Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed with the soul of a working terrier — bold, opinionated, and utterly convinced of its own importance. Behind the glamorous silky coat that sweeps the show ring floor is a tough little dog originally bred to hunt rats in Yorkshire's textile mills and coal mines. That working heritage persists in their temperament: they are alert, territorial, vocal, and surprisingly scrappy for a dog that often weighs under seven pounds. Daily life with a Yorkie involves managing a dog that does not recognize its own size limitations — they will challenge much larger dogs, bark at delivery drivers with full conviction, and insert themselves into every household activity. They bond intensely with their owners and can develop separation anxiety and possessive tendencies if not properly managed. They are intelligent and trainable but on their own terms; housetraining in particular can be a prolonged battle, especially in cold or wet weather when many Yorkies flatly refuse to go outside. Their coat is beautiful but demanding — without regular grooming, it tangles into painful mats within days. Many pet owners opt for a shorter trim to reduce maintenance. They are poorly suited to homes with very young children, as their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury. For adults and older families who want a small, characterful, portable dog and are willing to invest in grooming and consistent training, the Yorkie is endlessly entertaining.

History

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in northern England by working-class weavers and miners who needed a small, fearless dog to control rats in textile mills and mines. The breed likely descends from several now-extinct terrier types including the Clydesdale Terrier and Paisley Terrier, with possible Maltese or Skye Terrier influence for the silky coat. Early Yorkies were considerably larger than today's breed, with selective breeding gradually reducing their size as they transitioned from working ratters to fashionable companions. The AKC recognized the Yorkshire Terrier in 1885, and the breed has consistently ranked among the top ten most popular breeds in America for decades.

Size
Toy
Weight
2–3.2 kg
Height
18–20 cm
Lifespan
11–15 years

Characteristics

Energy Level
Grooming
Shedding
Trainability
Barking

Compatibility

✓
Kids
✓
Other Dogs
✓
Strangers
✓
Apartments
✓
First-time Owners

Care Guide

The silky coat grows continuously like human hair and requires daily brushing to prevent matting — most pet owners maintain a short puppy cut that needs professional grooming every four to six weeks. Dental disease is one of the breed's most serious health concerns; daily tooth brushing is not optional for Yorkies, as their small mouths crowd teeth together, accelerating plaque and tartar buildup. Exercise needs are modest — two or three short walks plus indoor play sessions are usually sufficient. Housetraining requires extra patience and consistency; many owners find success with indoor potty solutions like pads or litter boxes for inclement weather. Protect them from cold weather and from interactions with large dogs or rough-handling children — their small bones are genuinely fragile.

Common Health Issues

  • patellar luxation
    The kneecap dislocates from its groove, causing intermittent limping and a skipping gait that many owners initially mistake for a playful hop. Weight control is important, and surgical correction is recommended for higher grades to prevent secondary joint damage.
  • tracheal collapse
    The cartilage rings of the trachea weaken and flatten, causing a chronic honking cough that worsens with excitement, exercise, or pressure on the neck. Using a harness instead of a collar, maintaining lean weight, and in severe cases surgical stenting can manage the condition.
  • dental disease
    Yorkies are exceptionally prone to periodontal disease due to overcrowded teeth in small jaws, leading to early tooth loss, pain, and potential systemic infections. Daily brushing, annual professional cleanings, and dental-specific diets or chews are critical preventive measures.
  • hypoglycemia
    Low blood sugar is a serious risk in Yorkie puppies and small adults, causing lethargy, trembling, disorientation, and in severe cases seizures or collapse. Feeding small, frequent meals throughout the day and keeping a glucose supplement on hand for emergencies are essential management strategies.