Yorkshire Terrier vs Newfoundland
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Newfoundland
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Newfoundland Overview
Majestic and powerful, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick black, brown, or white-and-black coats. Their massive heads, deep chest, and muscular build reflect their water rescue heritage. Standing up to 28 inches tall with males weighing up to 150 pounds, they possess webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat. Their calm, patient demeanor and soft expression embody their reputation as natural caregivers.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than Newfoundlands, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Newfoundlands.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Newfoundlands.
- 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 Newfoundlands typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier and Newfoundland, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years | 9-10 years |
| Country of Origin | England | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 100-150 lbs 45-68 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish | Sweet, Patient, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Newfoundland Temperament
The Newfoundland is characterized by being sweet, patient, devoted, 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 Yorkshire Terrier and Newfoundland, 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
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire Terriers 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, Yorkshire Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Newfoundland Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands 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, Newfoundlands require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Newfoundland Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
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
Newfoundland
Pros
- Excellent with children
- Gentle and patient
- Strong swimming abilities
- Loyal and protective
- Good therapy dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Excessive drooling
- Expensive to maintain
- Need lots of space
- Short lifespan
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Yorkshire Terrier and Newfoundland, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.