Yorkshire Terrier
Quick Summary
Elegant, spirited companion ideal for dedicated owners seeking a small but confident dog. Best suited for those who can provide regular grooming and appreciate an alert, affectionate pet.
Contents
Weight Range
7-7 lbs
♂ Male: 7-7 lbs
♀ Female: 7-7 lbs
Height Range
18-20 inches
♂ Male: 7-8"
♀ Female: 7-8"
Life Expectancy
11-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #34
Above Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Toy Group
Originally bred for Developed in Yorkshire, England during the 1800s, these small terriers excelled at catching rats in textile mills
Popularity
#10
Among the most popular breeds
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 7"-8" |
| Female Height | 7"-8" |
| Male Weight | 7-7 lbs |
| Female Weight | 7-7 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $1,000-3,000 for purchase, plus supplies. Monthly expenses cover premium food ($30-40), grooming ($50-80), and preventive care. Annual veterinary costs average $500-800, excluding emergencies.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Yorkies display a confident, sometimes feisty temperament despite their small size. They combine affectionate companionship with terrier spunk, showing loyalty to family while maintaining an independent streak. Alert and protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs.
Social Needs
Yorkshire Terriers form strong bonds with their owners and require consistent human companionship. They can be reserved with other dogs and need early socialization. Can develop separation anxiety if left alone extensively.
Breed Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Portable size
- ✓ Minimal shedding
- ✓ Adaptable to apartment living
- ✓ Long lifespan
- ✓ Affectionate with family
Cons
- ✗ High grooming needs
- ✗ Can be yappy
- ✗ Delicate physique
- ✗ Stubborn streak
- ✗ Difficult to housebreak
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | May be Stubborn |
| Grooming Needs | Specialty/Professional |
| Shedding | Infrequent |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Yorkshire Terriers require 30 minutes of daily exercise through short walks and indoor play sessions. Their moderate energy level suits brief bursts of activity rather than extended workouts. Interactive toys and mental stimulation games help meet their exercise requirements.
Diet & Nutrition
Feed 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality small breed dog food daily, divided into 3-4 meals. Monitor portion sizes carefully to prevent hypoglycemia. Special attention needed for dental health through appropriate kibble size.
Feed premium small breed kibble in 3-4 small meals daily, totaling 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Choose food specifically formulated for toy breeds. Monitor weight carefully as Yorkies can be prone to dental issues and hypoglycemia.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Ideal for apartments and small homes, Yorkies adapt well to indoor living. They need minimal space but appreciate a warm, draft-free environment. Well-suited for urban settings with proper temperature control.
Minimal space requirements make Yorkies excellent apartment dogs. They thrive in indoor environments with comfortable temperature control. Adapt well to small living spaces but need safe areas for play and exercise.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Born from the industrial revolution in Northern England, Yorkshire Terriers were bred by Scottish weavers who migrated to Yorkshire. These skilled ratters evolved from larger terriers, with selective breeding focusing on their diminutive size and silky coat.
Historical Purpose
Developed in Yorkshire, England during the 1800s, these small terriers excelled at catching rats in textile mills. Working-class weavers bred them for their hunting prowess and portable size.
Fun Fact
Despite their tiny size, Yorkies were originally bred as working dogs to catch rats in textile mills!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Professional grooming needed for long coat maintenance. Daily brushing required. Small size makes them vulnerable to injury. Need protection from extreme temperatures.