Yorkshire Terrier
Updated November 27, 2025
The Yorkshire Terrier is a feisty and affectionate toy breed that is a popular companion dog. Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they have a big personality and require regular grooming.
Brave, Intelligent, Confident, Independent, Affectionate
4-12 pounds
7-9 inches
11-15 years
Blue & Tan, Black & Tan, Black & Gold, Blue & Gold
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a feisty and affectionate toy breed that is a popular companion dog. Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they have a big personality and require regular grooming.
What Makes Yorkshire Terriers Special
The Yorkshire Terrier is a compact, toy-size terrier of no more than seven pounds whose crowning glory is a floor-length, silky coat of steel blue and a rich golden tan.
Don't let the Yorkie's daintiness fool you. Tenacious, feisty, brave, and sometimes bossy, the Yorkie exhibits all the traits of a true terrier.
Often named the most popular dog breed in various American cities, Yorkies pack lots of big-town attitude into a small but self-important package.
Yorkshire Terrier History & Origin
The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the 19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. They were originally bred by weavers from Scotland who came to Yorkshire for work and brought with them several varieties of small terriers. These terriers were used for catching rats in the mills.
The breed is believed to be a mix of several terrier breeds, including the Clydesdale Terrier, Paisley Terrier, and Waterside Terrier.
Initially, the breed was known as the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier or Toy Terrier.
In 1870, the breed was officially named the Yorkshire Terrier after the county where it was primarily developed.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Yorkshire Terrier in 1885.
The cost of a Yorkshire Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder can range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
Yorkshire Terrier Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Yorkshire Terrier Appearance
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, well-proportioned dog. Its most distinguishing feature is its long, fine, and silky coat that is steel blue and tan.
They have a confident and self-important carriage, which gives them an air of vitality and self-importance.
Physical Features
Ears
Small, V-shaped, carried erect, and set not too far apart.
Eyes
Medium in size and not too prominent; dark in color and sparkling with a sharp, intelligent expression. Eye rims are dark.
Nose
The nose is black.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
The hair is long, fine, silky, and falls straight down on each side of the body from a part that runs from the nose to the end of the tail.
Coat Color
Puppies are born black and tan, with the coat color changing to the adult blue and tan as they mature. The blue is a dark steel-blue, not a silver-blue.
Tail
The tail is docked to a medium length and is carried slightly higher than the level of the back.
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
Don’t let the dainty looks of the Yorkshire Terrier fool you. This is a feisty, brave dog with a big-dog attitude in a small package.
Yorkies are intelligent and quick to learn, but they can also be stubborn and require consistent training. Their terrier heritage shines through in their bold and confident nature.
They are very affectionate with their families and can be good watchdogs, as they are quick to bark at strangers or unusual sounds.
Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-behaved around other dogs and people. They thrive on human companionship and do not like to be left alone for long periods.
Despite their small size, they have a moderate amount of energy and enjoy playtime and short walks.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Yorkshire Terriers are a generally healthy breed with a long lifespan of 11 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, diligent dental care, proper nutrition and weight management, and careful handling to prevent injuries.
How to Care for a Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are adaptable to various living situations, including apartments, but they require significant grooming and regular, though not extensive, exercise. Their small size makes them fragile and requires careful handling.
Grooming
The Yorkshire Terrier's long, silky coat is similar to human hair and requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
Many owners choose to keep their Yorkie's coat in a shorter 'puppy cut' for easier maintenance.
Regular bathing, typically every 2-4 weeks, is necessary to keep their coat clean and healthy. Dental care is crucial as they are prone to dental problems.
Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and their ears checked and cleaned to prevent infections.
Training
Yorkies are intelligent and can be easy to train, but they can also have a stubborn streak. Positive reinforcement methods work best.
House training can sometimes be challenging with this breed.
Early socialization and puppy training classes are highly recommended to develop good manners.
They excel in dog sports like obedience and agility.
Diet
A high-quality commercial dog food formulated for small or toy breeds is recommended. Their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and their senior years.
Due to their small size, they are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially as puppies, so frequent, small meals are important.
Monitor their food intake and weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems.
Exercise
Yorkshire Terriers have moderate exercise needs. A daily walk and some playtime are usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
They enjoy games of fetch and can be surprisingly energetic.
Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training is also important to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Environment
Yorkies are well-suited for apartment living due to their small size.
They are indoor dogs and do not tolerate extreme heat or cold well.
A secure, fenced yard is a plus for safe play, but they should not be left unattended outdoors due to their small size and potential to be targeted by predators.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
Well-suited for apartment living and smaller homes.
Climate Adaptability
Prefers temperate climates and is sensitive to cold and heat.
Apartment Living
An excellent choice for apartment dwellers.
Best Suited For
Best suited for individuals, couples, or families with older children who can handle a small dog carefully.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children?
Yorkshire Terriers are better suited to homes with older children who know how to interact gently with a small dog. Their small size makes them fragile and they may snap if handled roughly.
How much do Yorkshire Terriers shed?
Yorkshire Terriers are considered a low-shedding breed, making them a good option for people with allergies. Their hair is more like human hair and is lost in small amounts.
How much exercise do Yorkshire Terriers need?
Yorkshire Terriers require a moderate amount of exercise, typically around 30 minutes per day, which can include a daily walk and some playtime.
Are Yorkshire Terriers easy to train?
Yorkies are intelligent and can be trained, but they often have a stubborn terrier streak. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key. House-training can be a challenge.
Do Yorkshire Terriers make good apartment dogs?
Yes, their small size makes them ideal for apartment living, as long as they get a daily walk and playtime.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early socialization, consistent house-training, and frequent small meals are key for a Yorkie puppy.
Senior Care
Monitor for signs of arthritis and dental disease. Adjust diet and exercise as needed.
First-Time Owner Tips
Can be a good choice for first-time owners who are committed to their grooming needs and consistent training.
Looking for a Yorkshire Terrier?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.