Yorkshire Terriers may be the smallest member of the Terrier family, but their personality certainly doesn’t lack in size. Bold and spirited, Yorkies were initially bred for hunting vermin. These days, they’ve won the hearts of dog lovers worldwide, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds in the United States.
“Some of the most iconic qualities of Yorkies are their fierce personality,” says Tiffini Cartozian, President of the Yorkie Rescue of America, a non-profit dedicated to rehoming Yorkshire Terriers. “They are confident, extremely loyal, and often think they are a big dog in a little body. Yorkies will pick their person and form an incredibly strong bond.”
Weighing around 7 pounds at adulthood, the Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect fit for small-dog enthusiasts, especially those living in small spaces or urban environments. They don’t need much room to roam, but their feisty, affectionate temperament means they crave attention and interaction. A Yorkie’s stunning, silky coat also calls for regular grooming and meticulous care.
Key Breed Characteristics & Facts
A Yorkie’s pint-sized stature and signature glossy coat make this remarkable dog stand out from other companion breeds. With diligent training and plenty of TLC, the tenacious, devoted Yorkie can be a loving addition to the family.
Yorkies stand between 7 and 9 inches tall, with males typically slightly larger than females.
Yorkshire Terriers weigh around 7 pounds as adults, though some full-grown Yorkies stay as small as 4 pounds.
As members of the Toy Group, this breed is social, energetic, and adaptable to many lifestyles due to their extra-small size.
A combination of blue and black or tan and gold is the breed standard for Yorkies.
While no breed is fully hypoallergenic, the Yorkshire Terrier does come close. Their silky coats are low-shedding and may be a good choice for people with allergies.
Their small size might be deceiving—Yorkies have plenty of energy to spare. “Yorkies are extremely intelligent; they love to be challenged and active,” says Cartozian.
Yorkies can be very vocal and have a reputation for being “yappy.” Your sweet little watchdog will be sure to alert you to passersby and other sights spotted outside the window. Excessive barking, however, can be managed with proper training.
Forming deep connections with their people, Yorkies can be prone to separation anxiety. Cartozian also notes that this breed is famous for being extremely strong-willed, so you’ll need to approach their bossy, lively spirit with a good dose of humor and patience.
A healthy Yorkie typically lives between 11 and 15 years, though some live longer.
Typically considered healthy, especially when bred responsibly, Yorkies are still at risk for patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, and tracheal collapse.
This dainty breed isn’t built for long-distance running, but the Yorkie’s petite frame and natural agility provide plenty of energy and short bursts of speed.
Yorkies form a strong bond with their family and are dedicated lapdogs. While they may be wary of strangers, proper socialization can help them be more comfortable around new people.
Physical Characteristics
As one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, Yorkshire Terriers typically stand 7 to 9 inches tall and weigh approximately 4 to 7 pounds as adults. Their striking coat boasts various color combinations, like blue and black or tan and gold.
Their coat also has an unusual glossy texture, closely resembling human hair, which is constantly growing. While many pet parents groom their Yorkie’s coat into a short “puppy cut,” some keep their luscious locks long and silky. Best of all? A Yorkie’s coat hardly sheds!
The Yorkie has adorable V-shaped ears, a short muzzle, and a long feathery tail that is sometimes docked to medium length to conform to breed standards. While small in size, this compact canine stands with a confident air.
Breed History
As their name suggests, Yorkies come from Yorkshire, England. They were first bred for catching rats in mills and mines in the mid-1800s. Although originally working dogs, their charming appearance and compact size soon caught the attention of the English upper class, transforming them into fashionable companions.
When Scottish workers migrated to England for jobs in the textile mills and coal mines, they brought along several small Terrier breeds, which they then crossbred to create the Yorkshire Terrier. The breed’s small size and fearless demeanor made them ideal for chasing vermin in tight, hard-to-reach spaces.
During the late 1800s, these working-class dogs evolved into fashionable companions. Victorian women, charmed by their tiny size and refined appearance, started breeding Yorkshire Terriers to be family pets. This evolution from work dog to lap dog paved the way for the devoted family pets we know today.
Temperament & Personality
Don’t let the glamorous coat fool you. A Yorkie is all Terrier. Confident and fierce, a Yorkie’s history of independently hunting vermin shows up in their tenacious personalities today. With their spunk and quick wit, Yorkies are spicy balls of energy that make life fun and entertaining.
Without adequate socialization, however, this strong personality can lead to bossiness and conflict with other dogs, which can become problematic (and dangerous) with bigger breeds. Positive and structured exposure to other dogs as a puppy can help ensure your Yorkie is a polite playmate.
