Yorkshire Terrier
With a silky coat and a big-dog attitude in a tiny package, the Yorkshire Terrier is a companion that likes to be close to its people.
Yorkies are bright, alert, and often surprisingly confident, but they also do best with gentle handling, consistent routines, and regular grooming.
How the Yorkshire Terrier ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, often called Yorkies, were bred to be lively little hunters and later became beloved lap companions. They tend to bond closely with one or two favorite people and are happiest when included in daily life, from couch time to errands and short walks.
Despite their small size, they are typically bold and curious, which can show up as watchdog barking or a willingness to challenge bigger dogs. Early socialization and kind, consistent training help channel that confidence.
A Yorkie can fit many homes, but coat care and day-to-day routine, including tooth brushing habits, matter.
History of the Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier developed in northern England during a time of booming industry, when textile towns were crowded and rodents were a constant problem.
Working families wanted a small, quick dog that could patrol mill floors, homes, and stables without taking up much space. These early terriers were valued less for looks and more for grit, speed, and a strong desire to chase.
Before the breed name settled, similar dogs were sometimes described by local labels, reflecting a type that was still taking shape.
Many of the dogs that shaped the breed came with Scottish workers who moved south for new jobs.
Several small terrier types were mixed over time, including dogs often linked to the Waterside Terrier and to silky-coated varieties such as the Paisley and Clydesdale terriers.
Breeders gradually selected for a compact body, an alert expression, and a fine, hair-like coat that could grow long and glossy. The familiar steel-blue and tan pattern became especially prized as the look grew more consistent.
In those early decades, a good terrier was expected to work. Yorkshire Terriers were used as determined vermin hunters in mills and warehouses, and they also followed their people through busy streets and markets.
Their small size made them easy to carry, but their confidence meant they rarely acted delicate. Stories from the period often describe individual dogs that excelled at pest control and helped define the breed’s reputation for boldness despite a tiny frame.
As the Victorian era embraced pet keeping and public dog exhibitions, the little ratter began to gain a new reputation as a stylish companion. Owners often kept the coat longer, emphasizing the breed’s distinctive texture and color pattern.
Early records sometimes listed the dogs under different names, which was common while types were being refined and compared. The name “Yorkshire Terrier” reflected where the look was popularized, even though the foundation dogs likely came from several nearby regions.
Over time the breed became best known for being people-oriented, spirited, and surprisingly adaptable for such a small dog. Yorkies traveled beyond Britain with families and fanciers, and their polished appearance helped them thrive as urban pets.
Modern Yorkies are usually kept as companions, yet many still show classic terrier traits like alert barking, quick learning, and a strong interest in chasing moving things.
Today you will see a range of coat lengths and trims, from long show-style hair to practical puppy cuts, but the lively personality remains a hallmark.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy-sized dog with a compact, upright posture and a confident carriage that often makes them look larger than life.
The hallmark is a fine, silky coat that feels more like human hair than typical dog fur, and it can be worn long or kept in a shorter, easy-care trim. Their bright eyes and perky expression match an alert, terrier mindset that stays on duty at home.
General care revolves around coat maintenance and comfortable handling. Regular brushing and combing help prevent tangles, especially behind the ears, under the collar area, and around the legs.
Many owners schedule routine baths and trims, while others keep a short cut and focus on quick touch-ups between appointments.
Like many small breeds, Yorkies often benefit from steady dental habits and gentle nail care, so it helps to practice calm, positive handling from puppyhood.
Yorkies typically do well with moderate daily activity, such as a couple of short walks plus indoor play and puzzle toys.
Because they can be bold and quick, a secure leash, a well-fitted harness, and a safe, fenced area are useful for preventing risky dashes after squirrels or dropped snacks. They may be sensitive to cold or wet weather, so some dogs appreciate a light jacket outdoors.
Consistent training and a predictable routine support good manners, including quieter greetings and better house habits.
Coat & Grooming: Plan on frequent brushing with a pin brush and comb, plus regular baths and trims to keep the coat comfortable and tangle-free.
Shedding: Low; the hair-like coat drops less day-to-day, but tangles form easily without routine brushing.
