Toy group

Yorkshire Terrier

Tiny, feisty and glamorous — a terrier’s heart in a toy body.

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, affectionate toy dogs with silky coats. They are lively companions for apartments and adults, but they need gentle handling, grooming and dental care.

Height
7–8 in18–20 cm
Weight
4–7 lb2–3 kg
Life expectancy
11–15 years
Size
Toy
Group
Toy
Origin
Yorkshire, England

Coat: Long, silky, fine single coat. Colours: Blue and tan, Black and tan, Blue and gold, Black and gold.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety2.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness2.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability4.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Yorkies are confident, curious and affectionate. They love attention and often bond closely with one person. They make alert watchdogs.

They can be bossy, vocal and wary of strangers. Their terrier instincts make them feisty with other dogs and small animals.

Living with a Yorkshire Terrier

Exercise

Short walks and play, around 30–45 minutes daily. Yorkies enjoy exploring and scent games more than long distances.

Grooming

Long coats need daily brushing; many owners keep a shorter cut. Brush teeth daily.

Training

Smart but stubborn, with a terrier streak. House-training takes patience; an indoor toilet option helps. Teach a “quiet” cue early.

Kids & other pets

Best with adults or older children who handle them gently. Can be scrappy with larger dogs and will chase small animals.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time but may bark at noises. Build independence gradually so a strong bond does not become separation stress.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Yorkshire Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Yorkshire Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Yorkshire Terrier typically lives 11–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps are very common in toy breeds; watch for skipping on a back leg.

  • Tracheal collapse

    Use a harness instead of a collar.

  • Portosystemic shunt

    An abnormal blood vessel bypassing the liver.

  • Dental disease

    Crowded teeth need daily care.

  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

    Degeneration of the hip joint.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Liver function testing (bile acids)

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Yorkshire Terrier; Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $900–$1,800 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Yorkies were developed in 19th-century Yorkshire by working-class weavers and miners to catch rats in mills and mines.

A dog named Huddersfield Ben is considered the father of the breed. The AKC recognised the Yorkshire Terrier in 1885.

Did you know?

  • A Yorkie named Smoky served in World War II and is considered one of the first therapy dogs.
  • Yorkie puppies are born black and tan and lighten as they mature.
  • The Yorkie coat is similar in texture to human hair.

Library guides for Yorkshire Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Yorkies hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Yorkies shed very little.
Are Yorkies good with kids?
They are better with older, gentle children.
Do Yorkies bark a lot?
They can be vocal; training helps.