Small breed Regular energy Silky coat Toy Group 🌍 United Kingdom 🏆 #10 most popular

Yorkshire Terrier

Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish

The Yorkshire Terrier is a compact, toy-size terrier of no more than seven pounds whose crowning glory is a floor-length, silky coat of steel blue and a rich golden tan.Don’t let the Yorkie’s daintiness fool you. Tenacious, feisty, brave, and sometimes bossy, the Yorkie exhibits…

⚖️ 7–7 lbs 📏 7–8" 🎂 11–15 years 🧠 Intelligence #27 — above-average

Traits

Yorkshire Terrier Characteristics

Energy

60%

Shedding

20%

Trainability

20%

Grooming

100%

Friendliness

80%

Coat Type

Silky coat Specialty/Professional

Breed data

Data Snapshot

🧠 #27

Intelligence

🎂 1.3yr

Average lifespan

💰 $21K

Lifetime cost

🍖 $324/yr

Annual food estimate

👨‍👩‍👧 Great

With kids

🩺 4

Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: knee, liver, trachea, eye disorders

Health watch

Yorkshire Terrier Health Context

Veterinary note

This section is general breed information, not veterinary advice. If your dog has symptoms, pain, breathing issues, sudden behavior changes, or urgent concerns, contact a veterinarian.

Medium

Patellar Luxation

High prevalence

Early signs: Hopping or skipping gait

Medium

Tracheal Collapse

Medium prevalence

Early signs: Honking cough, especially on excitement

Medium

Dental Disease

High prevalence

Early signs: Bad breath, difficulty chewing

High

Hypoglycemia

Medium prevalence

Early signs: Weakness, trembling, disorientation (especially in puppies)

Harness only — no collars. Daily dental care is critical. Small Yorkshire Terrier puppies need frequent small meals to prevent blood sugar drops.

Patellar Luxation

Breed health context can affect lifetime costs. Estimate food, care, and planning costs for a Yorkshire Terrier.

Owner resources

Matched Resources for Yorkshire Terrier Owners

Contextual partner picks from the PupWiki affiliate pipeline. These are matched by breed size, energy, training needs, lifestyle, and ownership intent.

Yorkshire Terrier food & nutrition tools
ChefPaw Dog Food Maker
Chef Paw (US) · Appliances

ChefPaw Dog Food Maker

Revolutionary countertop pet food maker, simplifying the process of crafting fresh and highly-nutrit…

Affiliate link — no extra cost to you

Yorkshire Terrier training & walking gear
🐾
JugBow · Training

JugBow No-Pull Training Harness

Dual-clip training harness with front and back D-rings. Reflective stitching, padded chest plate, an…

Affiliate link — no extra cost to you

For Yorkshire Terrier owners
The Veteran - Custom Pet Canvas
Crown and Paw · Gifts

The Veteran - Custom Pet Canvas

Premium 8" x 10" custom pet canvas. Turn your pet into a legendary military veteran.

Affiliate link — no extra cost to you

Affiliate disclosure: PupWiki may earn a commission from qualifying partner links, at no extra cost to you. Availability and pricing can change.

Care basics

Yorkshire Terrier Care Tips

Benefits from 30-60 minutes daily exercise — walks, play sessions, or swimming.

Low shedding — regular brushing prevents tangles; minimal shedding management.

Owner fit

Who the Yorkshire Terrier Suits

  • Best suited to owners with some dog experience — difficulty rated 6/10.

  • Urban-friendly: adapts well to apartment or townhouse living when daily exercise is consistent.

  • A friendly temperament can make this breed a reliable companion for the right household.

Before you choose

Make an Informed Yorkshire Terrier Decision

Related guides

All Yorkshire Terrier Guides

Yorkshire Terrier Cost Calculator

Puppy price, annual costs, food estimate, and lifetime ownership planning.

Classification

FCI Classification

FCI Group Group 3 — Terriers
Section Terriërs van het type dwerghond
Status Recognized

Editorial guides