Yorkshire Terrier Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Yorkshire Terriers began as working dogs, hunting rats in the mills and mines of nineteenth-century northern England. Today the same fearless spirit lives inside a silky-coated companion that fits on a lap and does not know it.

Origins and appearance

The breed was developed in Yorkshire and Lancashire by workers who needed small terriers to control vermin. Scottish weavers who moved south brought several terrier types that contributed to the breed. Yorkies are known for a steel-blue and tan coat, long, straight, silky hair and upright V-shaped ears. Puppies are born dark and develop their adult color over the first year or two.

Temperament

A Yorkie combines a loving lap dog with a feisty terrier. They are alert, quick to bark and unwilling to back down from larger dogs. They bond closely with their owners and can struggle when left alone for long periods. See how to help a dog with separation anxiety. Gentle early socialization helps them stay confident rather than snappy.

Exercise

Yorkies need short daily walks and play indoors or in a secure yard. They enjoy chasing balls, learning tricks and exploring. Because they are small, a few minutes of play counts for a lot. Use a harness instead of a collar, as tracheal sensitivity is common in toy breeds.

Training and house training

They are intelligent, but they also have terrier independence. Reward-based methods work better than repetition or scolding. House training is often the longest project, so use a consistent schedule, take the puppy out after every meal and nap and reward outdoors. A crate or small pen can speed things up. See how to crate train a puppy.

Coat and grooming

The long show coat requires daily brushing, oiling and wrapping, which is more than most pet owners want. Many keep the coat in a short puppy cut, which needs trimming every four to eight weeks. Brush even short coats a few times a week to avoid mats. Read silky coat dog grooming guide for tools and technique. Brush teeth regularly and check ears for debris.

Health considerations

Frequently discussed concerns include:

• Luxating patella. See luxating patella in dogs
• Dental disease, since teeth crowd small jaws
• Collapsing trachea. See collapsing trachea in dogs
• Hypoglycemia in tiny puppies. See hypoglycemia in puppies
• Portosystemic shunt, a liver blood-vessel abnormality seen more often than in many breeds
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip condition of small breeds
• Sensitive digestion

Choose a breeder who health-tests parents and avoids extreme tiny sizes.

Living with a Yorkie

Yorkies suit apartments and travel well. They do not like extreme cold and benefit from a sweater in winter. Keep an eye on their size around large dogs and rough children, and block steps that could lead to falls.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Yorkie suits owners who want a portable, personality-filled dog and enjoy grooming. It may not suit homes with toddlers or owners who want a calm, quiet pet. Compare with the Maltese for a similar coat with a gentler outlook.

Puppies and the first year

Yorkie puppies are tiny and need frequent small meals to avoid low blood sugar, plus warmth and careful handling. Expect the coat to change color and texture through the first year. Begin brushing, nail trims and tooth care from the first week at home, so they become routine rather than battles.

Common owner mistakes

The typical errors are treating a Yorkie like a toy, which breeds bossiness and barking, and neglecting the teeth, which leads to costly dental work. Do not allow jumping from sofas, and do not let a grooming schedule slip, since mats are painful to remove. Ask a groomer about a practical clip that suits your lifestyle.

The takeaway

Yorkies are brave, bright and devoted, and they thrive with consistent training and a regular grooming routine.