[PeteB570]

The “Yorkie” was developed for ratting.

They could kill way more rats than a cat could.

http://moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/yorkshire-terrier

“...The exact origins of the Yorkshire Terrier are obscure. What is amply certain is that its original purpose was to control rats in the factories, coal mines and textile mills of Yorkshire, in northern England, during the Industrial Revolution...”

[MrB]

I can see them killing more than a cat would, because once the cat eats a couple, they stop hunting.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

That makes a Yorkie far more useful than a Chihuahua.

[Kartographer]

"What is amply certain is that its original purpose was to control rats"

I say everyone send a Yorkie to Washington!!

[cizinec]

Yorkies are good ratters, but I'll take my American Rat Terrier (mine is a bit larger than average). Mine is big enough to take on a lot of larger vermin. I also have a Jack Russell. The Jack Russell plays more, but when the rubber hits the road, the American Rattie stays more focused and gets the job done more consistently.

[potlatch]

For their size, Yorkies are very brave. My 'Piper' has chased a herd of deer out into the pasture......See HERE - he even brought me a Reindeer!! snicker

They were bred for 'ratting' because of their small size and ability to enter small holes and openings. The long hair also helped protect them from being bitten. My dog has the most amazing sense of smell and can follow a trail.