Home › Breeds › Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
🐕

Yorkshire Terrier

A glamorous, affectionate, and portable companion with a surprisingly bold personality.

Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie Toy Breed Small Dog

Quick Facts

Weight 4-7 lbs
Height 7-8 in
Lifespan 11-15 years
Origin England

Breed Overview

The Yorkshire Terrier, affectionately known as the Yorkie, is a small but spirited toy breed with a glamorous silky coat. Originating in Yorkshire, England, during the 19th century, these tiny terriers were initially bred to catch rats in clothing mills and mines. Today, they are primarily cherished as companion animals, known for their affectionate personalities and portable size. Their long, flowing coat, often styled with a topknot, gives them a distinctive and elegant appearance, making them a popular choice for dog lovers seeking a small dog with a big personality.

Despite their dainty appearance, Yorkies retain a terrier's tenacity and can be surprisingly brave and confident. They are intelligent and eager to please, though sometimes stubborn, requiring consistent and patient training. Yorkies thrive on attention and interaction with their families, often developing strong bonds with their owners. Their small size makes them well-suited for apartment living, but they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

The Yorkshire Terrier's enduring popularity stems from its combination of charming looks, lively personality, and adaptability. While their grooming needs can be demanding, the reward is a loyal and loving companion who brings joy and entertainment to their owner's lives. They are a breed that truly embodies the phrase 'small dog, big heart'.

Recommended Product

🧬 Confirm Your Yorkshire Terrier's Health

Want to learn more about your Yorkshire Terrier's genetic health? Embark DNA testing screens for 250+ genetic health conditions specific to Yorkshire Terriers, including hip dysplasia and cancer markers.

  • ✓ Screen for breed-specific health risks
  • ✓ Discover ancestry and traits
  • ✓ Connect with relatives
  • ✓ Used by vets worldwide
Starting at $129
Get Embark DNA Kit →

*Affiliate link - We earn from qualifying purchases

Temperament & Personality

❤️

Affectionate

Yorkies are incredibly affectionate dogs who love to cuddle and spend time with their families. They thrive on attention and can become very attached to their owners.

🐕‍🦺

Confident

Despite their small size, Yorkies possess a confident and sometimes even bold personality. They often act as if they are much larger than they actually are.

🚨

Alert

Yorkshire Terriers are very alert and make excellent watchdogs. They are quick to bark at any unfamiliar sounds or people.

🧠

Intelligent

Yorkies are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly, but they can also be independent thinkers. This means consistent and positive reinforcement training is key.

🧸

Playful

Yorkies enjoy playing games and interacting with their owners. They have a playful spirit that makes them entertaining companions.

👑

Independent

While affectionate, Yorkies can also be independent and stubborn at times. Early socialization and training are essential to manage this trait.

Affectionate

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their loving nature and strong bonds with family members. They thrive on human companionship.

🎾

Playful

These dogs maintain a playful, energetic nature throughout their lives and love games, especially fetch and swimming.

🧠

Intelligent

Ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds, Yorkshire Terriers are highly trainable and quick learners.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family Friendly

Excellent with children and other pets, making them ideal family dogs with proper socialization.

🏃

Active

Require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks and play are essential.

😊

Gentle

Known for their soft mouths and gentle demeanor, perfect for families and as therapy dogs.

Care Requirements

🥘 Nutrition

Yorkshire Terriers require a high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds. Due to their small size, they are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so frequent small meals are often recommended. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes and feeding schedule for your Yorkie.

💇 Grooming

The Yorkshire Terrier's long, silky coat requires significant grooming. Daily brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles. Many owners opt to keep their Yorkies in a shorter 'puppy cut' to reduce grooming demands.

🏃 Exercise

While small, Yorkies still need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime in a securely fenced yard, or indoor games will help meet their activity needs. Be mindful of their small size and avoid overexertion.

🎓 Training

Yorkies can be relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods. However, their independent streak can sometimes make them stubborn. Consistency and patience are key to successful training.

💇 Grooming

Their dense, water-repellent double coat requires regular brushing 2-3 times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 2-3 months is recommended. They shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding twice a year.

🏃 Exercise

Yorkshire Terriers need at least 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. They excel at swimming, hiking, and retrieving games. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is equally important.

