Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in northern England during the Industrial Revolution. Scottish weavers migrating to Yorkshire brought small terriers used for catching rats in textile mills and mines. These working dogs — likely crosses of Clydesdale Terriers, Paisley Terriers, and other small terrier breeds — were bred for function, not appearance.

The breed's transformation from rat catcher to fashion accessory happened remarkably fast. By the 1870s, a dog named Huddersfield Ben — considered the foundation sire of the breed — established the Yorkie's modern type: small, with a long, silky blue-and-tan coat. The AKC recognized the breed in 1885.

Working Roots, Companion Present

Despite their glamorous modern image, Yorkies retain genuine terrier instincts. Their boldness, prey drive, and independent streak all trace to their working origins. Understanding this heritage helps owners appreciate why their tiny dog acts like it weighs 50 pounds — inside, it still thinks it's catching rats in a mill.

Yorkshire Terriers are terriers first and toy dogs second. They are bold, confident, and surprisingly assertive for their size. The breed combines genuine affection for their people with an independent streak that can look like stubbornness.

What Makes Them Great

Yorkies are loyal, entertaining, and fiercely devoted to their owners. They're curious about everything, surprisingly courageous, and have a playful energy that lasts well into their senior years. Their small size and low-shedding coat make them practical for apartment living.

What Surprises New Owners

The terrier attitude. Many people expect a passive lap dog and get a bossy, opinionated dog that tries to run the household. Yorkies will push boundaries, demand attention on their terms, and can be surprisingly dominant with other dogs. Without training, they develop "small dog syndrome" quickly — snapping, guarding, and refusing to cooperate.

Prey Drive

Moderate and genuine. Yorkies were ratters, and many retain strong prey instincts. They'll chase small animals, pounce on toys, and shake them vigorously — classic terrier killing behavior. Most coexist with cats but may chase smaller pocket pets.

Alert Barking

Strong. Yorkies are vigilant watchdogs who bark at anything unusual. They take their alert duties seriously despite their size. Training can moderate excessive barking but won't eliminate it.

Digging and Hunting

Some Yorkies retain digging instincts from their terrier roots. They may dig at blankets, cushions, or garden beds. Providing appropriate outlets helps redirect this behavior.

Puppy (0–6 months)

Tiny, fragile, and at significant risk for hypoglycemia. Frequent small meals are essential. Socialization during this window determines whether you get a confident adult or a fearful, reactive one. Handle gently but don't over-protect — Yorkies need exposure to the world.

Adolescent (6–12 months)

The coat begins transitioning from puppy black to adult blue-and-tan. Terrier stubbornness peaks during this phase. Consistent training through adolescence prevents behavioral problems from becoming permanent habits.

Adult (1.5–9 years)

A long, stable period. Adult Yorkies are settled in temperament and maintain moderate, consistent energy. Dental care becomes the primary ongoing health concern — most Yorkies need professional cleanings starting around age 2-3. The coat requires ongoing maintenance regardless of length.

Senior (10+ years)

Yorkies are long-lived but dental disease, tracheal collapse, and liver issues may accumulate. They remain alert and engaged. Many seniors need dental accommodations (soft food, more frequent cleanings). Twice-yearly vet visits help catch age-related changes early.

The Yorkshire Terrier's health profile has two standout concerns: liver shunts and dental disease. Yorkies have one of the highest rates of portosystemic shunts of any breed, and their small jaws create dental problems that are virtually universal by middle age.

Bile acid testing in puppies can identify liver shunts early — before serious symptoms develop. This test should be standard for all Yorkie breeders and is increasingly requested by informed buyers.

Beyond these signature issues, Yorkies face the standard toy-breed health concerns: patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia, and fragile bones. Their long-lived nature (11-15 years) means age-related conditions have time to develop, making regular veterinary monitoring important throughout their lives.

For detailed information on breeding health requirements, see our Health Testing Before Breeding guide.

Exercise

20-30 minutes daily. Short walks and indoor play satisfy most Yorkies. They're more active than they look and benefit from actual exercise, not just being carried. Avoid long walks in extreme temperatures.

