Yorkshire Terrier Breed Guide: Health, Care and Training

Vet verified. Written by Danielle Montgomery, Copywriter. Reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS, Team Vet.

The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny companion with the confidence, curiosity and persistence of a working terrier. Yorkies can thrive in apartments or houses, but small size does not reduce their need for training, exercise, grooming, dental care and protection from falls and rough handling.

Yorkshire Terrier facts at a glance

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 dogs 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 behavior. This leads to behavioral 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 socialization and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered dog. 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?

"Teacup" is a marketing term, not a separate AKC variety or an assurance of quality. The official standard describes a Yorkshire Terrier at no more than 7 pounds. Deliberately selecting extreme smallness can increase vulnerability to hypoglycemia, injury, dental crowding and other disease. Ask for health records and adult relatives rather than paying a premium for a size label.

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?

Yorkies can thrive with individuals, couples or families who understand their small-dog safety, grooming, dental and training needs. Some bond closely with one person, but that is not a reason to accept guarding or exclude the rest of the household. Build positive routines with several caregivers and teach comfortable short separations gradually.

Are Yorkshire Terriers good with children?

Some Yorkies live happily with respectful children, but their small frame makes falls, squeezing and rough play especially risky. Adults must supervise every interaction, provide a protected rest area and teach children to sit for contact, let the dog leave and never disturb eating or sleep. Age labels alone do not guarantee a safe match.

Are Yorkshire Terriers good with other pets?

Compatibility is individual. Some Yorkies live safely with dogs or cats after careful introductions, while terrier pursuit can make homes with rodents or other small animals unsuitable. Use barriers, manage resources and supervise interactions, especially with a much larger dog. Socialization improves skills but does not guarantee lifelong compatibility.

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs 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 positivity, 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 behavior 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 behavior because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable dogs, and can cause them to develop behavioral 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. prioritize 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. socialize from the start. socialization 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 leash. 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 behavior.

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 dogs 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-leash, 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 perfect 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 dog 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 only as directed; 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 veterinarian’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.

• Use dental chews only as part of a veterinarian-approved oral-care plan; they do not replace brushing, examination or professional treatment.

The Yorkie coat sheds relatively little but no dog is completely hypoallergenic. The amount of allergens a dog produces varies between each individual dog.

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.

Healthy Yorkies should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your dog regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Common Yorkshire Terrier health concerns

Breed risk is not diagnosis. An individual may never develop these problems, and a normal-looking puppy can still carry inherited risk. Verify screening and respond to symptoms rather than relying on appearance.

Patellar luxation

The kneecap can move out of its groove, causing skipping or lameness. Owners cannot guarantee prevention by stopping all normal play. Maintain lean body condition, provide safe footing and have persistent gait change examined.

Tracheal collapse

A honking cough or breathing difficulty may reflect airway, heart or other disease. A well-fitted harness can reduce neck pressure but cannot prevent every case or treat an existing collapse. Blue or gray gums, collapse or severe effort is an emergency.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease

Loss of blood supply can damage the femoral head in a young small dog. Pain, muscle loss or hind-limb lameness requires examination and imaging. Treatment depends on severity and may include surgery and rehabilitation.

Portosystemic shunt

An abnormal blood vessel can divert blood around the liver. Poor growth, digestive signs, urinary problems or neurologic episodes after eating are possible signs but not diagnostic. Blood work and imaging guide treatment.

Hypoglycemia in tiny puppies

A very small young puppy that is not eating, vomiting or having diarrhea can become weak quickly. Trembling, disorientation, collapse or seizures needs immediate veterinary direction. Low blood sugar is not proof of low-quality food or owner error.

Dental and eye disease

Small mouths can crowd teeth, and disease below the gumline is not visible in a quick check. Brush daily when possible and follow the veterinary dental plan. Squinting, redness, cloudiness, sudden vision change, facial swelling, bleeding or mouth pain needs assessment.

Food and nutrition

Feed a complete and balanced diet for the correct life stage and measure the full day's calories. Tiny servings are easy to misjudge, so a kitchen scale can be more accurate than filling a cup. Kibble size may improve handling but does not determine nutritional quality by itself.

How much should a Yorkshire Terrier eat?

There is no safe breed-wide cup amount or required three-meal schedule for every adult. Start with the food label and veterinary calorie estimate, then adjust from weight and body condition. Puppies may require multiple measured meals. If a young puppy refuses food or becomes weak, call the veterinarian rather than waiting for the next scheduled meal.

Preventive habits that matter

• Maintain lean body condition and record weight accurately.
• Prevent falls and supervise around larger dogs and young children.
• Use a well-fitted harness and investigate coughing.
• Brush teeth daily and plan for professional dental care.
• Keep the coat clean, unmatted and comfortable.
• Follow regional vaccine, heartworm and parasite recommendations.
• Never give human pain medication without veterinary direction.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Yorkie’s dream home.

Cost of ownership in the United States

Adoption and purchase fees vary by region and source. Price, rare-color marketing and extreme smallness do not prove quality. Collect local quotes for veterinary care, grooming, training, insurance and emergency services.

Setup and first-year costs

Plan for a secure carrier or crate, gates, low bed, bowls, harness, leash, identification, grooming tools, toothbrush, enrichment, initial examinations and vaccines based on risk. Ask the veterinarian about spay or neuter timing rather than following a generic age rule.

Ongoing and emergency costs

Budget for complete food, grooming every few weeks when the chosen coat requires it, preventive care, parasite control, dentistry, licensing, replacement equipment and safe pet care. Insurance or dedicated savings should account for dental procedures, orthopedic care, liver diagnostics and emergencies.

