Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is the ultimate example of a big personality in a tiny package.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
13–16 years
Weight
2–3.2 kg (4–7 lbs)
Height
18–23 cm (7–9 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — small-breed kibble with high protein; dental health kibble recommended
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Yorkshire Terrier is the ultimate example of a big personality in a tiny package. Developed in the 19th century in Yorkshire, England, by mill workers who needed a small, agile dog to catch rats in textile mills, the Yorkie combined terrier tenacity with a compact size that could squeeze into tight machinery spaces. The breed was quickly adopted by the Victorian upper class, who valued its silky coat and bold character as a fashionable companion. Today the Yorkie is consistently among the top ten most registered breeds in both the United States and United Kingdom, beloved for its apartment-friendly size, hypoallergenic coat, and larger-than-life attitude.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is its crowning glory — fine, silky, and perfectly straight, growing long enough to touch the ground in show dogs. The classic colouration is a deep steel blue on the body and a rich golden tan on the face, chest, and legs. Puppies are born black and tan, with the blue developing gradually through the first two years. The compact body is well-proportioned with a level back, erect ears (V-shaped), and a medium-length docked or natural tail.
Grooming
Very High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-2-3-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Yorkies are terriers first — bold, tenacious, and unaware of their small size. They approach the world with the confidence of a much larger dog, willingly confronting strangers or larger animals with spirited courage. They are deeply affectionate with their family and often select one person as their primary bond, following them devotedly. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, though their independent terrier streak can make formal training a negotiation. They are vocal watchdogs — alert to any sound or visitor — which makes them excellent apartment alarms but potentially trying for neighbours.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
3/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive barking, trembling, hiding, snapping, appetite loss
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •The long show coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting, or regular professional trimming into a practical "puppy cut." Even the shorter cut needs brushing several times a week. Teeth require daily brushing — Yorkies are highly prone to dental disease. Nails grow quickly and need monthly trimming. Despite their small size, Yorkies benefit from daily walks and interactive play. They should not be treated as fragile ornaments — they enjoy exercise and mental challenges. Small dogs can develop "small dog syndrome" if allowed to set the house rules; consistent, positive training prevents this.
Nutrition Notes
Hypoglycaemia risk in puppies and tiny adults — feed 3-4 small meals daily. Dental disease is breed-defining concern; dental kibble and daily brushing essential. Pancreatitis risk — avoid fatty foods. Portosystemic shunt (liver) affects nutrient metabolism.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Dental disease — expect extractions by age 8-10; annual dental cleanings from age 3. Collapsing trachea worsens with age; use harness not collar. Luxating patella may require surgical correction. Portosystemic shunt (liver) — blood test at purchase.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
300 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Yorkshire Terriers are prone to dental overcrowding due to their small jaw — baby teeth often need extraction to make room for adult teeth. Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap) is common. Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) is a serious heritable condition that can affect the breed. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is a risk in very small or young Yorkies. Tracheal collapse causes the characteristic honking cough and is managed with weight control and harnesses instead of collars.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Teacup Yorkies (under 1.8 kg) command much higher prices but have severe health issues — Superr Pets does not endorse teacup breeding. Dental costs are a major ongoing expense (₹5,000-15,000/year India).
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier who served with US Corporal William Wynne in WWII, is considered one of the first therapy dogs — she visited wounded soldiers in hospitals and became a celebrity. She is credited with running a telegraph wire through a narrow pipe under a Japanese-built airstrip, saving 250 men from three days of open-air construction.
Despite their toy classification today, Yorkies were hard-working ratters — their original job required fitting into machinery gaps and hunting rats in cramped, dark mill spaces.
The Yorkshire Terrier's coat is technically hair rather than fur, growing continuously rather than in cycles, which is why it sheds minimally and is often tolerated by allergy sufferers.
Yorkies were the first breed to appear on the cover of an American women's magazine — Harper's Bazar featured one in 1896, cementing the breed's fashionable status.
