Overview
Tiny silken-coated companion with a giant terrier attitude.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a toy breed in the Toy group, typically standing 7–8 in and weighing 7 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 11–15 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish.
Breed history & origin
The Yorkshire Terrier traces its origins to Yorkshire, England, with the breed taking recognisable form in the 1860s. Its original purpose — ratter in yorkshire textile mills — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.
As a toy member of the Toy group, the Yorkshire Terrier was selectively bred for independent decision-making, steady temperament and an even pace. Modern owners describe them as affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.
The American Kennel Club formally recognised the Yorkshire Terrier in 1885.
Several moments shaped the modern Yorkshire Terrier. Yorkies were developed by Scottish weavers who migrated to Yorkshire mills, crossing several now-extinct British terriers. Smoky, a WWII Yorkie, ran communications cable through a 70-foot pipe under a Philippine airstrip — credited with saving 250 men and 40 aircraft.
Today the Yorkshire Terrier thrives as a toy companion. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of affectionate and working capability continues to draw new owners every year.
Like every purebred, the Yorkshire Terrier carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.
- Country of origin
- Yorkshire, England
- Era
- 1860s
- Original purpose
- Ratter in Yorkshire textile mills
- Modern purpose
- Toy companion
- AKC recognition
- 1885
Breed timeline
- 1860sYorkshire Terrier develops in Yorkshire, England
- 1885Formal kennel club recognition in the Toy group
- TodayEstablished as a toy companion
Appearance
- Coat length
- Long
- Coat texture
- Tight single coat
- Undercoat
- None / minimal
- Body
- Compact, agile build
Temperament
Yorkshire Terriers are affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.
Exercise & activity
Adult Yorkshire Terriers need 30–60 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.
Grooming & shedding
Yorkshire Terriers are high-maintenance coats. Plan on daily brushing and a professional groom every 4–6 weeks.
Minimal shedding — one of the cleaner breeds to live with.
Nutrition guide
Feed a high-quality small-breed puppy formula with calorie-dense kibble in tiny pieces. Yorkshire Terrier puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.
Feed an AAFCO-approved small-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.
Adult Yorkshire Terriers do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.
From age 8, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.
200–350 kcal/day
Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.
- • Grapes & raisins
- • Chocolate
- • Onions & garlic
- • Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
- • Cooked bones
- • Macadamia nuts
Training guide
Crate-train from day 1. Yorkshire Terrier puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.
Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most Yorkshire Terriers accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.
Yorkshire Terriers have an independent streak. Keep sessions ≤ 5 minutes, very high-value rewards, and end on a win.
Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.
Focus on rock-solid basics first; advanced sports work best from 18+ months with this breed.
- ×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
- ×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
- ×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
- ×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)
Health database
Lifespan: 11–15 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.
Lower than average
Low
Standard screening recommended
Average
Elevated — small breeds prone to crowding and tartar
$400–$700 CAD
Common health concerns
- ▸Dental disease
- ▸Obesity (over-feeding)
- ▸Patellar luxation
Recommended screening
- ▸Patella evaluation
- ▸CERF / OFA eye exam
- ▸Cardiac auscultation
- ▸Skin & coat dermatology check
Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.
Living requirements
- Apartment
- Excellent
- House
- Yes — ideal
- Urban
- Strong
- Rural / farm
- Strong
- Cold weather
- Average — needs a jacket below freezing
- Hot weather
- Tolerant
- Barking level
- Average
- Separation anxiety
- Average
- Escape risk
- Average
- Space
- Apartment-friendly
Cost of ownership (Canada)
Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $1,200–$2,200 for a Yorkshire Terrier puppy. Plan for $1,400–$2,200 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.
$1,200–$2,200
$1,400–$2,200
$45–$90 / month CAD
Pros & cons
- +Adapts well to apartments and condo living
- +Low shedding — easier on furniture and allergies
- +Travel-friendly size; fits under airline seats and in small homes
- −High grooming costs — professional groom every 4–6 weeks
- −Better matched to adults-only or older-kid households
Ideal owner profile
Fun facts
- 1.Yorkies were developed by Scottish weavers who migrated to Yorkshire mills, crossing several now-extinct British terriers.
- 2.Smoky, a WWII Yorkie, ran communications cable through a 70-foot pipe under a Philippine airstrip — credited with saving 250 men and 40 aircraft.
- 3.Their long, silky coat is technically hair, not fur — making them lower-allergen than many breeds.
- 4.Yorkshire Terriers live 11–15 years on average with good preventive care.
- 5.Adults stand 7–8 in and weigh 7 lbs.
- 6.Daily exercise needs: 30–60 minutes/day.
- 7.Classified in the Toy group.
Yorkshire Terrier vs popular breeds
| Trait | Yorkshire Terrier | Labrador Retriever | Golden Retriever | German Shepherd | French Bulldog | Poodle (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Large | Large | Large | Small | Large |
| Lifespan | 11–15 years | 11–13 years | 10–12 years | 9–13 years | 10–12 years | 10–18 years |
| Energy | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Family-friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Apartment | 5/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Exercise | 30–60 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 20–40 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day |