🎓 Training

Highly trainable and eager to please, Yorkshire Terriers respond best to positive reinforcement. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. They excel in obedience, agility, and as service dogs.

View training tips →

Health Considerations

Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position. This is a common condition in small breeds and can range from mild to severe, requiring surgery in some cases.

Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal collapse is a progressive condition where the trachea (windpipe) weakens and flattens, making it difficult to breathe. It often presents as a 'goose honk' cough and can be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is common in Yorkies, especially puppies. Frequent small meals and monitoring for signs like weakness, tremors, and seizures are important.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

This condition affects the hip joint, causing the head of the femur to spontaneously degenerate. It can lead to pain and lameness, often requiring surgery to correct.

Portosystemic Shunt

A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver, preventing proper detoxification. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstream and neurological problems, often requiring surgical correction.

Important: Regular veterinary checkups, a healthy diet, proper exercise, and preventive care can help your Yorkshire Terrier live a long, healthy life.

Elbow Dysplasia

Similar to hip dysplasia but affecting the elbow joints. Can cause pain and lameness.

Eye Conditions

Including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Regular eye exams are recommended.

Heart Disease

Yorkshire Terriers can be prone to heart conditions, particularly subvalvular aortic stenosis.

Cancer

Unfortunately, Yorkshire Terriers have higher cancer rates than many breeds. Regular vet checkups are crucial.

Important: Regular veterinary checkups, a healthy diet, proper exercise, and preventive care can help your Yorkshire Terrier live a long, healthy life.

Nutritionist Recommended

🥘 Best Food for Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terriers need high-quality nutrition to maintain their energy levels and support joint health. These formulas are specifically designed for large, active breeds.

  • ✓ Glucosamine for joint support
  • ✓ Omega fatty acids for coat health
  • ✓ Balanced protein for muscle maintenance
  • ✓ No artificial preservatives
View Top Rated Foods →

Compare prices on Chewy, Amazon, and Petco

*Affiliate link - We earn from qualifying purchases

Breed History

The Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire, England, during the mid-19th century. Scottish weavers, who migrated to Yorkshire in search of work, brought with them various small terrier types. These dogs were primarily used to control rats and other vermin in the textile mills and coal mines.

The exact breeds that contributed to the Yorkie's development are not definitively known, but likely ancestors include the Waterside Terrier, Clydesdale Terrier, and Paisley Terrier. These terriers were valued for their small size, agility, and hunting skills. Over time, breeders selectively bred these dogs for their silky coats and refined features, gradually transforming them from working dogs into fashionable companions.

By the late 19th century, the Yorkshire Terrier had become a popular pet among wealthy English ladies. The breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (England) in 1886 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885. Their elegant appearance and charming personalities quickly made them a favorite in the show ring and in homes around the world.

Today, the Yorkshire Terrier is primarily a companion animal, cherished for its affectionate nature and portability. While they retain some of their terrier instincts, such as a tendency to bark and chase small animals, they are now primarily lap dogs who enjoy the comforts of home and the companionship of their families.

Is a Yorkshire Terrier Right for You?

✅ Great For:

  • Small size makes them ideal for apartment living
  • Affectionate and loyal companions
  • Relatively easy to groom with professional styling
  • Intelligent and trainable (with patience)
  • Good watchdogs due to their alertness
  • Long lifespan compared to some other breeds
  • Portable and easy to travel with

⚠️ Consider Carefully If:

  • High grooming needs if coat is kept long
  • Prone to certain health problems
  • Can be stubborn and difficult to housetrain
  • May bark excessively if not properly trained
  • Fragile and not suitable for very young children
  • Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
  • Can be expensive to purchase and maintain

Bottom Line: The Yorkshire Terrier is a wonderful companion for owners who are prepared to dedicate time to grooming, training, and providing a loving and attentive environment. They are best suited for individuals or families who can provide consistent care and supervision, and who appreciate a small dog with a big personality.

Similar Breeds

🦮

Labrador Retriever

Similar temperament, slightly more energetic
🐕

Flat-Coated Retriever

Another retriever breed with similar traits
🐕‍🦺

Irish Setter

Energetic, friendly sporting dog

Ready to Learn More?

Explore our comprehensive guides on Yorkshire Terrier care, training, and health

Training Guide Nutrition Guide Health Guide