Yorkshire Terrier: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Yorkshire Terrier temperament and personality

The AKC describes the Yorkie as feisty yet affectionate and friendly even toward strangers. VCA calls the breed alert, confident and energetic, with a big personality and strong attachments to its owners. They are terriers at heart, bred originally to catch rats, and that brave streak shows.

A Yorkie wants to be close to its people and involved in everything. VCA notes they can become vocal or reactive without early, consistent training and rates barking as moderate to high. Owners who live in apartments should start quiet-on-cue training early. A first shopping list for a Yorkie usually starts with a harness for Yorkies and a few Yorkie-friendly toys.

How big do Yorkies get?

The AKC says Yorkies average about 8 inches tall and 7 pounds, and the breed standard states weight must not exceed 7 pounds. The standard does not set separate ranges for males and females. VCA lists 7 to 8 inches and about 7 pounds.

Pet Yorkies from non-show lines are sometimes a little larger, and that is not a health problem in itself. Be wary of anyone selling extra-small teacup puppies, because very tiny dogs are more prone to low blood sugar and injury. Ask your vet what a healthy weight looks like for your individual dog.

Yorkshire Terrier lifespan and common health issues

The AKC and VCA both give a lifespan of 11 to 15 years. VCA's breed page lists patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, low blood sugar, patent ductus arteriosus, retinal dysplasia, hydrocephalus and retained testicles in puppies; tracheal collapse, skin allergies, gum disease, Cushing's disease and bladder stones in adults; and heart valve disease and cataracts in seniors.

Ask a breeder about knee and eye checks on the parents and whether puppies have been screened for liver shunt. Ask your vet about a dental plan, since gum disease is common in toy breeds. A honking cough, weakness or trembling in a young puppy, or a seizure needs a vet the same day.

Exercise needs

VCA says Yorkies need moderate daily activity and that short walks and indoor play usually suffice. The AKC notes they are high-energy and need regular walks and mental stimulation, and can become vocal if those needs are not met.

Two short walks a day plus play with toys keeps most Yorkies content. Use a harness rather than a collar, because pressure on the neck can aggravate tracheal collapse. In cold or wet weather, a sweater or coat helps, since a fine single coat gives little warmth.

Yorkshire Terrier grooming and shedding

The long, silky coat is hair rather than fur and keeps growing. VCA says it needs daily brushing to prevent tangles, and that Yorkies shed little. The AKC notes the hair needs regular trimming, and many pet owners keep a shorter puppy cut that is far easier to manage.

VCA also recommends regular bathing, frequent dental care, routine ear cleaning and nail trims, and the AKC lists the same. Tie the hair above the eyes in a topknot or trim it short so it does not irritate them. Brush the teeth several times a week from puppyhood.

Training a Yorkie

The AKC says Yorkies can be stubborn and independent but are eager to please, and that positive reinforcement and patience work best. Short, frequent sessions with small treats suit a toy breed's attention span and stomach.

House training is often the hardest part. Use a crate, a strict schedule and immediate rewards, and consider an indoor potty spot for very cold weather. Teach a calm response to the doorbell and to other dogs early, before alert barking becomes a habit.

Are Yorkies good with kids and other pets?

The AKC says Yorkies are generally good with children but should never be left unattended around young kids. VCA says they are best suited to older, gentle children. A fall or a squeeze can seriously injure a dog this small.

The AKC notes Yorkies tend to get along with other dogs and can do well in multi-pet homes, while VCA says they may be assertive with other pets and recommends supervision. Watch play with big dogs closely, and remember a terrier may chase small pets.

What a Yorkie needs at home

Keep grooming kit on hand: a pin brush, a fine comb, detangling spray, small hair bands, ear cleaner, nail clippers and a dog toothbrush. Plan on a professional trim every six to eight weeks if you keep the coat short.

For daily life, a small crate, a soft bed, a lightweight harness and leash, and a sweater for cold walks cover the basics. Puzzle toys help with mental exercise. Use stairs or ramps so the dog is not jumping off furniture, and ask your vet about dental care early.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.