Yorkie

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Guide

Big personality, silky coat, fearless heart — the ultimate lapdog that forgets it's tiny.

Weight: 4–7 lbs
Lifespan: 13–16 years
Energy: Moderate
Shedding: Minimal
Trainability: Moderate
Coat: Silky, straight, fine — grows continuously
Good with kids: Yes
Good with other dogs: Yes

The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the most popular toy breeds in the United States — and for good reason. Originally bred in 19th-century England to catch rats in textile mills, today's Yorkie has traded factory floors for velvet cushions while keeping every ounce of that original terrier fire. They're bold, curious, affectionate, and fiercely loyal to their families.

Personality

Yorkies are terriers at heart — tenacious, alert, and opinionated. They have no idea how small they are and will confidently challenge dogs ten times their size. At home they bond deeply with their person, following them room to room and demanding lap time. They're surprisingly adaptable: equally content in a city apartment or a suburban house, as long as they have company. Yorkies can be stubborn, so consistent training from puppyhood pays dividends for years.

Appearance

Classic Yorkies have a steel-blue and tan coat that parts down the center of the back, falling straight to the floor on show dogs. Pet clips are far more practical — most owners keep them in a 'puppy cut' that's easy to maintain and stays adorable. Their faces are bright and expressive, with small V-shaped ears and dark, sparkling eyes. Biewer Terriers are a close cousin, recognized by their distinctive piebald (white, black, and gold) coloring.

Feeding

Yorkies are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially as puppies. Feed high-quality small-breed kibble or fresh food formulated for toy breeds, 2–3 small meals per day rather than one large one. Yorkies can be picky eaters — find what your dog loves and stick with it rather than constantly rotating proteins, which can cause digestive upset. Fresh water must always be available. Avoid grapes, raisins, xylitol, and onions, which are toxic to all dogs.

Grooming

That silky coat grows continuously and requires regular maintenance. Brush 3–4 times per week with a pin brush and metal comb to prevent tangles. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks keeps the coat in a manageable 'puppy clip.' Show coats require daily brushing and protective wrapping. Clean ears weekly, trim nails every 3–4 weeks, and brush teeth 2–3 times per week — Yorkies are prone to dental disease. Keep hair around the eyes trimmed or pulled back to prevent irritation.

Exercise

Despite their terrier energy, Yorkies don't need marathon sessions. Two 15–20 minute walks per day plus indoor play satisfies most Yorkies. They love chasing toys, learning tricks, and mental stimulation puzzles. Avoid rough play with much larger dogs — though your Yorkie won't admit it, their small frame is fragile. In cold weather, a dog sweater is not just cute — Yorkies lose body heat quickly.

Training

Yorkies are intelligent and learn quickly, but terrier stubbornness means they'll push boundaries if training isn't consistent. Use positive reinforcement exclusively — Yorkies respond very poorly to harsh corrections and will simply shut down or become avoidant. Short, fun training sessions (5–10 minutes) work better than long drills. Socialization is critical: expose puppies to many people, sounds, and dogs early to prevent the small-dog syndrome (fearful aggression) seen in undersocialized toys. Housetraining can take patience — crate training is your best tool.

Health

Yorkies are generally a long-lived, hardy breed with a few breed-specific vulnerabilities. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (hip joint degeneration), luxating patella (kneecap slipping), and tracheal collapse are seen in the breed. Dental disease is almost universal in small breeds — daily brushing is non-negotiable. Hypoglycemia (especially in puppies and very small adults) can be life-threatening and requires prompt treatment with Karo syrup or Nutri-Cal. A reputable breeder does OFA patella testing and uses DNA to screen for hereditary conditions.

Health Concerns to Know

Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Tracheal collapse
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Dental disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)

Fun Facts

Yorkies were originally called 'Broken-Haired Scotch Terriers' before being renamed for Yorkshire, England.
A Yorkie named Smoky is considered one of the first therapy dogs — she served with American soldiers in WWII.
The Yorkie coat is chemically closer to human hair than typical dog fur, which is why they shed so little.
Biewer Terriers (a piebald Yorkie variety) were recognized as a separate breed by the AKC in 2021.
Yorkies consistently rank in the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States.

Yorkshire Terrier FAQ

How big do Yorkies get?

AKC standard is 7 lbs or under, but most pet Yorkies from reputable breeders fall between 4–7 lbs. 'Teacup' is not an official size — it's a marketing term for undersized dogs that often come with serious health risks.

Are Yorkies hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, but Yorkies produce significantly less dander than most breeds and shed minimally. Many allergy sufferers do very well with Yorkies. Spend time with the breed before committing if allergies are a concern.

Can Yorkies be left alone all day?

Yorkies bond intensely with their people and can develop separation anxiety. They do best with someone home most of the day, or in a home with another dog for company. A properly crate-trained Yorkie can handle 4–5 hours alone, but not 8+ hours daily long-term.

Do Yorkies bark a lot?

Yorkies are alert and vocal by nature — they were bred to work. Without training and exercise, they can become excessive barkers. Early training, adequate exercise, and not reinforcing barking (no 'shushing' or scolding, which can reward the behavior) keeps this manageable.

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