Dog · Toy
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny dog with a big terrier personality and a silky, hair-like coat.
- Origin
- England
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 2–3.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 13–16 years
- Apartment-friendly
- Yes
Yorkshire Terriers were developed in the north of England to catch rats in mills and mines. Today they are famous as lap dogs, but underneath the silky coat is a bold, feisty terrier.
Their size makes them easy to take anywhere and well suited to flats, but they can be vocal and are fragile around rough play.
With children: Fair — best with older, gentle children because of their tiny size.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home.
💛 Temperament
Confident, curious, and affectionate with their family. Yorkies can be wary of strangers and may bark at noises.
🎾 Exercise
Around 30 minutes of daily walks and indoor play. They enjoy exploring and games, but tire more quickly than larger dogs.
🪮 Grooming
The long coat grows continuously and needs daily brushing if kept long. Many owners choose a shorter "puppy cut" trimmed every six to eight weeks.
🎓 Training
Clever but independent. House training can take patience; a consistent routine and rewards help. Early socialisation reduces barking and wariness.
🥣 Feeding
Small, frequent meals of a food designed for toy breeds, and careful portion control.
Health watch-list
Dental disease
Small mouths are prone to crowding and tartar; brush teeth regularly.
Luxating patella
The kneecap can slip out of place; watch for skipping steps.
Tracheal collapse
Use a harness rather than a collar to reduce pressure on the windpipe.
Low blood sugar
Very small puppies can develop hypoglycaemia; feed small, frequent meals.
The ideal home
Adults or families with older children, including flat-dwellers, who want a portable but spirited companion.
Is a Yorkshire Terrier right for you?
✅ Often a great fit for
- Flat dwellers
- Owners who want a small but spirited dog
- Adults or families with older children
- People who are home a lot
⚠️ Think twice
- If you have toddlers — Yorkies are fragile
- If you cannot keep up with grooming
- If you want a quiet dog — many bark readily
- If you will not keep up with dental care
History of the Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers were developed in the mid-1800s in northern England, especially Yorkshire and Lancashire, where they were used to catch rats in mills and mines. Scottish weavers who moved to the area are thought to have brought the terriers that formed the breed.
Their silky coats and small size soon made them fashionable companions in Victorian society.
Fun fact
Yorkies are born black and tan; their famous steel-blue and gold colours develop as they mature.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies — every animal is an individual. Health information here is general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet, and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.