Yorkshire Terrier

Temperament & Personality

You'll find that Yorkshire Terrier breed information often highlights how these tiny dogs carry themselves with outsized confidence and vigor. Yorkies have a classic terrier spirit – they're brave, feisty, and sometimes bossy, acting as if they're unaware of their small stature. Despite their boldness, they are also affectionate little companions. A well-socialized Yorkie will eagerly cuddle in your lap and can be friendly with family and even strangers, though some may be aloof if not socialized young.

As a first-time owner, you'll appreciate that Yorkies are alert and will readily let you know when someone's at the door (they can be quite vocal watchdogs!). Early training can help curb excessive barking tendencies. With children, Yorkshire Terriers can be playful and loving, but due to their fragile size, they do best with older, gentle kids. Always supervise interactions to ensure the dog isn't accidentally hurt. Overall, a Yorkie's personality is a big package in a small body – equal parts spunky entertainer and devoted snuggle buddy.

Care, Living Environment & Grooming

Living with a Yorkie is well-suited to apartment life or small homes, as they are very compact. These dogs are active indoors and much of their exercise needs can be met with play and short zoomies in your living room. Still, daily walks (even just around the block) are important for mental stimulation and sniffing opportunities. Because of their energy and curiosity, engaging your Yorkie in games, puzzle toys, or even learning tricks will keep them happy and prevent boredom. They love to accompany you – some Yorkies even enjoy riding in doggy purses or carriers as a form of adventure. Just remember, their small size means dog parks with larger dogs or unsupervised outdoor time can be risky.

Yorkies do not tolerate cold weather well (you might find you'll be investing in a dog sweater for winter walks). In colder climates, keep your Yorkie warm with a coat or sweater, since these little ones can get chilled easily. In hot weather, ensure they have shade and water, as their long coat can make them prone to overheating.

Grooming a Yorkshire Terrier is a significant part of their care. Their coat is long, silky, and actually more hair-like than fur, which means it grows continuously and sheds very little. This makes them popular for people with allergies (their coat is often called hypoallergenic). However, that luxurious coat requires work:

• Brushing: If kept in full length, you'll need to brush your Yorkie's coat daily to prevent tangles and mats. For a shorter "puppy cut," brushing a few times a week may suffice.
• Professional Grooming: Plan on a trim and tidy-up every 6–8 weeks to keep their hair manageable. Many pet owners opt for a short trim to reduce maintenance.
• Face and Hygiene: Keep the hair out of your Yorkie's eyes (often a cute topknot or regular trimming does the trick) to avoid irritation. Also, check and clean the hair around their rear daily so it stays sanitary.
• Dental Care: Yorkies are prone to dental issues, so brushing your dog's teeth regularly is vital. Good oral hygiene helps prevent periodontal disease, which is unfortunately common in this breed.

By staying on top of grooming and providing a loving, safe environment, you'll have a Yorkie who not only looks like a little star but also feels happy and comfortable in your home.

Training & Socialization

Training a Yorkie can be a fun but sometimes challenging endeavor. On one hand, Yorkshire Terriers are quite intelligent and think they're much bigger than they are. They can learn tricks and commands quickly – when it suits them. On the other hand, they have a stubborn, independent streak and can lose interest if training sessions are too long or boring. The key is to use positive reinforcement (praise, gentle affection, and the occasional tiny treat) and keep training sessions short and engaging. You'll find your Yorkie responds best when training feels like a game rather than a chore.

Housebreaking a Yorkie requires patience. Their small bladders mean they may need more frequent potty breaks, and some Yorkies take a bit longer to fully housetrain. Establish a consistent routine and consider using puppy pads or an indoor doggie litter area during the training phase. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your Yorkie will catch on – just don't be discouraged by the occasional accident. It's also helpful to crate train your Yorkie, as dogs generally avoid soiling their sleeping area.

Socialization is extremely important for this breed. Yorkies can be bold, which sometimes translates into picking fights with much larger dogs or chasing small animals (that terrier prey drive is still in there). Expose your Yorkie puppy to different people, calm dogs of various sizes, and a variety of sights and sounds. This helps ensure they grow into a confident, friendly adult dog that isn't overly yappy or anxious when encountering new situations. Early socialization will temper their tendency to be territorial or overly protective. By teaching your Yorkie that new friends and experiences are positive, you'll have a more adaptable pet.

Overall, training a Yorkshire Terrier takes a gentle touch and a sense of humor. They may test your boundaries (and try to be the boss despite their pint size), but if you're consistent and loving, you'll end up with a well-mannered little dog. Remember to address nuisance behaviors like excessive barking from an early age – you can teach them a "quiet" command to manage their watchdog enthusiasm. In the end, a Yorkie aims to please you once they understand what you want, and the strong bond you form will make training well worth the effort.

