Yorkshire Terrier

Temperament and Personality

They might be small in size, but the Yorkshire Terrier personality is big, bold, and fearless! These tiny terriers, affectionately called Yorkies, are naturally confident dogs who are adventurous, commanding, and a little bit feisty.

Bursting with energy and curiosity, Yorkshire Terriers aren’t your typical lap dog. They’re highly inquisitive, outgoing dogs who love to explore their surroundings and make sure everything’s in order. You can also expect to find a Yorkshire Terrier shaped shadow next to you too. These dogs tend to form super strong bonds with one person, and want to accompany their human on every expedition to the kitchen, bathroom, and beyond!

They’re a lively breed that loves to learn, play, and be part of the action, so they need lots of mental stimulation and exercise. However, these perky pooches still enjoy a cuddle on the couch. Yorkshire Terriers are loyal, friendly, affectionate dogs who love to be around their family. Just don’t be alarmed if they suddenly spring off your lap to show the neighbour’s cat who’s boss!

Originally bred to control vermin, Yorkshire Terriers are hardwired to chase, and have a brave, courageous spirit. This deep-rooted protective nature means they make good watchdogs, as the Yorkie is well known for its yappy bark. It does also mean they’re suspicious of strangers though, and they can be quite brazen, often having no problem putting other dogs – and people – in their place. 

This sassy streak means it’s important not to spoil, baby, or coddle a Yorkshire Terrier. Carrying a Yorkie everywhere you go, whether in your arms or a handbag, teaches them the world is a scary place, resulting in an insecure dog with a bad attitude.

These cutie patooties can also get a bit too big for their (little) boots if they’re allowed to get away with bad behaviour. This leads to behavioural issues linked to Small Dog Syndrome, such as stubbornness, entitlement, and even aggression. It’s important they know their place in the pack and that they’re not treated like the princes and princesses they believe themselves to be! 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a small and spunky dog with lots of personality, the Yorkshire Terrier could be the breed for you.

What are Teacup Yorkshire Terriers?

The standard Yorkshire Terrier is very small, weighing only 1.8–3.2 kg and measuring just 18–20 cm in height. However, Teacup Yorkshire Terriers are even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Yorkie that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices – such as breeding runts or malnourishment – in order to produce the Mini Yorkshire Terrier.

Yorkshire Terrier paw-sonality traits

• Brave, bold and confident

• Intelligent and inquisitive

• Extroverted and lively

• Alert and very vocal

• Bright, sharp and quick-witted

• Protective and territorial

• Assertive and opinionated

• Energetic and playful

• Loyal to owners

• High prey drive

• Fun to be around

• Wary of strangers

• Loves fuss but isn’t a typical lap dog

• Forms strong bonds with one person

• Can be snappy if they feel threatened

• Can’t be left alone for too long

• Needs a lot of mental stimulation

Yorkshire Terrier pros and cons

Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs?

Yes, Yorkshire Terriers can be a great addition to more mature families with older children and teens. While affectionate and loving little dogs, they’re often described as ‘one-man dogs’ which could cause a divide in a large household. They require regular grooming and are also prone to develop separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behaviours such as chewing on furniture, whining, or toileting inside the house, so they need dedicated owners that want to spend lots of time with their pooch. 

Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children?

Yorkshire Terriers aren’t generally suited to homes with very young children. Their fragile frame doesn’t take well to rough play, and they demand respect for their boundaries which little ones might not understand. Young children and toddlers could accidentally hurt a Yorkshire Terrier through no fault of their own, or end up being hurt themselves if a Yorkie snaps at them.

Yorkies are better suited to a household with older children and teens who can respect boundaries, play gently and are generally more assertive.

Are Yorkshire Terriers good with other pets?

Yes, if they’ve been socialised well from a young age, Yorkies are generally okay with other dogs, and can even live with a cat if they’ve been raised together. However, the Yorkshire Terrier is naturally territorial and can be aggressive if they feel threatened. This means proper caution should be taken around big dogs. In a Yorkie’s mind, they’re the size of a lion and have no qualms in challenging large breeds, which could put them at risk. The Yorkshire Terrier also has a very high prey drive, so they’re not suitable for households with smaller pets like guinea pigs or hamsters.

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Yorkshire Terrier properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Yorkshire Terrier need?

When fully grown, these little guys and gals need a minimum of 30 minutes of physical exercise a day. Yorkshire Terriers are keen and curious explorers that would walk for miles on end if they could, but owners need to be mindful of their small size. Also, it’s highly recommended to use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

It’s not just physical fitness that matters – their brains need a good workout too. Yorkies are lively, intelligent dogs who love to learn, so they need lots of mental enrichment to prevent boredom and excessive barking from kicking in. Puzzle toys, challenging games, fetch, and learning new tricks will help keep their sharp minds occupied. They have a high prey drive too, so make sure your Yorkie has lots of toy animals to hunt and ‘kill’!