Fun Facts and Trivia

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

• 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. A historic Yorkshire Terrier named Sylvia is often cited in accounts of extremely small dogs. Her very short life is a reminder that tiny size is not a health achievement or a responsible breeding target.

• 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 color at around 6 months old. Nonstandard color marketing should never outrank health, structure or temperament. Ask what genetic testing supports a color claim and avoid breeders who sell rarity as proof of quality.

• 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-color coats and are super cute.

• Audrey Hepburn helped make Yorkies stars among 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 honor 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 among 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 glamorous good looks.

Choosing a puppy or adult dog

For a puppy, identify both parents and verify public health results rather than accepting "DNA tested" or "vet checked" as a complete answer. Meet the dam where possible and ask about adult size, teeth, knees, liver disease, orthopedic history and temperament in older relatives.

1. Verify the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America and OFA testing relevant to the litter.
2. Ask what each result means, not only whether testing was done.
3. Avoid sellers promoting "micro," "teacup" or rare color above health and structure.
4. Choose a breeder or rescue that supplies records, asks questions and offers continuing support.
5. For an adult dog, obtain medical, dental and behavior history and arrange a gradual transition.
6. Never rely on a health guarantee as a replacement for screening and insurance or savings.

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A practical Yorkie care routine

Make tiny portions measurable

Weigh food when the difference between an appropriate serving and a generous scoop is only a few pieces. Reserve part of the measured meal for training and count every chew and supplement. Record weekly body weight during growth and ask the veterinary team to show how to assess ribs and waist beneath the coat. A small numerical change can represent a meaningful percentage of a Yorkie's body weight.

Build house-training around access

Take the puppy to the same safe toilet area after waking, eating, drinking, play and active training. Reward immediately after elimination and supervise or use a safe management area indoors. Cold, rain, fear and long distances to an apartment exit can affect success. Punishment after an accident does not teach where to go and may teach the puppy to hide.

Protect teeth before breath changes

Introduce a small soft toothbrush and dog toothpaste in one-second steps, rewarding calm cooperation. Lift the lip rather than forcing the mouth open. Crowding and retained baby teeth may require veterinary treatment even when home care is excellent. Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia reaches below the gumline; cosmetic scraping of an awake dog's visible tartar does not provide the same assessment or treatment.

Keep grooming cooperative

Brush in layers to the skin without scraping, and check armpits, groin, behind the ears and under collars or harnesses. Tight mats pull on skin and should not be cut blindly with scissors. Practice handling when the coat is comfortable, stop before fear escalates and use a groomer experienced with small dogs. Eye irritation, skin odor, redness or recurrent scratching needs veterinary review.

Socialize without overwhelming

Let the puppy observe safe people, dogs, surfaces, sounds and handling at a distance where food and play remain possible. Small dogs do not need to be passed from person to person. Protect the puppy from rough greetings, give it an exit and use regional veterinary guidance about infectious disease exposure during the vaccination series.

Plan safe travel and pet care

Use a secured carrier or crash-tested restraint and practice calm entry before the first long trip. Keep identification and microchip details current, and never open a vehicle or hotel-room door until the leash is attached. A pet sitter should understand the Yorkie's meal schedule, toileting cues, harness fit, dental needs and vulnerability around larger animals. Leave written medication instructions and the regular and emergency clinic contacts. In hot or cold weather, remember that a tiny dog can lose or gain heat quickly; shorten exposure and follow local veterinary guidance rather than relying on clothing alone.

U.S. health testing to verify

The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America directs owners and breeders to breed-health information, and OFA's CHIC program makes breed-specific results public. Ask for the registered names of both parents, then verify the actual results in the OFA database. A CHIC number confirms required testing was completed and made public; it does not mean every result is normal or guarantee the puppy's health.

Ask specifically about patellas, eyes, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, liver shunts, dental history and any DNA tests used in that line. A broad commercial DNA panel does not replace physical or specialist examinations.

Small-dog safety at home

Use gates at stairs, prevent unsupervised jumping from high furniture and teach children to sit for interactions. Supervise play with larger dogs even when both appear friendly. A Yorkie needs the freedom to move and explore, not constant carrying, but the environment must account for the consequences of a fall or collision.

Harness and airway care

Fit a harness that does not restrict shoulder movement and introduce it with rewards. A harness reduces direct neck pressure but does not make pulling safe or prevent every airway problem. Persistent cough, exercise intolerance, fainting or breathing difficulty needs veterinary assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Are Yorkshire Terriers hypoallergenic?

No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Yorkies shed relatively little, but allergens can come from saliva and skin. An allergic household should spend time with the individual dog and seek medical advice before committing.

Is a teacup Yorkie a separate breed?

No. "Teacup" is a marketing term, not an AKC variety. Deliberately extreme smallness can bring additional health and injury risk.

Are Yorkies good with children?

Some live happily with respectful children under close adult supervision. Their fragility means handling, falls and rough play require particular care.

How often does a Yorkie need grooming?

A long coat needs frequent brushing and regular bathing and trimming. A short companion clip is easier but still requires skin, ear, nail and dental care.

Trusted sources

• American Kennel Club: Yorkshire Terrier
• Yorkshire Terrier Club of America: breed health
• Yorkshire Terrier Club of America: Yorkies
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: CHIC programs

This breed guide is educational. Individual medical, nutrition, exercise and behavior decisions belong with the dog's veterinarian and qualified care professionals.