Breed Comparisons
Toy Poodle vs Yorkshire Terrier: Which Small Dog Should You Get?
Both are small, low-shedding, devoted companion dogs — but a Toy Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier are genuinely different animals in personality and trainability.
January 20, 2024 · 6 min read
The Fundamental Personality Difference
Toy Poodles are eager to please and highly responsive to training — they want to know what you want them to do and they love doing it. Yorkshire Terriers are independent thinkers with a terrier's confident self-direction — they're intelligent but may decide their agenda takes priority. Neither is wrong; they just suit different owners.
Intelligence and Trainability
- Toy Poodle: Ranked #2 in canine intelligence. Learns commands quickly, retains them well, excels at tricks and structured training.
- Yorkshire Terrier: Smart and quick, but more selective compliance. May learn a command quickly and still choose not to perform it without sufficient motivation. Food-driven training works best.
Shedding and Coat
- Toy Poodle: Very low-shedding. Curly coat grows continuously. Must be professionally groomed every 6–8 weeks. Hypoallergenic, though no dog is 100% allergen-free.
- Yorkshire Terrier: Low-shedding (not non-shedding). Long silky coat requires daily brushing and regular grooming if kept long. Also considered allergy-friendly; individual reactions vary.
Energy and Exercise
- Toy Poodle: Moderate energy. Loves play and mental stimulation. Happy with 30–45 min activity per day plus indoor play.
- Yorkshire Terrier: Moderate-high energy for their size. Curious and active. Also satisfied with 30–45 min walks plus indoor exploration.
Which Is Right for You?
- Choose a Toy Poodle if: You love training, want a dog who follows direction enthusiastically, want a hypoallergenic-type coat, or want the longest possible lifespan.
- Choose a Yorkie if: You love confident personality, want a dog with spunk and spirit, appreciate the terrier attitude, or are drawn to the Yorkie's iconic look.