Health Considerations

Yorkshire Terriers are generally a long-lived breed (often 12–15 years or more) but they do have their share of health considerations. As a responsible owner, you should be aware of common Yorkie health issues:

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Due to their tiny size, Yorkie puppies in particular can experience drops in blood sugar. This can cause weakness, tremors, or even seizures if not addressed. Frequent small meals for young pups help prevent this. Most Yorkies outgrow the risk as they mature, but it's something to watch in the first months.
• Dental Disease: Small breeds often have crowded teeth, and Yorkies are no exception. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Regular tooth brushing and yearly dental check-ups/cleanings at the vet will help keep those tiny teeth in good shape.
• Patellar Luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap can slip out of place. It's relatively common in Yorkies and other small dogs. You might notice a Yorkie with a luxating patella skipping or "bunny hopping" on a hind leg occasionally. Mild cases can be managed, while severe cases might require surgery to prevent arthritis or pain.
• Tracheal Collapse: Many toy breeds, including Yorkies, are prone to a collapsing trachea – the windpipe can weaken and flatten, causing a distinctive "goose honk" cough and breathing issues. It typically worsens with age. To protect your Yorkie's throat, use a harness instead of a collar for leash walks. Treatment for tracheal collapse ranges from medication to manage symptoms, to surgery in severe cases.
• Liver Shunt (Portosystemic Shunt): Some Yorkshire Terriers are born with an abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver, preventing proper detoxification of the blood. This serious congenital condition can cause poor growth, neurological signs (like seizures or disorientation), or digestive issues in young dogs. A liver shunt often requires specialized surgery and diet management, but with treatment dogs can improve significantly.
• Eye and Other Issues: Yorkies may also be prone to eye conditions like dry eye or cataracts in older age, and some can have a sensitive digestive system that doesn't tolerate dietary changes well. Their small size also means injuries are a concern – jumping from a high couch or rough play with a larger dog can lead to fractures or trauma.

Not every Yorkie will encounter these problems, but it's wise to stay proactive. Regular veterinary checkups (at least annually, or twice a year for seniors) can catch issues early. Preventative care such as keeping up with dental hygiene, feeding a quality diet, and monitoring bloodwork as your Yorkie ages will give them the best chance at a long, healthy life. Many Yorkie owners also consider pet health insurance, given that some of these conditions (like a liver shunt surgery or tracheal collapse treatment) can be costly. With attentive care, your Yorkie can stay by your side for many happy years.

Cost of Ownership

When budgeting for a Yorkshire Terrier, remember that small dog doesn't always mean small expenses. Initially, acquiring a Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from around $1,000 up to $3,000 or more, depending on bloodlines and location. Adopting an adult Yorkie from a rescue group or shelter is cheaper – often a few hundred dollars in adoption fees – and you get the benefit of giving a home to a dog in need.

Beyond the purchase or adoption fee, you'll need to consider ongoing costs:

• Food: The good news is a Yorkie's appetite won't break the bank. They eat only a small amount of high-quality dog food each day (maybe $20–$30 a month on food).
• Grooming: Professional grooming is a significant cost for Yorkie owners. Expect to visit the groomer every 6–8 weeks for haircuts, which can run $50-$70 per session depending on your area. Over a year, grooming alone might be $400 or more. You can save by learning to do simple trims yourself, but many owners prefer a pro to maintain that signature Yorkie look.
• Veterinary Care: Routine vet care (exams, vaccinations, heartworm prevention, etc.) typically costs a few hundred dollars per year. Spaying or neutering your Yorkie (if not already done) is a one-time expense usually in the first year. Given Yorkies' potential dental issues, you should also budget for periodic professional teeth cleaning which might cost $200–$500 when needed. It's wise to set aside funds or have pet insurance for unexpected health problems – for example, addressing a broken tooth or knee surgery for a bad patella could cost a thousand dollars or more.
• Supplies & Misc: Don't forget a carrier or dog purse, a harness and leash, a warm coat for winter walks, grooming tools for at-home upkeep, toys, and a comfy bed or two. These are mostly upfront costs, but you'll replace toys and restock treats regularly. Fortunately, Yorkies don't take up much space, so they won't require large crates or huge beds, which keeps accessory costs reasonable.

All told, the annual cost of owning a Yorkie can average around $1,000 to $1,500 USD for basic care, and potentially more in years where extra grooming or medical care is needed. It's a good idea to have a small-dog savings fund for peace of mind. In return for your financial investment, you get a loyal, loving friend who will happily accompany you anywhere and provide endless smiles – a payoff that's priceless.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Portable & Apartment-Friendly: Yorkies are tiny (around 7 pounds) and adapt well to small living spaces or city life. You can take them traveling or around town with ease.
• Low-Shedding Coat: Their silky coat sheds minimally and is often tolerated by people with allergies. You won't find fur all over your furniture.
• Big Personality & Affectionate: They are entertaining, loyal, and love to be with you. A Yorkie will keep you amused with its bold antics and then curl up on your lap for affection.
• Long Lifespan: With good care, Yorkies frequently live well into their teens, offering many years of companionship.

