford-based Mr and Mrs Jonas Foster.

He had a lifetime of success at multiple dog shows, being the first-place winner at the Manchester and Crystal Palace dog shows in 1870.

But his life was cut short by a carriage accident in 1871 - after which he was stuffed, placed in a glass case, and put on public display.

He went missing from the Tolson Museum, Huddersfield’s major museum documenting the history of the town and its people, in the 1990s.

Huddersfield Ben is not found in any other museum’s collections in the Bradford or Huddersfield area.

Now Pets4Homes is asking residents across the North to check their attics for the unique piece of international canine history.

It coincides with DogFest, one of the UK’s largest canine events, at Harewood House, Leeds between September 24 and 25.

Individuals in possession of taxidermied Yorkshire Terriers which they think might be ‘Huddersfield Ben’ or who may have information about his location are asked to contact Pets4Homes via the website ( www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/huddersfield-ben.html/)

Bryan Cummins PhD, author of The Terriers of England and Wales, said: “In the history of purebred dogs, few have had such a profound impact on their breed as Huddersfield Ben, the ‘founding father of the Yorkshire Terrier’.

“He is important for several reasons, perhaps the most significant of which is that he established what breeders call the ‘type’ for the modern Yorkie.”

Dr Bryan Cummins added: “The last written record of Ben is that he was in a glass display case.

“I am optimistic, and think Ben is out there somewhere – in that north of England pub, perhaps (I would like to think Ben is there), in a private collection, or maybe in a small regional museum - his significance not appreciated.

“What matters is that we find him, for Ben is important not only in Yorkshire Terrier history and purebred dog history, but in British and human history.

“He is part of us and those of us fortunate enough to share our lives with a Yorkie know we owe him a huge favour, and that favour can only be repaid by finding him, wherever he is.”

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