Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier — universally known as the Yorkie — is one of the world's most popular toy breeds, a tiny dog with a floor-length silky coat and a personality that far exceeds their three-to-seven-pound size. Originally bred to catch rats in Yorkshire textile mills, today's Yorkies combine their working terrier heritage with adaptability that makes them beloved companions worldwide. Don't be fooled by their small size and glamorous appearance. Behind that flowing coat lies a true terrier — bold, tenacious, vocal, and convinced they're much larger than reality suggests. They're devoted companions who demand attention and give it generously in return.

From Rat Catchers to Lap Dogs

The Yorkshire Terrier developed during the mid-19th century in Yorkshire, England, particularly in the industrial areas around Leeds and Bradford. Scottish workers who migrated to Yorkshire for work in textile mills and coal mines brought various small terriers with them.

These working-class dogs were bred to catch rats in textile mills, mines, and along riverbanks. They needed to be small enough to access tight spaces where rats hid but bold and tenacious enough to kill vermin efficiently.

The exact breeds contributing to Yorkshire Terrier development are debated, likely including Waterside Terrier, Clydesdale Terrier (now extinct), Paisley Terrier, and possibly Skye Terrier or Maltese. The result was a small terrier with distinctive blue and tan silky coat.

Early Yorkshire Terriers were larger than modern ones — some weighing up to 15 pounds. As the breed transitioned from working terrier to fashionable companion, breeders selected for smaller size and longer, more luxurious coats.

The breed gained recognition from the English Kennel Club in 1886 and the American Kennel Club in 1885. They quickly became popular among Victorian ladies as fashionable companions.

By the early 20th century, Yorkshire Terriers had become primarily companions and show dogs. Today, they're consistently among the most popular breeds worldwide, valued for their size, personality, and adaptability.

"The barking is real. Everything deserves immediate vocal announcement."

"Devoted beyond measure. Mine follows me everywhere and hates being alone."

A Tiny Dog with Terrier Heart

The Yorkshire Terrier is not a passive decoration or trembling lapdog. They're true terriers who happen to be tiny and beautiful. For people who appreciate bold personalities, can commit to grooming, and don't mind vocal watchdogs, they make wonderful companions.

They're adaptable to various living situations, devoted to their families, and beautiful to look at. Yes, they require significant grooming, bark readily, and can be stubborn. But they're also loyal, entertaining, and full of character. If you want a small dog with big dog confidence, terrier independence, and enough glamour to turn heads everywhere you go, the Yorkshire Terrier delivers. Just prepare for grooming appointments, barking management, and a dog who believes they're in charge — because in their mind, they absolutely are. And at seven pounds of pure determination, who's going to argue?

The Yorkshire Terrier possesses all the characteristics of a true terrier — bold, confident, sometimes stubborn, and convinced of their own importance. They approach life with remarkable self-assurance given their tiny size.

These dogs are intensely devoted to their families, forming strong bonds and wanting constant companionship. Many Yorkies are velcro dogs who follow from room to room and prefer being with their people always.

Intelligence is notable, making them quick learners when properly motivated. However, they're also independent with typical terrier stubbornness. Training requires patience, consistency, and positive methods that make cooperation worthwhile.

Yorkies are typically alert and vocal. They bark readily at doorbell, unusual sounds, strangers, or anything worthy of comment. This makes them excellent watchdogs despite their tiny size, though excessive barking can become problematic without training.

With strangers, Yorkies range from friendly to suspicious depending on individual temperament and socialization. Some are outgoing; others are reserved or even snappy without proper socialization.

Despite being toy dogs, Yorkies retain terrier prey drive. They chase squirrels, cats, and other small animals with focused determination. They may not be trustworthy around very small pets like hamsters or birds.

Many Yorkies are excellent with children when raised together, though their small size makes them vulnerable to injury from rough play. They won't tolerate teasing or rough handling and may snap if provoked. They're often better with older, respectful children.

Dog selectiveness can occur. Some Yorkies are fine with other dogs; others are bossy or aggressive, particularly toward larger dogs. Their confidence often exceeds common sense.

