Yorkshire Terrier

Personality

Beneath the elegant coat, the Yorkie is a true terrier. It is spirited, curious, brave to the point of silliness and entirely unaware that it weighs only a few pounds. It will bark at dogs ten times its size, and it may need a calm human to remind it that not every encounter is a battle.

With its family the breed is affectionate and loyal, often choosing one favorite person and following them everywhere. Many Yorkies love to curl up in a lap, then spring off it when something interesting happens.

They tend to be alert and vocal, which makes them good alarm dogs but potentially noisy neighbors. Teaching a quiet cue early helps.

Because of their tiny size, they are fragile around small children, who may squeeze or drop them, so they are best suited to adults and older, gentle children. Early socialization helps shy or snappy tendencies, and consistent boundaries prevent the so-called small-dog syndrome of a pampered pet who rules the house.

History

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-nineteenth century in the north of England. As the Industrial Revolution changed the textile trade, weavers and other workers from Scotland moved south to Yorkshire and brought their small terriers with them. These dogs were crossed with local terriers and put to work as ratters in the mills, mines and cramped housing where their owners lived and worked.

Over time the type was refined, and the silky blue-and-tan coat became the breed's trademark. A show dog named Huddersfield Ben, born in 1865, is widely credited with fixing the breed's type, and his bloodline runs through virtually every Yorkie alive today. By the 1870s the dogs were popular enough in Yorkshire and beyond to earn the name Yorkshire Terrier.

The tiny size and glamorous coat made the breed fashionable with Victorian families, and it traveled to America in the 1870s. The American Kennel Club registered its first Yorkie in 1885. Though now a fixture of the Toy Group and a popular lapdog, the breed has never lost its determined, ratting character.

Appearance, coat & colors

The Yorkie is a compact, upright toy dog. The AKC lists it at about 7-8 in (18-20 cm) tall, and the breed standard sets a weight of no more than 7 lb (3.2 kg).

The defining feature is the coat: long, straight and silky, hanging evenly down each side with a center part from the nose to the tail. The adult color is a steel blue on the body and tail, with rich tan on the head, chest and legs. Puppies are born mostly black and tan, and the coat clears gradually to the adult color, which can take a few years.

The head is small and flat on top, with a medium-length muzzle, dark, bright eyes and small V-shaped ears that stand erect. The tail is traditionally docked to a medium length in the show ring, though many countries ban docking and natural tails are common worldwide. The body is compact with a level back, and the dog carries itself with a confident, almost swaggering air.

Training

Yorkies are intelligent and quick, but they can also be stubborn, independent and easily distracted. Use short, lively sessions with small, tasty rewards, and end while the dog is still keen. Patience and consistency matter more than any particular technique.

House training is the best known challenge. Small bladders, a dislike of cold or wet weather and the ease of going unnoticed in a corner all contribute. Take your puppy out frequently, reward success right away, and consider crate training. Our crate training guide is a useful starting point.

Barking is another focus. Reward calm behavior, teach a quiet cue and avoid yelling, which the dog may interpret as joining in.

Begin socialization early with people, other dogs and everyday sounds. A well-socialized Yorkie is less likely to turn defensive. Because the dog is so small, resist the temptation to carry it everywhere; walking on its own feet builds confidence. Teach recall and loose-leash manners just as you would for a larger dog.

Exercise

For such a small dog, the Yorkie has a good deal of energy, though its needs are modest. A couple of short walks and some indoor play, adding up to around 30 minutes a day, suit most adults. Many Yorkies are happy to chase a toy up and down the hall.

Mental stimulation is just as valuable. Hide-and-seek, simple trick training and puzzle feeders keep a clever terrier engaged.

Keep outings safe. Use a harness rather than a collar, because the breed is prone to tracheal collapse and neck pressure may irritate the airway. Always use a leash or a fully secure fence, since a Yorkie on the scent of a squirrel will run, and larger dogs and birds of prey can pose a danger to such a small animal.

Tiny dogs chill easily, so dress them for cold, wet weather and avoid long outings in extreme heat. Avoid leaping from furniture, which can injure small joints, and supervise play with large dogs.

Grooming

That glossy coat takes real effort. A show-length Yorkie needs daily brushing and combing, plus regular conditioning, to prevent mats. Most pet owners keep the coat in a shorter puppy cut, which cuts the work to brushing about once a week and a trip to the groomer every six to eight weeks.

The coat is hair-like, and Yorkies are often described as low-shedding. Though many people call the breed hypoallergenic, no dog is truly allergen-free, so spend time with the breed before committing if allergies are a concern.

