Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Yorkshire terrier is a small toy dog breed native to England with a long, silky coat that’s often black and tan. Also known as Yorkies, these dogs have tenacious but affectionate personalities. They tend to be very vocal, protective, and loyal. And, despite their small size, they can make excellent guard dogs. But, at heart, Yorkies are wonderful companions that enjoy pampering and snuggling up to their loved ones.

Characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier

Despite their diminutive size, most Yorkies have a big personality. They generally have an affectionate yet feisty temperament. They love to snuggle, but they also can be very active, playful, and vigilant.

History of the Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers can be traced back to the migration of weavers from Scotland to Yorkshire, England, in the mid-19th century. These people brought a variety of terriers with them, which they used to control rodents in textile mills. They preferred a small terrier that could squeeze into tight spaces after the rodents. And several breeds, including the Skye terrier and Dandie Dinmont, went into creating the little Yorkie. 

In 1886, the Kennel Club of England recognized the breed. And this changed its reputation from primarily being a working-class exterminator to a fashionable companion. Breeders also further decreased its size, so it could better serve its purpose as a lapdog. 

Yorkies also made their way to the United States in the late 1800s. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885, and it’s been quite a popular dog throughout U.S. history. President Richard Nixon’s family even had a Yorkie that resided in the White House.

Yorkshire Terrier Care

Yorkies are more than just lap dogs. This breed can be quite vocal and stubborn at times. Early training and socialization with people and other dogs are important for the Yorkie and can help keep that big personality from getting out of control. Regular grooming also is essential to keep a Yorkie looking and feeling its best.

Exercise

Yorkies are no couch potato. They are active little dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Aim to provide two 15- to 30-minute walks per day. Going at a moderate pace should be sufficient for a Yorkie to burn off energy. Yorkies also should be able to run and play off leash. Games of fetch and other dog sports, such as agility, will help to give a Yorkie mental stimulation along with exercise.

Yorkies are not well-suited to extreme temperatures, hot or cold, so plan outdoor exercise accordingly. Try to go out during the coolest part of the day in hot weather, and provide a sweater or coat in cold weather. Indoor play is also a good option, as Yorkies don't need much room to work out their little bodies.

Grooming

Yorkies are known to be low-shedders. They have silky, continuously growing hair that requires a fair amount of grooming. If the coat is kept long, it should be brushed daily to prevent tangles and mats. It also will need regular trims to prevent it from dragging, and the hair on the dog's head should either be cut short or put in a hairband to keep it out of the dog's eyes. To avoid this hassle, many Yorkie owners choose to keep their dog's coat short (usually cut by a groomer every several weeks).

Plan on a bath every week or two, and check your dog's ears at least weekly for any dirt and debris. Nail trims will be necessary roughly every month, depending on how much your dog wears down its nails. And teeth ideally should be brushed every day.

Training

Yorkies are bright little dogs that can take to training fairly well, though they can be bossy at times. Still, they tend to respond very well to positive reinforcement. Aim to start training when your Yorkie is still a puppy to prevent bad habits from forming and to socialize it with various people, other animals, and situations. Attending a puppy obedience class as soon as your dog meets the age requirement is a good option for both training and socialization. 

The breed is known to be difficult to housebreak in part because Yorkies can be stubborn and often don’t like to go outside in inclement weather. Be patient and consistent during this process to reinforce good housebreaking habits.

Furthermore, many Yorkies don’t do well when they’re left alone for most of the day. They prefer lots of attention and companionship and might develop separation anxiety and bad habits if their social needs aren’t met. However, they don’t always make good companions for young children, who might be too rough with the little dog and provoke it to nip.

Common Health Problems

Yorkshire terriers are generally healthy dogs. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed, including:

• Patellar luxation (looseness of the kneecap)
• Collapsing trachea
• Eye problems
• Portosystemic shunt (a liver disorder)
• Heart disease
• Intervertebral disc disease

Diet and Nutrition

Select a quality, nutritionally balanced dog food for your Yorkie. Kibble that’s sized for small breeds often is ideal. Discuss any diet, including the quantity to feed, with your vet, as this can vary based on age, activity level, and other factors. Always make sure to factor treats into your dog’s daily caloric consumption to prevent overeating. And provide fresh water at all times. 

Where to Adopt or Buy a Yorkshire Terrier

If you think you'd like to adopt a Yorkshire terrier, look at local animal shelters and breed-specific rescues for dogs in need of a home. For a Yorkie puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 or more; the cost can widely vary based on bloodline and other factors. For further information to help you find a Yorkshire terrier, check out:

• The Yorkshire Terrier Club of America
• Save a Yorkie Rescue
• United Yorkie Rescue

Yorkshire Terrier Overview

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any breed, if you think the Yorkshire terrier is right for you, be sure to do plenty of research before obtaining one. Talk to other Yorkshire terrier owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Silky terrier
• Papillon
• Bichon Frise

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!