Our history

Betty Dullinger was a dedicated Yorkshire Terrier breeder for many years, who had a vision that arose out of her deep concern for the serious health issues she was seeing in the breed that she loved so much.

Recognizing that research was needed to address some of these serious health issues, Betty sought a solution through the YTCA of which she was a member. Together they determined that because of IRS guidelines, individuals would be able to receive tax credit for donations made to a Foundation with a 501 (c) (3) status, whereas this was not so with contributions directed to the YTCA, which does not have that tax status. In order to further her vision to fund research, the YTCA agreed to spin off the YTCAF as a separate entity; thus in 1991, the Foundation became a reality and Larry Snyder became its first President. Betty became the next President and remained in that role until her death in 2000. Her vision made it possible for YTCA members to support a research arm of the YTCA through the Foundation that would benefit both Yorkshire Terriers and the donors who contributed to the Foundation.

The Foundation is run by volunteers who donate their time and effort out of dedication to the Yorkshire Terrier and thus incur no salary-related overhead. The YTCAF's ability to fund needed research depends solely on donations. The Foundation's Board is committed to continue Betty's dream by funding the necessary research that in the future will give Yorkshire Terriers the better life they so deserve. After all, our Yorkies certainly have enriched and blessed our lives with their unending loyalty and love.