Bathe about every two weeks with a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner, and dry the coat thoroughly. Tie up or clip the hair on top of the head to keep it out of the eyes.

Dental care deserves special attention, because Yorkies commonly develop tartar and tooth loss. Brush teeth daily if you can, and see our dental care guide. Trim nails regularly, clean the ears when needed and check the hair around the eyes and under the tail.

Feeding

A Yorkie needs very little food, but it needs the right food. Choose a complete and balanced diet suitable for small or toy breeds, with kibble sized for small mouths. Most adults eat two to three small meals a day.

Toy puppies can develop low blood sugar if they go too long between meals, so feed puppies three or four small meals a day and do not skip them. If your puppy appears weak, wobbly, trembling or unresponsive, contact a vet right away.

Weight is easy to gain and a few extra ounces matter on such a tiny frame. Measure portions, use the feeding guide on the food label as a starting point, and adjust according to body condition. Our dog food calculator offers a rough estimate.

Keep treats small and to no more than about 10 percent of daily calories. Dental-friendly treats and chews can help, but supervise them. Avoid giving table scraps and fatty foods, which can upset the stomach and may trigger pancreatitis. Always offer fresh water.

Health

Yorkshire Terriers are generally long-lived, but small size and breed type bring some well-known problems. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its groove, is common. Dental disease is another major issue, often starting young, so regular brushing and vet dental care matter.

Tracheal collapse can cause a honking cough, especially with excitement or pressure from a collar. Liver shunts, also called portosystemic shunts, are seen more often in Yorkies than in many breeds and can cause slow growth, disorientation or seizures. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip joint problem, is also reported, and the parent club recommends eye exams to check for cataracts and other inherited eye disease. Toy puppies can suffer hypoglycemia.

A typical life span is 11-15 years. Good dental care, a healthy weight and annual checkups go a long way. A harness is kinder to the windpipe than a collar. Ask your puppy's breeder about screening for patellas and eyes and any history of liver shunt in the lines. Discuss vaccines, parasite prevention and neutering timing with your vet.

Health conditions to know about

• Patellar luxation — Kneecap slips out of place, causing skipping or lameness; common in toy breeds.
• Dental disease — Tartar, gum disease and early tooth loss are very common without regular care.
• Tracheal collapse — Weakened windpipe rings cause a honking cough; harnesses are safer than collars.
• Portosystemic shunt — Abnormal blood vessel bypassing the liver; can cause poor growth and neurological signs.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease — Degeneration of the hip joint's femoral head in young small dogs.
• Hypoglycemia — Low blood sugar, especially in very small puppies; needs prompt veterinary attention.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Patella evaluation
• Eye exam
• Bile acid test or liver shunt history
• PRA and primary lens luxation DNA tests (optional)

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkie fits happily in a small apartment, a city home or a country house. It is small enough to be exercised largely indoors and is often content so long as it is with its people. A fenced yard is nice but not essential.

Noise can be an issue in shared buildings. The breed is alert and likes to announce visitors, so training and a calm routine help neighbors stay friendly.

Yorkies do not enjoy being alone for long periods and may bark or fret. Short periods can be built up gradually, and a pet camera or sitter helps for longer days.

Cold is the biggest climate risk. The fine, single coat gives limited insulation, so provide a coat, warm bedding and short toilet trips in winter. Hot weather can be a problem too, so offer shade and water.

Because of their size, they can be hurt by falls, doors, stairs and large dogs. Baby gates, ramps to furniture and careful supervision around children and big pets help keep them safe.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Yorkshire Terrier puppy prices vary widely, and very low prices or advertisements for tiny "teacup" dogs are red flags. Teacup is a sales label for dogs bred to be as tiny as possible, often at the expense of their health, and very small puppies are at higher risk of hypoglycemia.

The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, the AKC parent club, recommends that breeders screen breeding stock with OFA patella and eye exams, which together earn a CHIC number. It also encourages optional DNA tests for progressive retinal atrophy and primary lens luxation, and suggests asking about liver shunt in the lines. Expect to meet the mother, see vet records and answer questions of your own, and ask to be on a waiting list.

Rescues and breed-specific groups regularly take in Yorkies, often adults surrendered after changes in family circumstances. Many are already house trained, and staff can describe their behavior with children and other pets.

Be wary of online sellers who ship puppies or ask for payment before you can visit. Budget for grooming, dental care and pet insurance as well as the initial purchase or adoption fee.