Yorkshire Terrier
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Yorkshire Terriers are tiny terriers with silky floor-length coats and outsized confidence. Originally bred to hunt rats in Yorkshire textile mills, they're feisty, tenacious dogs who don't recognize their small size, making them prone to challenging larger dogs and requiring socialization to prevent yappy, possessive behavior toward their owners.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Toy
Life Expectancy
11-15 years
Height
7-8 in
Weight
7 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 3 hours
Exercise
45 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #11
Toy context: Toy breeds were developed mainly for companionship in small bodies. They are often people-focused and adaptable indoors.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Yorkshire Terrier
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Yorkshire Terriers are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Yorkshire Terriers in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Yorkshire Terriers, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 45 minutes of daily activity spread across brisk walks and play. Despite small size, terrier heritage means they need consistent activity.
High
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Yorkshire Terriers generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
High
~4h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Moderate
High
Very High
Training & Behavior
High
High
Very High
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Very High
Very Low
High
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Very Low
High
Moderate
Low
High
Grooming & Coat
Very High
Very Low
High
Very Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Yorkshire Terrier originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Yorkshire Terrier lines were developed for vermin control. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Toy. Toy breeds were developed mainly for companionship in small bodies. They are often people-focused and adaptable indoors.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Yorkshire Terriers were bred in Victorian England by mill workers who used them to hunt rats in textile factories—'Rats' was their original job title.
Their silky coats are one of the few dog hairs that's structurally similar to human hair and can actually be braided and styled with hairpins like real hair.
Yorkies were the first toy breed to be popularized by a specific named dog: a show dog that won Westminster in the 1870s and became a media sensation.
Despite weighing 4–7 pounds, Yorkshire Terriers have zero awareness of their size and will charge at dogs 10x bigger with absolute confidence.
The breed was one of the first dogs to have a 'standard' show appearance codified in writing, making them one of the most precisely bred toy breeds.
Famous Yorkshire Terrier Dogs
Smoky
WWII hero dog often credited as an early therapy and service-dog pioneer.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Yorkshire Terriers
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
Recommended Products
Grooming Kits
Professional-quality grooming supplies to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
Shop Grooming →Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Yorkshire Terrier right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Yorkshire Terrier are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/