Grooming

The Yorkie coat is the breed's most demanding care requirement. A full show coat needs daily brushing, wrapping, and regular oiling. Most pet owners maintain a "puppy cut" — trimmed short every 4-6 weeks, with weekly brushing between grooms. Dental care is non-negotiable — daily brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings starting young.

Diet

Small, measured meals. Puppies under 4 months need to eat every 3-4 hours to prevent hypoglycemia. Adults do well on 2-3 small meals daily. Weight matters — even half a pound of excess weight is significant on a 5-pound dog.

Training

Short, positive sessions. Yorkies are intelligent but stubborn — they learn quickly when motivated and completely ignore you when they're not. Food rewards work well. House training can be challenging in toy breeds; consistency and patience are key.

Families with Children

Not recommended for families with young children. Yorkies are fragile and may snap when handled roughly. Best for families with gentle older children or adult households.

Other Pets

Can coexist with cats and similar-sized dogs. Yorkies may be confrontational with larger dogs despite the size difference. Their prey drive may make them incompatible with hamsters, guinea pigs, or pet birds.

Apartments vs. Houses

Excellent apartment dogs. Small, low-shedding, and adaptable. Barking is the main apartment concern. Many Yorkie owners successfully use indoor potty options for convenience.

Not Right for You If...

• You don't want to deal with grooming or professional groomer appointments
• You have toddlers or very young children
• You won't commit to dental care
• You want a quiet, passive lap dog
• You expect a dog this small to not need training

Breeding Yorkies responsibly requires liver shunt screening, eye and patella evaluations, and understanding the challenges of toy-breed reproduction.

Health Clearances Before Breeding

OFA patella evaluation, CAER eye exam, and bile acid testing for liver shunts are minimum requirements. Cardiac evaluation and Legg-Calve-Perthes screening are also recommended.

Pregnancy & Whelping

Yorkie pregnancies average 63 days from ovulation. Litters are typically 2-4 puppies. C-section rates are moderate due to small dam size and relatively large puppy heads. Very small dams (under 4 pounds) face significantly higher delivery risks.

Newborn Yorkie puppies typically weigh 80-140 grams (3-5 oz). The Animal Weight Tracker is essential for monitoring these tiny puppies, and the Whelping Date Calculator helps plan delivery timing.

The Dental Bills Are Real

Plan for professional dental cleanings and extractions. Most Yorkies need multiple dental procedures over their lifetime, running $500-$2,000+ each. This is not optional — dental disease causes pain, infection, and organ damage.

They're Not Passive Lap Dogs

People expecting a decorative accessory get a terrier with opinions. Yorkies have big personalities and will run your household if you let them. Training is essential — not optional because they're small.

"Teacup" Means "Higher Health Risks"

There is no AKC-recognized teacup variety. Dogs marketed as teacup Yorkies (under 4 pounds) face higher rates of hypoglycemia, liver shunts, tracheal collapse, and bone fractures. Responsible breeders aim for dogs in the 4-7 pound range.

Common Reasons Yorkies End Up in Rescue

• Dental and vet costs exceeding expectations
• Behavior problems from lack of training
• Grooming became too much work
• Biting incidents (untrained Yorkies may bite)

Popularity

The Yorkshire Terrier consistently ranks in the AKC's top 15 breeds and is one of the most popular toy breeds worldwide. Popularity has been stable for decades.

Price Ranges

From a responsible breeder with health clearances: $1,500-$3,000. Show-quality from champion lines: $3,000-$5,000+. "Teacup" premiums are a red flag, not a quality indicator.

Rescue Rates

Yorkie-specific rescues report steady intake, primarily of dogs with dental issues, behavior problems, or from owners overwhelmed by grooming needs. Rescue Yorkies can make wonderful pets with appropriate dental care and training.

Lifespan Trends

Average lifespan of 11-15 years has remained stable. Yorkies from lines screened for liver shunts and with proper dental care tend toward the upper end of this range.