Exercise Needs: Moderate daily movement, like short walks and indoor games, with brain work such as scent games or puzzle feeders.
General Health: Often generally sturdy, but may be prone to small-breed concerns like dental crowding, kneecap issues, and airway sensitivity; your veterinarian can advise on preventive care.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for a small breed when kept at a healthy weight and given consistent preventive care.
First-Time Owner Tips
A Yorkshire Terrier can be a friendly first dog if you enjoy a hands-on routine. They are smart and often eager to learn, but they can also be stubborn about rules they do not understand.
Short, upbeat training sessions work best, especially for leash manners and polite greetings. Because Yorkies are naturally alert, teaching a quiet cue and rewarding calm behavior can make apartment life much easier.
Plan ahead for grooming and handling from day one. Even if you keep a short haircut, you will still brush, bathe, and trim around the face and paws to stay comfortable.
Their small bodies can be injured by rough play or high jumps, so supervise interactions with children and use ramps or steps when needed. Finally, socialize thoughtfully with friendly dogs so confidence does not turn into bossiness.
- Keep training sessions short and reward-based, and practice the same cues every day.
- Introduce brushing, combing, and paw handling early so grooming feels normal, not stressful.
- Use a harness instead of a collar for walks to protect the throat during excited pulling.
- Build a predictable potty routine and consider an indoor option for bad weather or long workdays.
- Supervise play with kids and larger pets, and block access to high furniture to prevent falls.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required monthly essentials for a Yorkshire Terrier usually include quality food, treats, and everyday supplies like waste bags, replacement toys, and grooming basics such as shampoo or detangling spray.
Many owners also budget monthly for routine parasite prevention and set aside a little for regular checkups and vaccinations, even if those expenses hit only a few times a year.
Because Yorkies are small, food portions are often modest, but costs still vary with brand quality and how many extras you like to offer.
Optional or variable costs depend heavily on your routine and where you live. Professional grooming can be a bigger line item if you keep a longer coat, while a short trim at home lowers the monthly spend after you buy tools.
Training may range from an occasional group class to private sessions, and enrichment can be as simple as DIY games or as involved as subscription toys.
Some families choose pet insurance, while others prefer a dedicated savings cushion for surprise care, and either approach can change the monthly budget.
Food & Treats: Required: About $30 to $80 per month, depending on food quality, treats, and your dog’s activity level.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: About $20 to $120 per month, depending on DIY grooming supplies versus professional baths and trims.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: About $25 to $70 per month for routine preventatives and basic care, varying by region and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: About $0 to $80 per month for insurance premiums or a monthly savings cushion, based on coverage and risk tolerance.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: About $10 to $120 per month for classes, private help, and enrichment toys, depending on goals and lifestyle.
Yorkshire Terrier FAQs
Are Yorkshire Terriers good apartment dogs?
Yes, they often do well in smaller spaces as long as they get daily walks, playtime, and training to manage alert barking and door manners.
Do Yorkshire Terriers shed a lot?
They are considered low shedders, but the coat can tangle easily, so regular brushing matters more than vacuuming.
How much grooming does a Yorkshire Terrier need?
Grooming needs are high compared with many breeds. A long coat usually requires frequent brushing and combing, while a shorter trim is easier but still needs routine baths and tidy-ups.
Are Yorkies good with children and other pets?
They can do well with respectful kids and friendly pets, but their small size means play should be supervised and introductions should be calm and gradual.
Are Yorkshire Terriers easy to train?
They are intelligent and motivated by praise and treats, but they can be independent. Keep sessions short, stay consistent, and practice real-life skills like leash walking and polite greetings.
Do Yorkshire Terriers bark a lot?
Many Yorkies are vocal because they are alert and people-focused. Teaching a quiet cue, rewarding calm behavior, and providing mental enrichment can help reduce nuisance barking.
What health issues are common in Yorkshire Terriers?
They may be prone to small-breed concerns such as dental disease, kneecap issues, and airway sensitivity. Regular wellness visits and good preventive habits are the best way to tailor care with your veterinarian.
