Personality
Yorkshire Terriers were bred in the textile mills of nineteenth-century Yorkshire to hunt rats. That origin might surprise people who see an immaculately groomed Yorkie today, but it explains a great deal about their character - they're alert, tenacious, bold, and possessed of a confidence that bears no relationship to their size.
Yorkies form extremely strong bonds with their owners and can be wary of strangers. They tend to be vocal - a Yorkie will tell you about the postman, a cat outside, a noise downstairs, and anything else they feel warrants comment. Early training to manage barking is worthwhile.
They're spirited with other dogs and won't back down from confrontation with much larger breeds. Socialisation from puppyhood helps, though some Yorkies remain selective throughout their lives.
Despite their small size, they're not naturally couch dogs. They enjoy exploring, playing, and having a purpose. Lap time is welcome, but only on their terms.
Exercise
30–45 minutes of exercise daily suits most adult Yorkies. This can be split across shorter walks and indoor play sessions. They're adaptable and can manage in flats or smaller homes, though they appreciate outdoor time.
Mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise for this breed. Puzzle feeders, training games, and scent work help to channel their terrier intelligence appropriately. A bored Yorkie is a noisy, occasionally destructive Yorkie.
Be cautious in cold or wet weather - their small body surface area means they get cold quickly. A well-fitted dog coat in winter is practical, not decorative.
Weight & Feeding
Adult Yorkies typically weigh 2–3.2 kg. They're prone to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) particularly as puppies - small, regular meals rather than one or two large ones is the right approach, especially in the first year.
High-quality food formulated for small breeds is recommended. Small breed kibble is sized appropriately for their mouths and dental health. Avoid overfeeding - even small amounts of extra weight are proportionally significant on a tiny dog.
Dental health is closely linked to diet: dental chews, appropriate kibble, and regular teeth brushing all help.
Health
Yorkies are generally long-lived, but there are breed-specific health considerations to understand.
Luxating patella - kneecap dislocation - is common in small breeds including Yorkies. Affected dogs may skip or hold up a hind leg intermittently. Mild cases are managed conservatively; more severe cases may need surgery. Track luxating patella →
Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) is a congenital blood vessel abnormality that causes toxins to bypass the liver. It can present as stunted growth, neurological symptoms, or failure to thrive in puppies. Ask breeders about any known cases in their lines.
Dental disease is extremely common in small breeds. Yorkies' small mouths lead to overcrowded teeth and early tartar build-up. Regular brushing and professional dental cleaning are not optional if you want to avoid serious problems.
Hypoglycaemia - particularly in young puppies and toy-size dogs - is a genuine risk. Signs include weakness, trembling, and in severe cases, collapse. Small regular meals and monitoring food intake helps prevent this.
Tracheal collapse affects some Yorkies and causes a characteristic honking cough. Using a harness rather than a collar reduces neck pressure and is strongly advised.
Grooming
A Yorkie's coat is their defining feature - fine, silky, and human hair-like in texture. It grows continuously and doesn't shed the way double-coated breeds do, which makes them popular with people sensitive to pet hair.
If kept in a full-length show coat, daily brushing is non-negotiable - the coat tangles and mats quickly. Most pet owners choose a shorter "puppy clip" which requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks and daily brushing in between.
Check around the eyes regularly for discharge and staining. Keep hair trimmed away from the eyes to prevent irritation.
Common Conditions
- Luxating patella
- Portosystemic shunt
- Dental disease
- Hypoglycaemia
- Tracheal collapse
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
FAQs
Are Yorkshire Terriers hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but Yorkies produce relatively low levels of the proteins that trigger allergies and shed minimally. Many allergy sufferers tolerate them better than other breeds, but individual reactions vary.
How long do Yorkshire Terriers live? 13–16 years is typical, making them one of the longer-lived breeds. Some individuals reach 17–18 years with good care.
Are Yorkies good for first-time owners? They can be, but their terrier temperament - stubborn, vocal, and strong-willed - catches some first-time owners off guard. Consistent early training and realistic expectations about their character make ownership much more enjoyable.