And while loyal and affectionate to their humans, Yorkies can display a stubborn streak that’s both charming and challenging. Early and continued training throughout their life will go a long way in helping shape a well-rounded companion.
Health & Lifespan
Responsible breeding is key to your Yorkie’s well-being. A Yorkie in good health can live between 11 and 15 years, or longer! Like many other small dogs, this breed is at risk of tracheal collapse, periodontal disease, patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), and hypoglycemia.
Recommended health tests from the AKC National Breed Club include a patella evaluation and an ophthalmologist evaluation. Regular vet visits are also essential to your Yorkie’s well-being.
Yorkies are prone to dislocating their kneecap, but you can help minimize this injury. “Jumping on and off furniture is not recommended,” Cartozian says. Non-slip booties, orthopedic beds, and pet ramps are all excellent preventatives.
Unfortunately, tracheal collapse is fairly common among small breeds. Switching from a collar to a harness can help reduce pressure around the neck and throat area.
Extra-small dogs, like the Yorkie, are prone to dental issues. Make brushing your pup’s teeth a habit early on and stay on top of professional cleanings to reduce the risk of dental disease.
Yorkies are also at risk of developing an inflamed pancreas, or pancreatitis. Your vet can help monitor this risk and recommend a food low in fat and fiber to manage this condition if diagnosed.
As a toy breed, Yorkies are more susceptible to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels. Puppies are especially at risk and should be fed frequently to ward off the disease.
Care & Maintenance
A coat as fabulous as the Yorkie’s requires meticulous attention and care. This tiny breed is also highly intelligent and remarkably energetic for its small size.
Whether boasting a short style or a full-length coat, Yorkshire Terriers require regular professional grooming. When keeping the coat long, daily brushings and regular baths are essential to preventing matting. Gently cleaning tear stains and keeping hair out of the eyes with trims and top knots will keep your Yorkie fresh-faced and prevent eye irritation as well.
Yorkies have more energy than many pet parents may anticipate for a small breed. These active little dogs require at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day. Dog sports, such as obedience and agility, are excellent activities that work both their bodies and minds.
Consistent training and early socialization are crucial for spunky and strong-willed Yorkies to help keep their huge personalities from causing friction with other people and pets. Their pint-sized bladders may also make potty training more challenging. The good news, however, is that Yorkies are brilliant and respond well to positive training methods.
Yorkies are intelligent little dogs that require plenty of mental enrichment, such as puzzle toys and games, to engage their sharp minds and reduce boredom.
Due to their petite size, Yorkies should eat dog food curated for small breeds. These formulas can help reduce digestive issues and choking.
Ideal Living Environment & Compatibility
Yorkies are adaptable dogs and thrive in many different living situations, from apartments to standard houses. They are famously known for being a good fit for city dwellers, as they don’t require a massive backyard and are easily transportable.
A moderate climate is ideal for this tiny breed, as their small stature makes them exceptionally sensitive to very hot or cold weather.
Yorkies are the perfect pet for small-space living, but their tendency to bark may cause noise issues with neighbors. Consistent training can help curb this behavior.
If you do have a backyard, avoid letting your Yorkie outside unattended. Their especially small size makes them vulnerable to large predators like coyotes and birds of prey.
Along with daily walks, Yorkies thrive on regular play sessions, agility games, and fetch. Redirecting their prey drive via nosework and flirt poles can also help fulfill their hunting needs. They’ll also enjoy embracing their role as a lapdog, sitting with you as you watch TV.
Yorkies are extremely friendly with their family but may take a bit of time to warm up to strangers (socialization training can help here). Some may also struggle with being left alone and away from their humans, so separation training is also key.
Yorkies do well with solo pet parents or guardians with older children and pets. “Yorkies are not always the ideal dog for families with small children due to their delicate size,” shares Cartozian. If you have bigger dogs or young children, supervising interactions is crucial, as Yorkies can easily get injured through rough play.
Is the Yorkshire Terrier a Good Fit for You?
If the Yorkshire Terrier’s spirited personality aligns with your lifestyle, you might have found your perfect companion! Yorkies are a fantastic pet for small-dog enthusiasts who prefer extra spice in their lives. These tiny but mighty dogs do exceptionally well in urban settings and can adapt to various types of families and homes. Their high grooming requirements and constant need for attention, training, and physical and mental exercise, however, make them a good fit for committed pet parents.
To learn more about welcoming a Yorkie puppy into your home and navigating their early stages, explore our comprehensive guide.
Resources
- Yorkshire Terrier. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier
- Toy Group. American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/toy/
- Yorkshire Terrier Dog. Brittanica. https://www.britannica.com/animal/Yorkshire-Terrier-dog
- Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. https://www.yorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org/
