Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny terrier with a big personality and luxurious coat.
Every Yorkshire Terrier profile blends practical care notes, breed traits, and everyday living guidance.
Breed Levels
How well this breed aligns with lifestyle factors.
Characteristics
Key traits that define this breed.
Appearance
Physical traits and distinctive features of this breed.
Individual pets may vary in appearance, temperament and needs. Early training, proper care and socialization help bring out the best in every companion.
The Yorkshire Terrier: A Tiny Dog with a Big Attitude
The Yorkshire Terrier, fondly called the Yorkie, is a tiny toy terrier with a glamorous silky coat and a famously bold, bossy personality. Behind the beribboned, lapdog image is a true terrier: brave, feisty and brimming with confidence. Yorkies stand 18 to 23 cm tall, weigh up to around 3.2 kg and enjoy a long lifespan of around 11 to 15 years.
From the Mills to the Drawing Room
Long before they became the pampered companions of Victorian ladies, Yorkies earned their keep as ratters in the mines and mills of northern England. During the Industrial Revolution, Scottish weavers brought their terriers to Yorkshire, where crosses with local breeds such as the Waterside Terrier produced the modern Yorkie. The breed's fame was later boosted by Smoky, a four-pound Yorkie war hero who survived 150 air raids alongside an American soldier in the Pacific.
Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is bold, affectionate, feisty and confident. Brave and a little bossy, it is typically loving with family and friendly toward strangers, with a big, lively personality packed into a tiny frame. Yorkies can be stubborn and independent, true to their terrier roots, but their adaptable nature and eagerness to please make training rewarding with patience and consistency. They also make alert little watchdogs, quick to announce visitors.
Exercise
Despite their size, Yorkies are energetic and enjoy daily walks and play, which keep them fit and mentally satisfied. Their small size suits apartment living, but they still appreciate activity and engagement rather than being treated as mere accessories.
Grooming
The Yorkie's coat is similar to human hair and needs real care:
- Brush daily to prevent the fine, silky coat from tangling and matting, even if kept in a short trim
- Have the coat trimmed every four to six weeks, by a groomer or at home
- Provide a coat or sweater in cold weather, as Yorkies do not tolerate the cold well
Health Considerations
As a tiny breed, the Yorkshire Terrier can be prone to liver shunts, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar, especially in puppies), patellar luxation and eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy. Daily tooth brushing is particularly important, as dental disease is common in small breeds.
Who It Suits
The Yorkshire Terrier suits owners, including apartment dwellers and seniors, who want a small, spirited, affectionate companion and will commit to its daily grooming, dental care and gentle handling. Brave, devoted and full of character, the Yorkie is a big personality you can carry in your arms.
