Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chihuahua
Toy Group
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chihuahua Overview
Chihuahuas embody confidence in a tiny package, featuring a distinctive apple-shaped head, large expressive eyes, and erect triangular ears. Their compact bodies showcase graceful movements, while their personalities are marked by fierce loyalty and spirited determination. Available in both long and smooth coat varieties, these diminutive dogs carry themselves with remarkable poise and dignity despite their small stature.
Yorkshire Terrier 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 Differences
- Energy Level: Chihuahuas are less energetic than Yorkshire Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chihuahuas require less grooming attention compared to Yorkshire Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chihuahuas tend to be more reserved with strangers than Yorkshire Terriers.
- Trainability: Yorkshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Yorkshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Yorkshire Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Chihuahuas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chihuahua | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 11-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | England |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chihuahua | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-8 inches 13-20 cm | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm |
| Weight | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chihuahua | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Graceful, Sassy | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chihuahua | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is known for being charming, graceful, sassy, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is characterized by being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chihuahua
Rating: 1/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Chihuahua Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chihuahuas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Yorkshire Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Chihuahua Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Murmurs
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental Issues
- Hypoglycemia
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly portable
- Long lifespan
- Minimal space requirements
- Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
- Fragile physique
- Can be yappy
- May be aggressive if not socialized
- Temperature sensitive
Yorkshire Terrier
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.