Cons

• High Grooming Needs: That low-shed coat requires regular brushing and frequent professional grooming to keep it tangle-free and clean. Grooming is time-consuming and can be costly.
• Fragile Size: Their tiny frame means they can be easily injured by falls or rough handling. They may not be suitable for families with very young children, and owners must be cautious to protect them.
• Stubborn Streak: Yorkies can be willful and sometimes difficult to housetrain. Training requires patience, and they may bark a lot if not properly managed.
• Possible Health Issues: Yorkies are prone to certain health problems (like dental disease or knee issues) that can lead to vet bills and special care needs as they age.

Fun Facts

• Working-Class Origins: Despite their dainty appearance today, Yorkshire Terriers began as tough working dogs. In 19th-century England, they were used to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Beneath the bow and silky coat beats the heart of a little hunter!
• War Hero Yorkie: A Yorkie named Smoky became famous in World War II for her heroic service. Found by a soldier in Papua New Guinea, Smoky helped run communication lines through narrow tunnels and later comforted wounded soldiers as a therapy dog – she's often credited as one of the world's first therapy dogs.
• Tiniest Dog on Record: The smallest dog in recorded history was a Yorkie. Her name was Sylvia, and she weighed just 4 ounces – about as heavy as a hamburger bun – and stood only 2.5 inches tall! This pocket-sized Yorkshire Terrier earned a Guinness World Record in 1945.
• Silky, Ever-Growing Hair: A Yorkie's coat can grow to floor-length if never trimmed. Show dogs often have coats that sweep the ground. Keeping the hair out of their eyes with the classic topknot isn't just for fashion – it's also practical. Pet owners usually opt for a shorter cut for easy maintenance, but either way, that human-like hair is one of the breed's claims to fame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Yorkshire Terriers hypoallergenic?

A: Yorkies are often called hypoallergenic because they shed very little dander. Many people with mild dog allergies do find they can tolerate Yorkies. Keep in mind, no dog is 100% allergen-free – you'll still need to groom and bathe your Yorkie regularly to minimize allergens. Overall, their low-shedding coat makes them a more allergy-friendly choice than most breeds.

Do Yorkies get along well with children and other pets?

A: Yes, with proper socialization many Yorkies live happily with older children and other pets. The key is gentle handling – because Yorkies are so small, toddlers or very active children could accidentally injure them, so supervision is crucial. With cats or larger dogs, introductions should be slow and positive. Yorkies often do fine with other animals if they're raised together and boundaries are respected (though they may still give a chase to a pet hamster or bird due to their terrier prey drive!).

Do Yorkshire Terriers bark a lot?

A: Yorkies can be barky, especially if they think they need to alert you to every sight and sound. This trait can vary: some Yorkies will bark at the drop of a pin, while others are quieter. You can manage excessive barking by training – for example, teach a "quiet" command and make sure your Yorkie gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If a Yorkie is bored or not accustomed to noises, they're more likely to yap. Early socialization to various environments can help a Yorkie be more calm and less prone to nonstop barking.

How hard is it to housebreak a Yorkie?

A: Potty training a Yorkie requires consistency and patience. It's true that Yorkies (and small breeds in general) can be a bit harder to housetrain. Their tiny bladder means they need more frequent trips outside. You'll want to take your Yorkie out first thing in the morning, after meals, and every few hours initially. Crate training can greatly assist in housebreaking, since dogs naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Also consider using puppy pads as a backup, especially if you're in an apartment. With time and a routine, Yorkies can be fully housebroken – just don't expect them to "hold it" as long as a big dog might. Celebrate successes and be patient with slip-ups.

References

1. PetMD – Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)
2. VCA Animal Hospitals – Yorkshire Terrier
3. Spot Pet Insurance - How Much Does a Yorkshire Terrier Cost in 2025?
4. Wikipedia – Yorkshire Terrier (Health and History)
5. ManyPets - Common Health Problems with Yorkshire Terriers
6. I Heart Dogs - Monthly Cost to Own a Yorkie
7. Reddit - Monthly Expenses for Yorkie Owners: Toy vs Regular Size?
8. Dogster - How Much Does a Yorkshire Terrier Cost? 2025 Price Guide
9. Wikipedia – Smoky (War Dog)
10. PetInsurance.com - 5 Things You Didn't Know About Yorkies