As they don’t need much exercise and hate to be left alone, they’re an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time at home.

How do you train a Yorkshire Terrier?

Yorkshire Terriers are super smart, eager to please and pick up things quickly, but they’re known to be quite stubborn and strong-willed. They can have ‘selective obedience’, and like most toy breeds with tiny digestive systems, Yorkies can be harder to house train than other breeds. However, with consistency, patience, and lots of paw-sitivity, training your Yorkshire Terrier can be a highly rewarding experience.

Unleash your Yorkie’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats – ideal to help prevent dental issues.

2. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop behavioural issues, including aggression. The Yorkie might try to test the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.

3. Prioritise potty training. Yorkies need consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. A covered potty area is also recommended because these little dogs don’t like the rain or cold weather.

4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial for the feisty Yorkshire Terrier, so expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Get them used to a lead. Yorkshire Terriers like to dart about on their own accord, so it’s important to get them used to walking on a lead. Practice indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable.

6. Keep the barking at bay. Yorkies are natural watchdogs who are notorious for being yappy. They’ll bark at anything they perceive as a threat, including sounds and strangers. It’s important to desensitise your dog to triggers by gradually exposing them to stuff that makes them bark. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.

7. Do trick training. Channel their love of attention by incorporating tricks into their obedience training. This breed loves to learn, so teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and prepare to be entertained!

8. Keep training sessions short and sweet. Yorkies can get easily distracted, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused. 

9. Establish who’s boss. The smart and confident Yorkshire Terrier is a strong-willed dog that may try to push the boundaries. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them. This will help your Yorkie understand what's expected of them and reduce any unwanted behaviour.

10. Keep them active. The Yorkie is a lively breed that has bundles of energy, so engage them in mini agility, scent work, and obedience training to give their brains and bodies a good workout.

11. Harness their curiosity with games of hide-and-seek. These inquisitive pooches love to explore, so teach the ‘come’ command and hide in different rooms in the house. This not only teaches the command but also gives them a fun challenge.

12. Work on recall. Yorkies can get themselves into all kinds of trouble when they’re off-lead, such as picking a fight with a big dog. Use a long line lead and tempting treats such as these low fat Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats to master the art of recall and keep them safe.

13. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Yorkshire Terriers need?

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their long, sleek, silky, single coats that need a fair bit of care. They’re very low shedding dogs, making the Yorkie hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers. 

However, the signature blue and gold coat doesn’t stop growing (much like human hair) which means it needs regular brushing and trimming to stay healthy.

Yorkshire Terrier haircuts can range from the show-ring style – where their long, flowing locks brush along the floor and their hair is tied in a trendy topknot – to the ‘puppy cut’. This option gives you a short-haired Yorkshire Terrier that’s easier to maintain, but still needs plenty of attention.

Here are some Yorkshire Terrier grooming tips to keep your pooch looking pristine. 

• Brush their coat daily to prevent their hair from matting and tangling. Use a pin brush followed by a comb for the best results.

• Check for debris after walks, as their long coat can collect all kinds of bits off the ground.

• Trim around their groin and rear end so they stay sanitary when going to the toilet.

• Trim around their eyes using rounded scissors to ensure their eyes don’t become irritated, or tie their hair in a trendy topknot.

• For Yorkies with a topknot, this should be taken out daily and brushed through, as leaving in an elastic tie can damage the hair. Make sure it’s not tied too tightly, as this can put pressure on their heads. 

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Bathe every couple of weeks using a dog-friendly shampoo, but don’t overdo it as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause irritation or allergies to flare up.

• Keep your Yorkie looking their best with regular professional grooms every 6 to 8 weeks. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Opt for Yorkshire Terrier haircuts such as the Westie Cut, Teddy Bear Cut, or Puppy Cut to keep their coats short and easier to maintain.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. These pups are prone to tooth decay, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent yucky Yorkie breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Yorkshire Terrier lifespan is 12–16 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, there are a few specific health problems for the dainty Yorkie.

Common Yorkshire Terrier health issues

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from furniture.  

• Tracheal Collapse. This condition affects the dog’s windpipe, causing a chronic cough and a reduced ability to exercise. It’s often seen in small dogs, especially those whose lead is attached to just their collar and not a harness. Treatment can include medication, surgery, or both.

• Hypoglycemia. This is where dogs experience a sudden drop in blood sugar, and is more commonly seen in small breeds and pups under 3 months old. If your dog shows signs such as weakness, lack of appetite, shaking, or seizures, you should seek medical assistance immediately. A low-quality diet or underfeeding is generally attributed to hypoglycemia. 