The Yorkshire Terrier stands about 7-8 inches tall and weighs 4-7 pounds according to breed standard, though many pet Yorkies exceed this range. They're compact and well-proportioned, never fragile or excessively delicate despite their tiny size.

Their most distinctive feature is the long, silky coat that parts down the middle of the back and flows to the floor. The coat is blue (dark steel blue, not silver) on the body and tail, with rich tan on the head, chest, and legs. Puppies are born black and tan, developing proper blue coloring as they mature.

The head is small with a flat skull, moderate-length muzzle, and V-shaped erect ears. Eyes are medium-sized, dark, and sparkling with intelligence. The expression is keen and intelligent.

The coat grows continuously like human hair rather than shedding seasonally, making Yorkies often cited as better for people with allergies, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Many pet owners keep Yorkies in shorter "puppy clips" that are easier to maintain than the floor-length show coat. Both are attractive, though show coats require significant grooming commitment.

Yorkshire Terriers need less exercise than larger breeds but more than many people assume. Daily walks and indoor play sessions keep them physically and mentally fit. They're adaptable to apartment living and can meet exercise needs indoors.

Despite their small size, Yorkies are often energetic and playful. They enjoy games, short walks, and activities with their people. Many remain playful well into old age.

Mental stimulation is important. These intelligent dogs benefit from training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive games. Boredom can lead to excessive barking or destructive behavior.

Many Yorkies enjoy and excel at dog sports scaled to their size, including agility, obedience, and rally. Trick training particularly suits their intelligence and love of attention.

Temperature sensitivity is notable. Yorkies feel cold easily and need protection in cool weather. They're indoor dogs who shouldn't be left outside in cold temperatures.

Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent and capable of learning quickly. However, training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement methods. They respond well to food treats, toys, and praise.

Their terrier independence means they won't obey simply to please you. Training must be engaging and worthwhile from their perspective. Keep sessions short and fun to maintain interest.

Early socialization is crucial. Expose puppies to various people, animals, places, and experiences in positive ways. This helps prevent fearfulness, snappiness, or excessive suspicion toward strangers.

House training can be challenging, as with many toy breeds. Their tiny bladders mean frequent trips outside, and accidents are easy to miss. Many Yorkie owners successfully use indoor potty training options like pee pads.

Barking management deserves attention from the start. Teaching "quiet" commands and rewarding appropriate behavior helps prevent the excessive vocalization Yorkies are capable of producing.

These dogs can succeed with first-time owners willing to commit to training and socialization despite their small size. Small dogs need training just as much as large ones.

The Yorkshire Terrier's coat requires substantial grooming commitment, particularly if kept long. Show coats need daily brushing and regular bathing, often wrapped in papers to protect the coat between shows.

Pet owners typically keep Yorkies in shorter clips that are easier to maintain but still require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Even in short clips, the coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles.

The coat's silky texture mats easily if neglected, particularly behind ears, under legs, and in the sanitary area. Regular brushing prevents mats and keeps the coat healthy.

Bathing is needed every 2-3 weeks to keep the coat clean and healthy. The coat takes time to dry thoroughly despite the dog's small size.

Particular attention is needed to the topknot area. Many owners tie the hair on the head to keep it out of eyes, or it can be trimmed short.

Nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care follow standard routines. Dental care is particularly important, as small breeds are prone to dental disease. Daily tooth brushing helps maintain oral health.

Yorkshire Terriers are generally long-lived, often reaching 13-16 years. However, their tiny size comes with certain health vulnerabilities.

Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is common in toy breeds including Yorkies. Dental disease affects many due to teeth crowding in small mouths. Tracheal collapse can occur, particularly in overweight individuals or those who pull on leash.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can affect puppies and very small adults, requiring careful feeding management. Portosystemic shunt, a liver condition, occurs in the breed more than average.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip joint condition, affects some Yorkies. Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye problems can occur. Their small size makes them vulnerable to injury from falls, rough handling, or encounters with larger dogs.

Anesthesia can be riskier in very small dogs. Maintaining healthy weight is important, though obesity is common in Yorkies who are overfed or under-exercised.