Yorkshire Terrier: The Complete Breed Guide — Small Dog, Big Personality

TL;DR: The Yorkshire Terrier (FCI no. 86, Group 3) weighs 3.1 kg, lives 13–16 years, and has been a perennial favourite among small breeds in the city. It has a true terrier temperament — bold, tenacious, and vocal — packed into a small, elegant body.

Why is the Yorkshire Terrier so popular?

The Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) has long been one of the most popular dogs in the world — in the US it held a place in the top 10 of AKC registrations for 30 consecutive years. It combines a practical size (fits in an aircraft cabin, fits in a carry bag), an attractive and elegant appearance with a silky coat, and a sharp terrier temperament that sets it apart from other "decorative" small breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier was originally a working dog — bred in Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century to hunt rats in textile mills. That hunting background left its mark: the Yorkie is bold, decisive, and at times stubborn — not a submissive lapdog.

View the Yorkshire Terrier breed profile on Dog Breed Pedia with FCI parameters.

What is the Yorkshire Terrier's temperament like?

The Yorkshire Terrier has the spirit of a large dog in a tiny body. It is bold, curious, energetic, and deeply attached to its owner. Classic terrier trait: the Yorkie shows no fear even towards much larger dogs — which can be dangerous without proper socialisation. It is a one-person or one-family dog — cautious to wary around strangers. It barks more than average and is an excellent doorbell when someone approaches. It gets along well with children, but due to its small size it suits families with older children (6 years and above) who know how to handle a small dog gently. The Yorkie copes worse with being alone than larger breeds — separation anxiety is a common issue.

How do you care for a Yorkshire Terrier's coat?

The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is its most beautiful — and most demanding — feature. The silky, fine coat without an undercoat grows continuously (much like human hair) and does not shed, which is an advantage for allergy sufferers. Proper care for a long coat: daily brushing with a pin brush, as tangles form more quickly than in almost any other small breed. A visit to a grooming salon every 6–8 weeks is necessary. Show Yorkies with a full floor-length coat require daily wrapping of the coat. For everyday household pets, a "puppy cut" is recommended — a shorter trim that is easy to maintain. Clean ears weekly, brush teeth at least 3 times per week (the Yorkie is prone to dental problems).

How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?

The Yorkshire Terrier is a surprisingly active dog despite its tiny size — it needs 45–60 minutes of exercise per day. Short walks are not enough: the Yorkie has genuine stamina and energy that must be released. Playful activities indoors, interactive toys, and short training sessions supplement physical exercise. The Yorkie is well suited to agility for small breeds — its speed and agility are genuinely impressive. Physical activity must be proportionate to its size: long hikes over rough terrain are not appropriate. In winter, take care — a small body loses heat quickly, and below -5°C a coat and short outings are advisable.

What are the health risks of the Yorkshire Terrier?

The Yorkie is a fairly healthy and long-lived breed (13–16 years), but it has several characteristic health concerns. Patellar luxation: common in small breeds, presenting as a three-legged gait. Dental problems: small jaws lead to tartar buildup and periodontal disease — without regular dental hygiene, most Yorkies develop dental issues before the age of 5. Portosystemic shunt (PSS): a congenital vascular abnormality requiring surgical treatment. Hypoglycaemia: low blood sugar, particularly in puppies and Toy Yorkies — small, frequent meals are important. Average annual veterinary costs: €600–1,200.

How do you train a Yorkshire Terrier?

The Yorkshire Terrier is intelligent and quick to learn, but the terrier's stubbornness demands patience. Keys to success: short sessions (5–10 minutes, as small breeds have shorter attention spans), high-value rewards (treats must be used carefully — caloric content must be low for a dog that weighs just 3 kg). The most common mistake: "small dog syndrome" — owners tolerate behaviour from a small dog that they would never accept from a large one. The Yorkie must follow the same rules as any other breed. House training is the most challenging aspect of training — Yorkies are known to be harder to housetrain. Crate training is the most effective approach.

Find verified Yorkshire Terrier breeders on Dog Breed Pedia.