• Portosystemic Shunt. This is a liver disorder that deprives the liver of blood, preventing it from growing and functioning properly. Signs usually appear before 2 years old, and include neurological abnormalities, decreased appetite, hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal issues.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Dental Issues. Their miniature mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth or teeth growing in at odd angles, leading to abscesses, infections, and tooth decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Yorkshire Terrier a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Yorkshire Terrier eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Yorkie will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

As Yorkshire Terriers have high metabolism and lack of fat stores, it’s encouraged to feed them small amounts frequently throughout the day. A good suggestion for full grown Yorkshire Terriers is 3 times a day, ensuring they’re well fueled for all their activities.

The best food for a Yorkshire Terrier is one that’s made especially for small breeds, as the size of the kibble is smaller and perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Their disposition to become hypoglycemic means Yorkies need a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Protect their joints

To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Yorkie or allow them to jump up and down from furniture. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.

Use a harness

Walking your Yorkie using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

Monitor weight

A healthy Yorkshire Terrier weight is anywhere between 1.8kg and 3.2kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet, as extra weight puts pressure on a dog’s joints and internal organs, reducing their quality of life.

Monitor blood sugar levels

As Yorkies are prone to Hypoglycemia, create a plan with your vet to manage their blood sugar levels.

Look after their skin & coat

A balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye, skin and coat health. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which can exacerbate skin irritability. 

Look after their teeth

Yorkshire Terrier teeth are prone to dental disease, so a portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy. Schedule in a professional clean once a year to remove tartar and plaque build up. 

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Yorkie’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Yorkshire Terrier is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Yorkshire Terrier puppy?

The price of a Yorkshire Terrier can cost anywhere between £800 and £2,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Yorkshire Terrier is between £50 to £80.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost around £20 to £30 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a few health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Yorkie even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the world’s favourite pooches!

• They haven’t always been known as Yorkshire Terriers. When they first came to England, they were known as Scotch Terriers. This stuck for a decade, however it was argued they should be called Yorkshire Terrier as the breed was perfected in this region. Their name was officially changed in 1870.

• Yorkies have broken world records for their tiny size. The smallest dog in recorded history was a Yorkshire Terrier named Sylvia. She weighed a little over 100g and measured just 6cm in height. She died in 1945 aged just 2 years old. 

• They were bred to catch rats in textile mills, which led to some jokes about their luscious silky coats being woven on looms!

• Yorkie puppies are born black and tan, but the coat naturally changes to a steel-blue and a rich, golden tan colour at around 6 months old. You can get chocolate Yorkshire Terriers, which are very rare and highly sought after, while white Yorkshire Terriers usually occur due to albinism and come with health problems. 

• Ever heard of a Biewer Yorkshire Terrier? It’s a very new, rare, pure breed that’s the result of breeding two Yorkshire Terriers that both have a recessive piebald gene. They have tri-colour coats and are super cute. 

• Audrey Hepburn helped make Yorkies stars amongst the Hollywood elite. Her pup, aptly named Mr. Famous, appeared on magazine covers and joined her in some film scenes. 

• A Yorkshire Terrier was one of the most famous dogs of World War II. Her name was Smoky, and she was found by an American soldier in the New Guinea jungle in 1944. A Corporal named William A. Wynne bought her and she accompanied him on missions. Smoky saved lives by warning soldiers of enemies approaching, she acted as a therapy dog for nurses and injured soldiers in the New Guinea hospitals, and she completed dangerous tasks that would’ve taken hundreds of men several days to do. There are several memorials erected in Smoky’s honour for her valiant and heroic efforts! 

• You can get Yorkshire Terrier cross breeds. The Jack Russell Yorkshire Terrier cross is called a Jorkie, the Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier cross is called a Chorkie, and the French Bulldog Yorkshire Terrier mix is called a Frorkie.

History and Origin

The Yorkshire Terrier is relatively new to the dog world, with their origins dating back to the 1850s. 

When Scottish workers made their way over to Yorkshire and Lancashire during the Industrial Revolution, they brought their little dogs with them to work as ratters in coal mines, factories and textile mills.

It’s thought these ‘broken-haired Scotch Terriers’ were then interbred with local terrier breeds such as the Waterside Terrier, Skye Terrier, Dandie Dinmont, and the now extinct Clydesdale and Paisley Terriers.

This cross breeding resulted in a smaller, nimble dog that could get into nooks and crannies to kill vermin, and also fit in their owner’s pocket. 

They were known as broken-haired Scotch Terriers until 1870 when the name was changed to Yorkshire Terrier in homage of the region where the breed was perfected. They continued to catch rats in mills, but slowly became a popular pet amongst wealthy Victorian women. This led to further selective breeding to make them an even smaller companion dog.

While the Yokie decreased in size, their personality certainly didn’t! These adorable little bright sparks have continued to win hearts all around the world with their spritely nature and glamourous good looks. 

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Yorkshire Terrier. 

1. Research the breed. Yorkshire Terriers can’t be left alone for too long and fair better in a child-free home or household with older children, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Yorkshire Terrier puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Yorkies and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Yorkshire Terrier, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Yorkies in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.